+
“People
argue about Canada and America’s age, and who is older, but I think they’re
literally the exact same age. Neither of them is older and neither of them is
younger. Jamestown was settled in America in 1604, and Quebec (though it kept
moving around- It’s final move was in 1608) was also founded in 1604 in Canada.
It would make sense why Canada said in the manga that he and America have been
together since they were BORN, even though we see England introduce them. Any
thoughts?”
Answer: There’s no [explicit] canon answer
[Anon 2]
Like you said, they were introduced to each other in “Fly
Canada-san, Fly!”
Edit: In chapter 178 of World Stars, he does mention that they’ve been with each other since they were born. But, they weren’t with each other from birth. It was more like they were brought together afterwards.
The “since” is important here, as it’s to be taken as something that happens after the fact that they were born.
Second, it’s important to differentiate that the
foundation of a country is not their birthday, although they still celebrate it
as such. I know that’s not quite what you were getting at, but you’ll see why the same logic applies in a moment.
Lastly, I’m not aiming to be nitpicky about the history
here, but there were earlier settlements in both countries. However, as mentioned
above, the foundation date/ early foundations of a country is not their precise birth date.
For example, America was found wandering about by the
colonizing European nations. The matter of when he manifested is left open-ended.
If I had to guess, the factors causing his existence would possibly have to do
with how many people were located in the settlements and how stable they were.
They would also have to have some form of functioning governance (i.e. unwritten
localized customs).
Likewise, we know from Iceland that even when settlements
and some sort of civilization is formed, the personification doesn’t manifest
right away.
That said, I wouldn’t use their earliest foundation dates as an
accurate predictor in determining their age. Not only that, but there’s also
the difficulty in distinguishing which settlement caused them to manifest.
[Anon 1]
You’re right, England’s answer does seem forced. I think
that mostly stems from the fact that he wasn’t there at the precise moment
when both of them were born. While I did list potential factors that can be attributed
to their birth, none of it is confirmed.
England’s use of the word “perhaps” is too tentative for it to be
taken as canon.
In sum…
We still don’t know who’s older, as it’s not
confidently stated.
Ellawritesficssometimes 