Japan is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history dating back to prehistoric times when the Jomon people settled in the Japanese archipelago around 14,000 BCE. During this time, Japan was divided into numerous small clans and eventually unified under a single emperor. Buddhism was introduced from China and Confucianism became an important part of Japanese society. Japan is an archipelago located off the east coast of mainland Asia and has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government system. It boasts one of the largest economies in the world and its culture is steeped in tradition with influences from both East Asian countries and Western nations. The majority population follows Shintoism alongside Buddhism while some practice folk religion or Christianity. The modern nation of Japan celebrated its 152nd anniversary since Meiji Restoration in 1868 CE this year.