Apple said that it sold 1 million iPhone 3Gs over the weekend. The highly anticipated handset was released in 21 countries on Friday. While the first iPhone sold more than 250,000 units during the first weekend it was available, the handset was launched initially only in the United States.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in a statement:  “iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend. It took 74 days to sell the first 1 million original iPhones, so the new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world.”

While opening weekend sales were strong, activation issues plagued U.S. and U.K. buyers, even after Apple promised customers a smooth setup experience. (See story below.) AT&T, Apple’s sole carrier partner in the United States blamed activation issues on Apple’s iTunes store. While O2 customers in the U.K. also had trouble setting up the device, due to problems with O2’s authorization system. Apple had to close down a store in London, while a line of iPhone hopefuls waited outside.