What Is the Newest Country in the World: The world of geopolitics is ever-evolving, and the creation of new nations is a rare but significant event in the international arena. When asking “What is the newest country in the world? This article explores the newest country in the world, its journey to independence, and the implications of its emergence on global politics.
The Path to Statehood: Understanding New Countries
Before we explore the specifics of the most recent country, it’s essential to understand how a new country is typically created. The formation of new nations usually stems from one of three primary reasons: decolonization, secession from an existing state, or the recognition of a new form of governance following war or conflict. These transitions are rarely simple and often involve years of negotiation, conflict, or civil unrest.
The creation of a new state is a complex process that involves recognition by the international community, including other nations and international organizations like the United Nations. Secessionist movements or regions seeking autonomy must overcome both internal opposition and external diplomatic obstacles to gain independence and recognition.
The Newest Country in the World: South Sudan
As of today, the newest country in the world is South Sudan. South Sudan gained its independence on July 9, 2011, after decades of conflict, political struggles, and negotiations between the Sudanese government and southern rebels. The decision to split Sudan was formalized through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended one of Africa’s longest-running civil wars.
Historical Background of South Sudan
For much of its history, Sudan was plagued by tensions between the largely Arab Muslim north and the predominantly Black Christian or animist south. These differences, both cultural and religious, culminated in civil war in 1955, just two years after Sudan achieved independence from British-Egyptian rule. The war lasted for decades, with the south seeking greater autonomy and the north attempting to impose its will. The result was a deeply entrenched cycle of conflict.
The conflict intensified in the late 20th century, and by 2005, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the main political faction representing southern Sudanese interests. This peace deal stipulated that after six years of autonomy, a referendum would be held, giving the people of South Sudan the option to vote for independence.
The 2011 Referendum and Independence
The 2011 referendum was a decisive moment in Sudan’s history. In January 2011, more than 98% of voters in South Sudan chose independence. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of secession, which was the final step in the establishment of South Sudan as an independent country.
On July 9, 2011, South Sudan was formally recognized as the 195th country in the world when it raised its flag for the first time in Juba, the capital. This moment was met with celebrations and optimism as South Sudan sought to build its own future.
The Challenges of Nation-Building
However, the joy of independence was soon overshadowed by the challenges of nation-building. South Sudan, like many new countries, faced difficulties such as political instability, ethnic divisions, lack of infrastructure, and economic hardship. The country is rich in oil resources, which provides a significant portion of its national income, but political infighting and competition for control of these resources have led to violent conflicts, particularly between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups.
In 2013, just two years after independence, a civil war broke out between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel forces led by former Vice President Riek Machar. The war caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, devastating the already fragile economy. A peace deal was reached in 2015, but the violence persisted for years.
Despite these challenges, South Sudan remains committed to its long-term goal of stability and development. The international community, including organizations like the United Nations, the African Union, and neighboring countries, has worked to mediate peace and support the country’s recovery.
The Process of Gaining Recognition
One of the most important factors in the creation of any new country is international recognition. Gaining recognition from other states and international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) is crucial for a new country to become fully integrated into the world order. For South Sudan, this was a significant milestone.
After the country declared independence, South Sudan was quickly recognized by neighboring countries and key global powers. It was admitted as the 193rd member state of the United Nations in July 2011. This recognition was vital for the country’s legitimacy on the global stage, allowing it to engage in diplomacy, participate in international trade, and access aid and investment from the international community.
In Summary
The creation of South Sudan in 2011 marked a significant moment in world history as the newest country in the world. While South Sudan has faced many difficulties in its short history, its journey toward independence and the ongoing efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous nation provide important lessons about the complexities of statehood. The future of South Sudan depends on overcoming its challenges, including political divisions, economic hardships, and infrastructural deficiencies, but the international community continues to support the country’s long-term success.
In answering the question “What is the newest country in the world?”, the clear answer is South Sudan. However, the broader significance of South Sudan’s creation lies in understanding the complex geopolitical dynamics that lead to the emergence of new states, as well as the ongoing challenges that such countries face in their efforts to build a stable and self-sustaining future.
FAQs
What Is the Newest Country in the World?
The newest country in the world is South Sudan, which gained its independence on July 9, 2011. After a decades-long civil war and a referendum in 2011 where an overwhelming majority voted for independence, South Sudan officially separated from Sudan. It became the 195th sovereign state in the United Nations.
Why Did South Sudan Become a Country?
South Sudan became a country due to a long history of conflict and tension between the predominantly Arab Muslim north of Sudan and the mainly Black Christian or animist south. After decades of civil war and a peace agreement, a referendum was held, and South Sudanese overwhelmingly voted for independence. This resulted in the formation of South Sudan as an independent nation in 2011.
How Did South Sudan Gain Independence?
South Sudan’s path to independence was formalized through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), which represented southern Sudanese interests. The agreement called for a referendum on independence after six years, which was conducted in January 2011. The overwhelming vote in favor of independence led to South Sudan’s formal declaration of independence on July 9, 2011.
Who Were the Key Figures Behind South Sudan’s Independence?
Several key figures played important roles in the independence of South Sudan. John Garang, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), was a major figure in the independence movement before his death in 2005. Afterward, Salva Kiir became the first president of South Sudan, leading the country through its early years. Riek Machar, a former Vice President of Sudan, also played a prominent role in the country’s political landscape.
What Were the Challenges After South Sudan Gained Independence?
After South Sudan’s independence, the country faced significant challenges, including political instability, ethnic divisions, and a lack of infrastructure. The nation was also heavily dependent on oil for revenue, and disputes over oil resources and control led to internal conflict. In 2013, South Sudan descended into a civil war that continued for several years, further destabilizing the country.
What Is the Current Situation in South Sudan?
As of now, South Sudan is working towards recovery and stability after years of conflict. A peace agreement signed in 2018 has brought hope for the cessation of hostilities, and a transitional government was formed in early 2020. However, the country still faces challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and the rebuilding of infrastructure. Continued international aid and support are crucial for South Sudan’s development.
To read more, click here
