South Sudan becomes an independent nation

Sudan earlier became the first state to officially recognise its new neighbour.

The south's independence follows decades of conflict with the north, in which some 1.5 million people died.

Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, a referendum was held on independence, which was favoured by more than 99% of voters.

The new country is rich in oil, but one of the least developed countries in the world, where one-in-seven children dies before the age of five.

Unresolved disputes between the north and south, particularly over the new border, have also raised the possibility of renewed conflict.


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