Newest Countries in the World

South Sudan

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after decades of conflict. It's the newest country in Africa.

Kosovo

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. It is recognized by over 100 UN member states.

Montenegro

Montenegro separated from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro on June 3, 2006, following a referendum.

Serbia

Serbia became an independent country on June 5, 2006, after Montenegro's separation ended the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, or East Timor, became independent from Indonesia on May 20, 2002, following a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999.

Palau

Palau gained independence from the United States-administered UN Trust Territory on October 1, 1994. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.

Eritrea

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia on May 24, 1993, following a long war of independence.

Czech Republic and Slovakia

The peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993, led to the creation of two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.