Nation number 196 is not a newly created land mass, but approximately a third of what was the biggest country in Africa - Sudan.
From midnight, South Sudan becomes independent and frees itself from northern control in Khartoum.
But the birth of this new nation will not be an easy one.
There are still major issues which will tax the resolve of the new southern government and its president, Salva Kiir.
For decades Sudan had been at war with itself, with around two million people killed and the development of the nation - both north and south - held back.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/south-sudan-becomes-worlds-newest-nation-033042132.html

Posted: at | |