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July 12, 2011
South Sudan Becomes the World's Newest Country
POn July 9th, 2011 South Sudan declared itself an independent nation, breaking away from the country of Sudan. The citizens of South Sudan voted in January 2011 to separate from Sudan. The new country of Southern Sudan is located in Central Africa. There was much celebration and hope in South Sudan as they became an independent country.
The country of Sudan had been in a bitter civil war for many years. The hope is that now some peace will come to the area and the country. The first president of South Sudan is Salva Kiir Mayardit and the capital of the new government is in Juba, the country's largest city.
Some interesting facts about South Sudan:
- The population is estimated to be around 8 million people, but no one is quite sure as they have not had an accurate census, yet.
- It is a landlocked country in Africa that borders on the countries of Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The country is divided up into 10 states.
- The geography of Southern Sudan includes grasslands, swamps, and tropical forests. The White Nile flows through the country and creates a giant swamp called the Sudd.
- The official language is English.
- The majority of their economy is based on oil.
- NB A players Luol Deng (who plays with the Chicago Bull) and Manute Bol (known for being 7 feet 7 inches tall) both came from Southern Sudan.
- Unfortunately, the new country is one of the poorest in the world.
- Southern Sudan is the home to many interesting animals including elephants, lions, monkeys, chimpanzees, and giraffes. Much of the areas where these animals live are protected.
- Sudan was the first country that officially recognized Southern Sudan as a country. Egypt quickly followed as the second country. Many more are expected to follow including the United States.
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