The newest country in the world is South Sudan, independent since July 9, 2011. The political map kept shifting long after the Cold War ended. Since 1990, dozens of states have appeared, usually through a referendum or the breakup of a federation. The ranking below starts with the most recent.
1. South Sudan (2011)
Independent from Sudan after a referendum approved by nearly 99% of voters. It became the 193rd member state of the UN. Its birth ended decades of civil war between northern and southern Sudan.
2. Kosovo (2008)
Declared independence from Serbia in February 2008. It is recognized by around a hundred countries, but is not a UN member. Serbia and several major powers, including Russia and China, do not recognize it.
3. Montenegro (2006)
Separated peacefully from Serbia after a referendum won with about 55.5% of the vote. This small Balkan country on the Adriatic joined the UN the same year.
4. Serbia (2006)
Technically a new state: Serbia became an independent country upon the dissolution of the union of Serbia and Montenegro. It is, however, considered the continuator state of that union.
5. East Timor (2002)
A former Portuguese colony, the territory went through Indonesian occupation and then a transitional UN administration that led to independence. It is one of the youngest countries in Asia.
6. Palau (1994)
This Pacific archipelago of about 18,000 inhabitants became independent at the end of the American trusteeship. It remains linked to the United States through a Compact of Free Association.
7. Eritrea (1993)
After three decades of war for independence, Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia. The 1993 referendum was approved almost unanimously.
8. Czechia (1993)
Born from the “Velvet Divorce”: Czechoslovakia split into two states on January 1, 1993, without a single shot fired. Czechia kept the Czechoslovak flag.
9. Slovakia (1993)
The other half of the Velvet Divorce, independent on the same day as Czechia. It adopted a new flag and joined the UN a few weeks later.
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992)
The country became independent during the breakup of Yugoslavia, after a referendum in 1992. A war followed and lasted until the Dayton Agreement in 1995.
The newest countries at a glance
| Rank | Country | Independence | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Sudan | 2011 | Referendum |
| 2 | Kosovo | 2008 | Declaration |
| 3 | Montenegro | 2006 | Referendum |
| 4 | Serbia | 2006 | Dissolution |
| 5 | East Timor | 2002 | UN transition |
| 6 | Palau | 1994 | End of trusteeship |
| 7 | Eritrea | 1993 | Secession |
| 8 | Czechia | 1993 | Partition |
| 9 | Slovakia | 1993 | Partition |
| 10 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1992 | Breakup |
Several of these states emerged from the disappearance of others, listed among the countries that no longer exist. Two related rankings continue the topic: the oldest country in the world, this ranking’s exact mirror, and the countries that changed their names.
Frequently asked questions
What is the newest country in the world?
South Sudan is the newest country in the world, independent since July 9, 2011. It separated from Sudan after a referendum approved by nearly 99% of voters and became the 193rd member state of the UN.
What could be the next country in the world?
Bougainville is the most likely candidate. This island in Papua New Guinea voted 98% in favor of independence in a 2019 referendum. Negotiations with the Papua New Guinean government are ongoing.
How many countries are there in the world?
The UN has 193 member states, plus 2 observer states: the Vatican and Palestine. The total varies depending on whether partially recognized states like Kosovo or Taiwan are included.
Why did South Sudan separate from Sudan?
The separation ended decades of civil war between northern Sudan, predominantly Arab and Muslim, and the south, predominantly Christian and animist. The 2005 peace agreement provided for a self-determination referendum, held in 2011 and approved by nearly 99%.
