Almost all of the countries on this list were formed when they declared their independence from a nearby ruling nation. Some have thrived since gaining their sovereignty, while others are still struggling to find their footing. Many of the countries’ transitions into statehood have been met with significant challenges. Some have been met with political violence and turmoil, while others struggle to be recognized as independent by other nations. Explore which countries join Kosovo in newly gained independence, according to the CIA World Fact book.
South Sudan
Year of independence: 2011 South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after years of civil war, but violence continues to ravage the world’s newest country. Civil in South Sudan in 2013 and continues today, as political leaders from different ethnic groups vie for power. More than 50,000 people and have been killed and more than 1.6 million displaced during the conflicts.
Kosovo
Year of independence: 2008 Kosovo, the smallest Balkan nation, gained independence on 17 Feb 2008, after declaring independence from Serbia. Though the International Court of Justice affirmed Kosovo›s independence, Serbia and some other countries still do not recognize it as a sovereign nation.
Montenegro and Serbia
Year of Independence: 2006 Montenegro gained independence from Serbia in 2006. The decision split the single nation known as the Union of Serbia and Montenegro which had formed after Yugoslavia›s collapse in the early 1990s.Consequently, Serbia also declared independence and became its own sovereign republic.
East Timor
Year of independence: 2002 East Timor, once part of Indonesia had a long journey to statehood. When the public voted for independence from Indonesia in 1999, the referendum was met with violence from an anti-independence militia until the U.N. interfered.
Palau
Year of Independence: 1994 Following World War II, Palau became a United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific, administered by the United States, according to the CIA World Fact book. The territory gained independence in 1994, but under a Compact of Free Association, the U.S. provides it financial aid.