Birth of a nation: South Sudan gains independence

After over two decades of bloody civil war, southern Sudan has finally achieved its independence. At 12:01am (local), July 9th, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan officially separated from the Republic of Sudan, and was recognized by that country.

Here is a map of the new nation and its surrounding neighbors (for the geographically challenged, Sudan and South Sudan are located in the continent of Africa):

Over 98% of South Sudanese voted for independence in a referendum that was held this past January - part of a peace agreement from 2005.