The five youngest countries in the world, based on their year of independence or establishment as sovereign states, are
- South Sudan (Established: July 9, 2011)
- South Sudan became the world’s newest country after gaining independence from Sudan following a referendum. DevelopmentAid
- Kosovo (Declared independence: February 17, 2008)
- Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Facts Factory 360
- Serbia (Recognized as a sovereign state: June 5, 2006)
- Serbia became an independent country following the dissolution of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.
- Montenegro (Declared independence: May 21, 2006)
- Montenegro declared independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.
- Timor-Leste (Gained independence: May 20, 2002)
- Timor-Leste gained full independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a period of UN administration.
These nations have emerged in recent decades, each with unique histories and challenges. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these countries, feel free to ask!
Sure! Here are a few more of the youngest countries in the world, continuing the list beyond the top five:
. Palau
- Established: October 1, 1994
- Background: Palau became fully independent from the United States under a Compact of Free Association. It had been part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
7. Eritrea
- Gained Independence: May 24, 1993
- Background: Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia after a 30-year war and a UN-supervised referendum in 1993.
8. Czech Republic & Slovakia (Split from Czechoslovakia)
- Date: January 1, 1993
- Background: Known as the “Velvet Divorce,” Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Declared independence: March 1, 1992
- Background: Gained independence from Yugoslavia following a referendum and a violent conflict.
10. Namibia
- Independence: March 21, 1990
- Background: Gained independence from South African rule after years of conflict and international negotiations.
Would you like to explore why these countries became independent, or maybe their current situations or challenges?
