The World's New Nation-- The South Sudan

   After decades of war and millions of dead, and before a crowd of tens of thousands of Sudanese and foreign dignitaries, the world's newest nation was born in Juba on Saturday. To rapturous cries and tears of joy, South Sudan became the 193rd country recognised by the United Nations, and also one of the world's least developed. Around the mausoleum of John Garang - the longtime leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLA), a crowd began to form shortly after daybreak, with thousands of South Sudanese flocking to claim a spot.
   A delegation of South Sudanese officials and foreign dignitaries from Zimbabwe to Norway attended the ceremony, which began more than an hour late. After a parade by former SPLA rebels, Speaker James Wani Igga read the proclamation of independence, and the country's existence became official.