The establishment of a country depends on a number of essential elements that qualify a region to be recognized as a sovereign state. As of now, there are 195 countries globally, each with its own government system, ranging from monarchies to republics.
Among the 195 countries, 193 are permanent members of the United Nations, while two entities, Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican City), hold observer status.
A country is officially recognized when it fulfills the core requirements set out in international law. According to Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention of 1993, the essential elements for a state include: (1) a permanent population, (2) a defined territory, (3) a government, and (4) the ability to enter into relations with other states.
The creation of a country can happen for various reasons—through independence, colonialism, dissolution, separation, or expansion. In the case of the youngest countries, each has its own unique path to statehood.
Here are five of the youngest nations in the world, as reported by GoodStats.id:
1. South Sudan (2011)
Located in East-Central Africa, the Republic of South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 after decades of conflict. South Sudan, which covers an area of 619,745 square kilometers, has a population of approximately 13.7 million (as of 2021).
Its long history of civil war and struggle for autonomy culminated in its recognition as a sovereign state.
South Sudan's independence marked a significant milestone in African geopolitics, although the country continues to face challenges in terms of peace, stability, and development.
2. Kosovo (2008)
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008, becoming one of the youngest countries in the world. Its declaration of independence, however, was met with controversy, with Serbia and several other countries refusing to recognize Kosovo's statehood.
Kosovo’s independence has been officially recognized by 110 of the 193 UN member states.
Covering an area of 10,887 square kilometers, Kosovo has a population of over 1.87 million people (as of 2020). Despite its small size, Kosovo’s independence is seen as a significant shift in the Balkans and has led to ongoing political debates.
3. Montenegro (2006)
After the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992, Montenegro joined Serbia to form the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a union that was not recognized by the United Nations. In 2003, this entity was renamed Serbia and Montenegro. Montenegro then held a referendum in 2006, leading to its peaceful separation and the declaration of independence.
The country was officially recognized by the European Union and became a permanent member of the United Nations in 2006. Montenegro, located on the Balkan Peninsula, spans 13,812 square kilometers and has a population of 678,931 (as of 2020).
Its journey to independence is a remarkable example of a peaceful breakup within the post-Yugoslav states.
4. Serbia (2006)
Serbia became a sovereign state in 2006 following the peaceful dissolution of its union with Montenegro. Despite its long history, which dates back to the Paleolithic period, Serbia’s status as an independent country is relatively recent.
Located in Southeastern Europe, Serbia covers an area of 88,361 square kilometers. The country has a population of over 6.9 million people (as of 2020), though this figure is subject to dispute due to Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence.
Serbia’s independence was a significant event in the Balkans, and it continues to play a pivotal role in regional politics.
5. Timor-Leste (2002)
Officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, East Timor is a small island nation in Southeast Asia. It became a sovereign state in 2002 after gaining independence from Indonesia. Timor-Leste has a history of colonization, first by Portugal and then by Indonesia.
After a long struggle for independence, which included a brutal occupation, Timor-Leste was recognized as an independent nation. The country spans 15,007 square kilometers and has a population of 1.318 million (as of 2020).
Timor-Leste's independence is a symbol of resilience and determination, and its recent history is one of rebuilding and nation-building after years of conflict.
Young Nations, Bright Futures
These five countries represent the youngest states on the global stage, each having emerged through unique and often turbulent paths. Their histories reflect the complexities of modern statehood and the struggles faced by nations in the process of becoming sovereign entities.
Whether through the dissolution of unions, the pursuit of independence, or the aftermath of conflict, these countries have established their place in international politics. As they continue to grow and evolve, their paths offer valuable insights into the broader context of world history and the dynamic nature of global governance.
By understanding the processes through which these nations were formed, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the factors that shape statehood and the ongoing development of new nations.
