Most of today’s political map was drawn during the 20th century, but the process of new countries forming hasn’t stopped. Here are the newest countries in the world, ranked by when they gained widely recognized independence.
The Most Recently Formed Countries
- South Sudan — became independent from Sudan in 2011 following a long civil war and independence referendum, making it the world’s youngest widely recognized country
- Montenegro — became independent from the state union with Serbia in 2006
- Serbia — also formally became independent in 2006 following Montenegro’s split
- Timor-Leste (East Timor) — gained independence from Indonesia in 2002
- Palau — became independent in 1994 after ending its trusteeship status
- Several former Soviet and Yugoslav states — including Kosovo (2008, partially recognized), Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the other Central Asian republics, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, mostly gained independence in the early-to-mid 1990s following the breakup of the USSR and Yugoslavia
See area and population data for these countries on our Rankings page.
How New Countries Typically Form
Most new countries in recent decades have emerged through one of a few patterns: the breakup of a larger multi-ethnic state (the USSR, Yugoslavia), a negotiated or fought-for independence referendum from a colonial or federal power (South Sudan, Timor-Leste), or a peaceful separation agreement between two parts of a union (Montenegro and Serbia).
Partially Recognized States
Not every newly declared country gains universal recognition. Kosovo, Taiwan, and a handful of other territories function as de facto independent states but lack recognition from a significant number of UN member states, which distinguishes them from fully recognized nations like South Sudan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the newest country in the world?
South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, is the world’s newest widely recognized sovereign country.
How many countries formed after the breakup of the Soviet Union?
Fifteen new countries emerged from the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, including Russia itself as its primary successor state.
Is Kosovo a country?
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is recognized by roughly half of UN member states, making it a partially recognized state rather than a universally recognized one.
Compare these countries by population and area using our Compare tool.
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