The World's Newest Countries: History in the Making

Croatia

Croatia, a country in Southeast Europe, became an independent nation on June 25, 1991.

Slovakia

Slovakia was the second-oldest country on the list when it gained independence on January 1, 1993.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, commonly referred to as Czechia, gained independence on January 1, 1993, the same day as Slovakia.

Eritrea

On May 24, 1993, Eritrea declared its independence from Ethiopia.

Palau

Palau, which is well-known for its rich marine biodiversity, gained independence on October 1, 1994.

East Timor

East Timor, which was once a part of Indonesia, gained independence on May 20, 2002.

Serbia and Montenegro

The country formerly known as the Union of Serbia and Montenegro broke up into two independent nations in 2006.

Kosovo

Taking independence from Servia, Kosovo did so on February 17, 2008.

South Sudan

South Sudan, the youngest country on the list, separated from Sudan on July 9, 2011.