Oil-rich South Sudan becomes world's newest independant nation...

South Sudan has become the world's newest nation, the climax of a process made possible by the 2005 peace deal that ended a long and bloody civil war.

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are among international dignitaries attending celebrations in the capital, Juba.

Sudan earlier became the first state to officially recognise its new neighbour.

The south's independence follows decades of conflict with the north in which some 1.5 million people died.

Celebrations in Juba began at midnight (2100 GMT). A countdown clock in the city centre reached zero and the new national anthem was played on television. More... 

Don't miss:

1. Culture shock: when Sudanese refugees go to America...
2. Woman being lashed in Sudan...
3. Woman in Darfur describes Janjaweed massacre. Terribly sad...
4. The lost boys of the Sudan...
5. Darfur Rising: the children speak out...
6. Soldier in Darfur: They told me to kill, to rape children...