From 9–15 जनवरी 2011 people from South Sudan voted on whether they should break away from Sudan and declare independence. On 30 जनवरी 2011, the results had shown that 98.83% of the population had voted for independence from Sudan.

At midnight on 9 जुलाई 2011, South Sudan became an independent country under the name Republic of South Sudan. On 14 जुलाई 2011, South Sudan became the 193rd member state of the United Nations. On 28 जुलाई 2011, South Sudan joined the African Union as its 54th member state.

Certain disputes still remain with Sudan, such as sharing of the oil revenues, as an estimated 80% of the oil in both Sudans is from South Sudan, which would represent amazing economic potential for one of the world's most deprived areas. The region of Abyei still remains disputed and a separate referendum is due to be held in Abyei on whether they want to join North or South Sudan.

नीलोटिक विस्तार
Independence referendum
Al-Zubayr's trading empire
Alleged coup d'état attempt