While many countries in the world have been around for centuries, new countries are still being formed in the modern era. Most often, new countries form when an established country splits or dissolves. Other times, new countries are former territories that have become independent from their mother/host country, establishing themselves as new sovereign nations. Many of the countries’ transitions into statehood have been met with significant challenges. Some have been met with political violence and turmoil, while others struggle to be recognized as independent by other nations.
Here are top 20 youngest countries in the world.
| Rank | Country | Independence |
| 1. | South Sudan | July 9, 2011 |
| 2. | Kosovo | February 17, 2008 |
| 3. | Serbia | June 5, 2006 |
| 4. | Montenegro | June 2, 2006 |
| 5. | Timor-Leste | May 20, 2002 |
| 6. | Palau | October 1, 1994 |
| 7. | Eritrea | April 27, 1993 |
| 8. | Czech Republic | January 1, 1993 |
| 9. | Slovakia | January 1, 1993 |
| 10. | Bosnia and Herzegovina | March 3, 1992 |
| 11. | Kazakhstan | December 16, 1991 |
| 12. | Turkmenistan | October 27, 1991 |
| 13. | Armenia | September 21, 1991 |
| 14. | Tajikistan | September 9, 1991 |
| 15. | North Macedonia | September 8, 1991 |
| 16. | Uzbekistan | August 31, 1991 |
| 17. | Kyrgyzstan | August 31, 1991 |
| 18. | Azerbaijan | August 30, 1991 |
| 19. | Moldova | August 27, 1991 |
| 20. | Ukraine | August 24, 1991 |
