JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — The world's newest nation, South Sudan, is celebrating its first birthday.

A government statement said Monday's one-year anniversary of independence from Sudan brings new hopes, challenges and opportunities to build a peaceful, prosperous and secure nation.

South Sudan's biggest achievement over the last year was avoiding a return to all-out war with Sudan. The two sides fought a decades-long civil war before South Sudan won the right to vote for independence.

Still, the south has seen its economy crippled after it shut down its oil industry earlier this year. Thousands of refugees are streaming into the country every week to avoid violence on Sudan's side of the border. And Sudan and South Sudan still have not agreed on a border.
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(Photo: /ADRIANE OHANESIAN /LANDOV)