What was the last sub-Saharan African country to gain independence?

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Thousands of South Sudanese wave the flag of their new country to celebrate South Sudan's independence from Sudan, Juba, July 9, 2011.

Map of Sudan highlighting the southern region labeled as Southern Sudan, shown as a semiautonomous area prior to independence. The map displays major rivers, neighboring countries, and key cities such as Juba and Malakal, with an inset locating Sudan within Africa.

Map highlighting Eritrea in northeastern Africa, showing its location along the Red Sea coast. Neighboring countries Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti are labeled, as well as nearby regions including the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf of Aden. The capital city, Asmara, is marked within Eritrea.

Map of southern Africa highlighting Namibia in tan, with its capital Windhoek marked. Surrounding countries, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho, are labeled in white. The Atlantic Ocean borders Namibia to the west.

Map of southern Africa highlighting Zimbabwe in tan, with its capital Harare marked by a star. Surrounding countries including Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Madagascar are labeled, along with the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

African Independence Dates

Colonization of Africa: Maps, Timeline, Decolonization, & Independence

What was the last sub-Saharan African country to gain independence?: References & Edit History

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Amy McKenna

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Article title updated for style.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Nov 01, 2026
	New article added.	Amy McKenna	Aug 14, 2026