The landlocked South Sudan, officially called the Republic of South Sudan had gained independence from Sudan in July 2011. With a population of just under 10 million, South Sudan has been recognised as one of Africa's – and perhaps the world's – most diverse nations, with over 60 major ethnic groups.
South Sudan's independence came 6 years after the 2005 agreement that saw the end of Africa's longest civil war. However independence did not bring peace to the nation. Since 2013 South Sudan has been going through a bloody civil war that has seen more than 4 million citizens displaced. As a result of domestic unrest and corruption, the right to press freedom is not respected in South Sudan, with journalists facing violence and repression.
