By the CNN Wire Staff
July 9, 2012 -- Updated 1001 GMT (1801 HKT)
A South Sudanese policeman cheers on July 8 as people celebrate the eve of the country's independence day in Juba.
(CNN) -- South Sudan, the world's newest nation, turned one year old on Monday, but its anniversary comes amid high tensions with its northern neighbor and economic concerns.
With its capital in Juba, South Sudan became independent last year following decades of civil war. Its arrival in the international community was celebrated at the time, but conflict with the Sudanese regime soon resumed.
Border clashes have brought the countries to the brink of war and left South Sudan coping with a massive humanitarian crisis as people flee the fighting.
The South Sudan state of Upper Nile has been flooded with refugees crossing the border from Sudan. In total, aid agencies estimate that at least 150,000 refugees from Sudan are currently in South Sudan.
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The humanitarian problems have coincided with economic woes.
The South Sudanese government lost 98 percent of its revenue when it halted oil production amid a dispute over transportation and processing fees with Sudan.
South Sudan obtained around 70% of the formerly united country's oil reserves when it became independent last year. But the countries have been unable to agree on how much the landlocked South should pay to use infrastructure that remains in Sudan.
South Sudan shut down production in late January after accusing Sudan of stealing $815 million worth of its oil. Sudan said it confiscated the crude to make up for unpaid fees.
The shutdown has sent the economies of both countries reeling, but South Sudan has been hit particularly hard by the loss of income from virtually its only export.
The young nation has also wrestled with corruption in its first year.
In May, South Sudan's president wrote to more than 75 government officials and eight foreign governments in an attempt to recover $4 billion lost through corruption.
The anniversary of the birth of South Sudan comes amid high tensions with its northern neighbor and economic concerns.
Newer articles:
- South Sudan: in numbers - The Guardian (blog) - 09/07/2012 15:18
- South Sudan Celebrates Independence Anniversary - Voice of America (blog) - 09/07/2012 12:56
- Sudanese Diaspora Rallies for Peace - Voice of America - 09/07/2012 12:09
- South Sudan Struggles 1 Year After Independence - NPR - 09/07/2012 11:27
- South Sudanese expatriates look ahead after year of freedom and no peace - CNN - 09/07/2012 10:20
Older news items
- South Sudan Looks Ahead After Rough First Year - Voice of America - 09/07/2012 02:03
- Government to encourage private sector to play leading role in economy: Prime ... - Business Recorder (blog) - 09/07/2012 01:16
- Blood and oil tinge South Sudan's first birthday - Reuters - 09/07/2012 00:00
- Tutu pleads for peace on eve of South Sudan anniversary - AFP - 08/07/2012 22:00
- A Year of Freedom Without Peace in South Sudan - Huffington Post (blog) - 08/07/2012 21:43
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