Will the new state have problems with its official recognition, as Kosovo or Abkhazia do?

No, but for a few exceptions (i.e. Eritrea disagrees with the birth of the new country). Most countries are already in the process of recognising South Sudan, and a vote within the UN to admit the country is expected soon. In general terms, the international community doesn't perceive the South Sudanese secession as a threat because it has been agreed with the former state, Sudan.

Will it be easy for the new country to sustain itself economically?

It is going to be hard. South Sudan is rich in oil, but the exports are still controlled by Sudan, since all oil pipes stemming from South Sudanese oil rigs cross Sudanese territory. The country is desperately in need of infrastructure and will require multi-million dollar investments in order to successfully develop.

Is the population ethnically uniform?

The South Sudanese population, as in most African countries, is highly diverse. It's made up of some sixty different peoples, the largest being the Dinka, the Nuer, the Shilluk, the Bari and the Azande. There are currently some proposals for the establishment of a House of Nationalities which represents each and every people in South Sudan and acts as a consultative public body.

Is peace with Sudan guaranteed?

Not at all, especially while Omar Al-Bashir stays in power. Sudan's president has threatened South Sudan with war over control of Abyei, a tiny but oil rich region located in the border, and which future has yet to be determined.

As for Sudan, will the situation improve after separation?

The chances are very slim. Omar Al-Bashir, who has an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court under the charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, rules Sudan with an iron hand. He declares that, after the separation of South Sudan, he will enforce an even stricter Sharia law and will continue with the arabization of the country, where non-Arab peoples such as the Nuba, the Fur and the Beja still live.

Picture: Salva Kiir Mayardit, first president of independent South Sudan

Further information:

• El Bloc de Nationalia: Article by CIEMEN's Aureli Argemí: El Sudan del Sud, un nou estat sense nom ni nació
• MónDivers: dossier Sudan del Sud, independència amb interrogants