The world map continues to evolve.

World map, 1900

As July 8, 2011 came to an end, a new independent nation was born: the Republic of South Sudan. The republic seceded from Sudan, which was the first nation to recognize the new nation.

World map, 1940

When I was in school (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth), it seemed there was an atlas in most homes. And there was an expectation that maps were rather static things. 

World map, 1990

By the time I got married, the map had changed. Africa in particular was in a state of constant flux. It seemed new nations were springing up constantly. It made my brain tired trying to keep up. And as I read about the newly formed Republic of South Sudan, I realized why keeping up with the change in the map is only the tip of a very large iceberg. Because the carving of a new nation from another raises many other questions:

• What historical events led to the change?
• Is this a peaceful transition, or will more armed conflict develop in our world?
• What sort of government will the new nation have?
• How will other nations respond? 
• Will there be friendly relations between our countries?
• What are the ramifications of this event to the rest of the world?

Or, to quote Kenneth C. Davis in his 1992 book, "Don't Know Much About Geography":

Geography is the mother lode of sciences. It's the hub of a circle from which other sciences and studies radiate: meteorology and climatology, ecology, geology, oceanography, demographics, cartography, agricultural studies, economics, political science. At some level, all these can be related back to geographic factors. It is obvious that a solid understanding of geography is a vital, basic ingredient for a rounded, full understanding of the world and the universe.