AfricaNews Monitoring Team with files from BBC
Thousands of South Sudanese are holding a huge street party to mark the first anniversary of their independence. People are dancing and waving flags in the capital, Juba. Nearby, there is an official ceremony where UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was due to be among the invited guests.
Many people in the country feel it has been a good year, despite their country's problems and the lack of progress in their lives according to BBC report.
But she says it has also been a turbulent 12 months, with ethnic conflict in Jonglei State killing hundreds, conflict on the border with Sudan and a huge corruption scandal.
As well as Mr Ban, the leaders of neighbouring Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda are set to attend the official celebrations at the mausoleum of South Sudan former rebel leader John Garang.
No senior Sudanese leaders were expected to turn up, with the two countries still disputing some border areas and how to share their oil wealth.
The celebrations featured a military parade, while a helicopter flew South Sudan's flag.
Cheers!
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