National symbols are part of the identity of a country. Examples of national symbols include the flag (above) and the national anthem.

Officials in South Sudan started working on a national anthem months before the referendum. They brought together 49 poets to write the lyrics. Then, a music contest was organised. Students and teachers from Juba University were asked to create a tune. Each contestant had to perform their version of the anthem in front of an audience. Judges picked the winning tune.

The new anthem is called South Sudan Oyee! ("Oyee" means "Hooray" in a local African language.) It talks about the country’s rich heritage, its people, their long struggle for freedom and their hopes for the future.

"The national anthem for me means I declare for everybody that I am free," one of the composers, Mido Samuel, told the BBC. "We declare that we are independent now, we are a country."

South Sudan Oyee!
Oh God!
We praise and glorify you
For your grace upon Cush,
The land of great warriors
And origin of world’s civilization.

Oh Cush!
Arise, shine, raise your flag
with the guiding star
And sing songs of freedom with joy,
For peace, liberty and justice
Shall forever more reign.
So Lord bless South Sudan!

Oh black warriors!
Let’s stand up in silence and respect,
Saluting millions of martyrs whose
Blood cemented our national foundation.
We vow to protect our nation.

Oh Eden!
Land of milk and honey
and hard-working people,
Uphold us united in peace and harmony.
The Nile, valleys, forests and mountains
Shall be our sources of joy and pride.
So Lord bless South Sudan!