Earth Observations taken by Expedition 30 crewmember

ISS030-E-005199 (26 Nov. 2011) --- Juba, South Sudan ? the world?s newest capital city ? is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 30 crew member on the International Space Station. Almost one year ago, on July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan became the newest nation in the world, six months after its declaration of independence from Sudan. Juba, a port city (center) on the White Nile, is the capital of the new nation (although the capital will be moved in the future to a more central location) and is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Juba?s population is uncertain, but is estimated to be roughly 350,000-400,000 having doubled in size since 2005, when a peace agreement was signed ending the civil war in Sudan. Both hopeful immigrants and returning residents have created the population surge. The city hosts the Juba Game Reserve, a protected area of savannah and woodlands that is home to key bird species.