Election officials confirmed Monday that South Sudan will become the world's newest country in July 2011.

Results from the independence referendum showed a near-unanimous desire to become a free and independent nation.

Ninety-eight percent of voters in the southern portion of Sudan voted to secede in the referendum that was held in January.

The United States has already said it will recognize the new country. President Obama announced Monday that "I am therefore pleased to announce the intention of the United States to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011."

Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir said on state television that he would also recognize the results. 

Polling Station in Sudan (Photo Courtesy United Nations)

Bashir's recognition comes as part of a move for the U.S. Department of State to remove Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Nonetheless, Bashir remains wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and genocide in Darfur.

Reach Executive Producer Mary Slosson here. 

Follow her on Twitter @maryslosson.