Mariah Nyayeina (22) was crowned Miss World South Sudan 2019 in a competition held last Saturday, July 21 in Juba. She’s going to represent her country at the Miss World 2019 pageant in London, England next December.

South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, gained independence from the Republic of Sudan in 2011, making it the most recent sovereign state with widespread recognition.

It is one of the poorest countries in the world and remains plagued by armed conflict and insurgency. Nevertheless, beauty contests are organized.

The country joined the Miss World pageant for the first time in 2012 with Atong Demach who managed to place in the Top 7 and was awarded the title of Miss World Africa.

Photos: Andreea Campeanu