What does it take to make it as an independent nation?
Besides the passion and commitment of a free people committed to self-determination, a lot of things certainly help – a diverse, high-tech economy, proven and immense energy reserves, a well-educated and politically engaged population, sturdy and reliable links to other countries such as road and railways, seaports, and airports, strong independent institutions such as respected and impartial courts, and of course, having the best possible credit rating.