Upper Nile is a state in South Sudan. The White Nile flows through the state, giving it its name. The state also shares a similar name with the region of Greater Upper Nile, of which it was part along with the states of Unity and Jonglei. It had an area of 77,823 square kilometres (30,048 sq mi). Malakal was the capital of the state. The towns of Upper Nile State include Akoka, Melut, Renk, Kodok along with its numerous counties such as Ulang County, Maiwut County and Nasir County. The Greater Upper Nile is the location of the Fashoda Incident that ended the "Scramble for Africa", and is located in the historical state of Upper Nile. The Upper Nile State seceded from Sudan as part of the Republic of South Sudan on 9 July 2011.