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South Sudan

Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 12
Currency
💱 South Sudanese pound
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 33 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of South Sudan
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
South Sudanese
Independence
July 9, 2011
Top-Level Domain
.ss
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+211
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Juba
ISO Alpha-2
SS
ISO Alpha-3
SSD
UN Code
728
Geographic Coordinates
7,30
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
619,745#44 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
12,703,714#78 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
18.17
Highest Point (m)
Kinyeti, 3,187 m
Lowest Point (m)
Elevation at the lowest point is unknown.
Land Use
Agricultural land: 46.8%; Forest: 15.3%; Other: 37.9% (2018 est.)
Irrigated Land
500 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid, rainy season (March to November) and dry season (December to February)
Natural Resources
Hydropower, arable land, gold, petroleum, timber, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Central African Republic, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda
Major Rivers
Nile River (Bahr al Jabal, Bahr el Ghazal, Sobat River)
Major Lakes
No major lakes.
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
10 states and 3 administrative areas
Legal System
Based on English common law and customary law.
Chief of State
President Salva Kiir Mayardit
Head of Government
President Salva Kiir Mayardit (since the head of state also functions as the head of government)
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential and parliamentary elections are held; however, recent elections have been delayed.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Legislative Branch
Bicameral legislature: Council of States and National Legislative Assembly
Major Political Parties
Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) is the dominant party.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
South Sudanese pound
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
12#151 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
12.83#160 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
1,080.15#194 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
10.36
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
33.09
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
56.55
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
91.44#5 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5,070,344
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
12.37#22 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
South Sudan's public debt levels are significant, with a considerable portion owed to external creditors.
Budget
South Sudan's budget is heavily reliant on oil revenue and faces significant deficits.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
4.4#136 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
3.47#151 of 192
Foreign Reserves
South Sudan's foreign reserves are relatively limited, given its economic situation.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates for the South Sudanese pound (SSP) can be found through international financial websites.
GDP by Sector
South Sudan's GDP is primarily driven by the oil sector, with agriculture and services playing smaller roles.
Major Industries
The major industry in South Sudan is oil production, with limited development in other sectors.
Major Export Partners
South Sudan's major export partner is China, with other Asian countries also playing a role.
Major Import Partners
South Sudan imports primarily from Uganda, Kenya, and China.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2008)Checked September 29, 2026
26.83#169 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
29.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.8
Net Migration Rate
South Sudan has experienced net negative migration, due to ongoing instability and conflict.
Median Age
The median age in South Sudan is very low, reflecting a young population.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.68#207 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate in South Sudan is slowly increasing.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
57.7#211 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Sudan is relatively high.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
11.61
Ethnic Groups
The major ethnic groups in South Sudan include the Dinka and Nuer, along with many other smaller groups.
Religions
Christianity is the predominant religion in South Sudan, with significant indigenous beliefs also present.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English

Education

Education System
The education system in South Sudan is under-resourced and faces significant challenges, with a focus on primary education.
School Life Expectancy (years)
School life expectancy is low due to various challenges including conflict, poverty, and lack of resources.
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a small percentage of GDP due to limited resources.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of Juba is the main university in South Sudan.

Culture

Cultural Overview
South Sudan's culture is diverse, with numerous ethnic groups each having unique traditions, languages, and customs. Traditional music and dance are important aspects of social life.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
  • Good Friday (2026-04-03)
  • Holy Saturday (2026-04-04)
  • Easter Sunday (2026-04-05)
  • Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
  • Labour Day (2026-05-01)
  • SPLA Day (2026-05-16)
  • Independence Day (2026-07-09)
  • Martyrs' Day (2026-07-30)
  • Christmas Eve (2026-12-24)
  • Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
  • Second Day of Christmas (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Traditional music and modern genres, including Afro-pop, are popular.
Traditional Food
Popular foods include asida (thick porridge), and various stews often with sorghum or millet.
Sports
Football (soccer) is a popular sport in South Sudan.
Major Festivals
Major festivals are often tied to cultural celebrations, religious events, and Independence Day.
Famous People
Information about famous people is limited, but figures prominent in the independence movement and cultural arts exist.
Cultural Heritage Sites
South Sudan has limited developed cultural heritage sites due to ongoing conflict and limited resources.
UNESCO Sites
South Sudan has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed currently.
Annual Tourist Visits
Very few annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is underdeveloped due to instability.
Top Tourist Attractions
Limited tourist infrastructure and attractions, potential for wildlife viewing.
Famous Cities
Juba is the capital and largest city.
National Parks
Limited national parks, including Boma National Park.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist but may be affected by instability.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements likely in place.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
High travel advisory levels due to conflict and instability.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for South Sudan is very low, reflecting limited access to quality medical care.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in South Sudan are generally low due to the limited provision of formal healthcare.
Number of Hospitals
South Sudan has a limited number of hospitals, often with inadequate resources.
Universal Healthcare
South Sudan's healthcare system is underdeveloped and access to universal healthcare is limited.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services in South Sudan are limited and often under-resourced, with access primarily in urban areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is very limited and often unavailable outside of major urban areas.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
Emergency services are underdeveloped; local numbers may vary.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Emergency services are underdeveloped; local numbers may vary.
Emergency Number (Fire)
Emergency services are underdeveloped; local numbers may vary.
Crime Rate
Crime rates are a concern due to ongoing instability and conflict.
Safety Index
The safety index is low due to ongoing conflict and instability.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is a significant portion of the national budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are under-resourced and face significant challenges.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) is the primary military force.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is very limited across the country.
Water Access
Access to clean water is a major challenge in South Sudan.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is very limited, particularly in rural areas.
Railways
South Sudan has no railway system.
Roadways
Road infrastructure is limited and primarily unpaved, with few paved roads.
Transportation System
The transportation system is poorly developed, with limited paved roads and reliance on air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Juba International Airport (JUB), Malakal International Airport (MAK), Wau Airport (WUU)
Ports
South Sudan is landlocked and has no ports.
Public Transit
Public transportation is very limited and unreliable.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
6.67#207 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Data unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Data unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
Data unavailable, likely low.
Air Quality Index
Data scarce; likely poor due to lack of industrial regulations and vehicle emissions.
Water Pollution Level
High; untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff contaminate water sources.
Renewable Energy Usage
Very low; primarily relies on wood for cooking; solar potential underutilized.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, desertification.
Natural Hazards
Floods, droughts, sandstorms.
Waste Management
Poor; inadequate collection, treatment, and disposal of waste.
Environmental Agreements
Parties to agreements on biodiversity, climate change, desertification.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Limited participation in major global treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Information on visa-free travel is subject to change. Requires confirmation via official sources.

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