Country Profile: South Sudan

South Sudan, the world's newest country, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Geographically located in East-Central Africa, it is characterized by its diverse Nilotic ethnic groups and a climate that is hot with seasonal rainfall. The population of approximately 12.7 million faces significant challenges, including extreme poverty and food insecurity, compounded by ongoing political conflict and corruption. South Sudan's economy is primarily oil-based, but a lack of infrastructure and ongoing violence poses threats to its economic potential, making governance and development particularly complex.

Geography

South Sudan is situated in East-Central Africa, bordered by six countries including Sudan to the north and Uganda to the south. The terrain features plains in the north and central regions, rising to southern highlands near Uganda and Kenya. The country is landlocked with no coastline and is dominated by the White Nile, which is a crucial geographic feature.

Area: 644,329 sq km
Land boundaries: Total of 6,018 km shared with Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda.
Climate: Hot with seasonal rainfall, influenced by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.
Major rivers: The Nile, which is 6,650 km long.

People and Society

The population of South Sudan is approximately 12.7 million people, composed of multiple ethnic groups, primarily Dinka and Nuer. The society is predominantly Christian, with a significant portion adhering to traditional folk beliefs, and English serves as the official language. The age structure reveals a young population, with over 42% under the age of 15.

Population growth rate: 4.52% (2025 est.)
Urbanization: 21.2% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
Life expectancy: 60.3 years (2024 est.).
Total fertility rate: 4.98 children born/woman (2025 est.).

Economy

South Sudan’s economy is low-income and heavily reliant on oil, facing extreme poverty and food insecurity challenges heightened by ongoing violence. The country has abundant natural resources but suffers from inadequate infrastructure, which limits its economic potential. The GDP per capita remains low, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

GDP (PPP): $6.752 billion (2023 est.)
GDP per capita: $400 (2023 est.).
Unemployment rate: 12.5% (2023 est.).
Population below poverty line: 82.3% (2016 est.).

Government

The Republic of South Sudan is governed as a presidential republic with a complex structure that has faced numerous challenges since its independence. The political landscape is heavily influenced by ethnic affiliations and has experienced significant turmoil since the country’s formation. Elections have been postponed multiple times, with the next expected in December 2026.

Capital: Juba
Executive branch: Led by President Salva KIIR since July 2011.
Legislative branch: Bicameral with a National Legislature comprised of a Transitional National Legislative Assembly and a council of states.
Independence: Achieved on 9 July 2011.

Military and Security

South Sudan's military framework includes the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and various police and security forces. The country has faced challenges with internal security, largely due to ongoing ethnic conflicts and the presence of militias. Military expenditures represent 2% of GDP and efforts are ongoing to unify and restructure the armed forces.

Active Defense Forces: Estimated between 150,000 to 200,000 (2025).
Military service age: Between 18 to 35 for voluntary service.
UN presence: Approximately 18,000 personnel from UNMISS are stationed in South Sudan.

Energy

Energy consumption in South Sudan is limited, with a significant reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. The country has vast untapped energy resources, but only a small fraction of the population has access to electricity, particularly in rural areas.

Electricity access: Only 8.4% of the total population (2022 est.) has access.
Installed generating capacity: 136,000 kW (2023 est.).
Petroleum production: 146,000 bbl/day (2023 est.).

Environment

South Sudan faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and drought. The country is rich in biodiversity but suffers from inadequate water supplies and pollution issues.

Carbon dioxide emissions: Approximately 1.725 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Total renewable water resources: Estimated at 49.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).

Transportation

Transportation in South Sudan is limited, with underdeveloped infrastructure. The country has modest air travel capacity but lacks adequate road and railway networks.

Airports: Total of 89 by 2025.
Railways: 248 km of railway exists but is not currently operational.

Communications

Communications infrastructure in South Sudan is still developing, with limited internet access and a basic mobile network.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: Approximately 6.17 million (2023 est.).
Internet users: Representing only 9% of the population (2022 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,703,714	2024 estimate
Area	644,329 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$6.752 billion	2023 estimate
GDP per capita	$400	2023 estimate
Unemployment rate	12.5%	2023 estimate
Life expectancy	60.3 years	2024 estimate
Total fertility rate	4.98 children/woman	2025 estimate
Military expenditures	2% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity access	8.4% of population	2022 estimate
Urban population	21.2%	Total population in urban areas (2023)