Country Profile: South Sudan
South Sudan, the world's youngest country, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is characterized by a diverse population primarily composed of Nilotic ethnic groups and a geography dominated by plains, highlands, and the vast swamp known as The Sudd. The country's economy heavily relies on oil exports but is hindered by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and political turmoil. Governance has been challenging, marked by ongoing conflicts and a fragile peace agreement that continues to shape its political landscape.
Geography
South Sudan is located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan to the north and Uganda to the south. The country covers an area of approximately 644,329 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Texas. The terrain consists of northern and central plains, rising to the highlands in the south, with the White Nile being a major geographical feature.
- Area: 644,329 sq km
- Climate: Hot with seasonal rainfall
- Major river: White Nile
- Natural resources: Oil, gold, diamonds, and fertile agricultural land
- Elevation: Highest point is Kinyeti at 3,187 m
People and Society
As of 2024, South Sudan has an estimated population of 12,703,714 people, with a youthful demographic where 42.1% are aged 0-14. The society is ethnically diverse, primarily consisting of Dinka (35-40%) and Nuer (15%), and has a mix of English and Arabic as official languages. The majority of the population practices Christianity, alongside traditional folk religions.
- Population: 12,703,714 (2024)
- Urbanization rate: 21.2% of the total population (2023)
- Median age: 18.7 years (2024)
- Birth rate: 36.4 births/1,000 population (2024)
- Life expectancy: 60.3 years (2024)
Economy
South Sudan has a low-income, oil-based economy suffering from extreme poverty and food insecurity. The oil sector is critical, yet the country grapples with high inflation and lacks essential infrastructure. In 2023, the economy's real GDP per capita was about $1,600, indicating the challenges faced by its citizens.
- GDP (official exchange rate): $11.998 billion (2015 est.)
- Current account balance: $577.9 million (2023 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 12.5% (2023 est.)
- Population below poverty line: 82.3% (2016 est.)
- Inflation rate: 91.4% (2024 est.)
Government
South Sudan is a presidential republic, with Juba as the capital. Political governance has been marked by conflict and instability, with a Transitional Government of National Unity formed in 2020. The country has faced numerous challenges in implementing peace agreements and conducting elections.
- Government type: Presidential republic
- Current president: Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 2011)
- Next election anticipated: December 2026
- Administrative divisions: 10 states
- Citizenship: No citizenship by birth; requires at least one parent to be a citizen.
Military and Security
The South Sudan People's Defense Force (SSPDF) is the primary military force, with estimated active personnel between 150,000 and 200,000. The country faces ongoing security challenges due to internal strife and has been under a UN arms embargo since 2018.
- Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Legal minimum age for military service: 18 years
- UN presence: UNMISS has operated in South Sudan since 2011.
Energy
South Sudan's energy sector is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with 93.2% of its electricity generation capacity coming from this source. However, only about 8.4% of the population has access to electricity, highlighting significant energy challenges.
- Electricity access: 8.4% (2022 est.)
- Installed electricity capacity: 136,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Total petroleum production: 146,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Environment
The country faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Agricultural land represents a significant portion of land use, but the environment is fragile due to climate change impacts affecting food security.
- Total water withdrawal: 490 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
- Agricultural land: 44.7% of total land area (2022 est.)
- Environmental agreements: Party to various international agreements on biodiversity and climate change.
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with limited services available. South Sudan has a small railway network and several airports, but many areas remain inaccessible.
- Airports: 89 (2025)
- Railways: 248 km (2018)
- Heliports: 2 (2025)
Communications
Communication services in South Sudan are limited, with a small number of mobile cellular subscriptions and low internet penetration. The country has no fixed-line telephone services and broadband access remains virtually non-existent.
- Mobile subscriptions: 6.17 million (2023 est.)
- Internet users: 9% of the population (2022 est.)
- Telephones - fixed lines: 0 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,703,714 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 644,329 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (official exchange rate) | $11.998 billion | 2015 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 12.5% | 2023 estimate |
| Inflation rate | 91.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy at birth | 60.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 36.4 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Military expenditures | 2% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 8.4% | 2022 estimate |
| Total energy consumption per capita | 2.092 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
Explore more about this country: