Country Profile: South Sudan

South Sudan is the world’s newest country, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Located in East-Central Africa, it is rich in natural resources but faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty, ethnic conflict, and a humanitarian crisis. The population is predominantly composed of Nilotic ethnolinguistic groups, and the economy is primarily based on oil, with agriculture playing a lesser role. Governance remains unstable, characterized by ongoing political strife and corruption.

Geography

South Sudan is situated in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country is landlocked and characterized by plains that rise to highlands along its southern border. The White Nile is the major river that flows north through the country, while The Sudd, a vast swamp, occupies a significant central region.

• Area: 644,329 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Texas.
• Major rivers: The White Nile, part of a watershed that includes the Congo and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Natural resources: Includes petroleum, fertile land, and minerals like gold and diamonds.
• Climate: Hot, influenced by seasonal rainfall patterns.

People and Society

As of 2024, South Sudan's population is estimated at 12.7 million, with a median age of 18.7 years. The society is diverse, predominantly comprising Dinka (35-40%) and Nuer (15%) ethnic groups. English is the official language, with Arabic and various ethnic languages also spoken. The country has a high birth rate and significant youth dependency, with over 42% of the population under the age of 15.

• Urban population: 21.2% of the total population (2023).
• Religions: Majority Christian (60.5%).
• Life expectancy: 60.3 years at birth (2024).
• Major urban area: Juba, with a population of 459,000 (2023).

Economy

South Sudan's economy is predominantly oil-based but faces severe challenges due to poverty, food insecurity, and ongoing violence. In 2023, the real GDP is estimated at $6.752 billion, with a per capita GDP of $400. The country struggles with a high unemployment rate and a critical lack of infrastructure.

• GDP growth rate (2023): X%
• Public debt: 86.6% of GDP (2016).
• Unemployment rate: 12.5% (2023).
• Poverty rate: 82.3% of the population below the poverty line (2016).

Government

South Sudan is a presidential republic, with Salva Kiir serving as president since independence. The country operates under a transitional government that has faced criticism for corruption and ineffectiveness. The legislative body consists of a bicameral National Legislature.

• Administrative divisions: 10 states.
• National holiday: Independence Day on 9 July.
• Expected next election: Delayed to December 2026.
• Suffrage: Universal at age 18.

Military and Security

The South Sudan People's Defense Force (SSPDF) is the primary military force, augmented by various other security entities. The country is under a UN arms embargo and faces numerous internal security challenges, including ongoing ethnic tensions and armed opposition.

• Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2023).
• Active personnel: Estimated 150,000 - 200,000.
• Military service: Voluntary from ages 18 to 35, with concerns over child soldiers.
• UN presence: UNMISS operates with around 18,000 personnel.

Energy

South Sudan's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with only 8.4% of the population having access to electricity. The installed generating capacity is modest, and there is a significant gap in energy infrastructure.

• Total petroleum production: 146,000 bbl/day (2023).
• Electricity consumption: 566.034 million kWh (2023).
• Electrification rural areas: Only 1.7% have access.

Environment

Environmental issues in South Sudan include deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. The country is susceptible to climate change impacts, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

• Agricultural land: 44.9% of total area (2023).
• Total renewable water resources: 49.5 billion cubic meters (2022).
• Carbon dioxide emissions: 1.725 million metric tonnes (2023).

Transportation

South Sudan has limited transportation infrastructure, comprising a few operational railways and numerous airports. The capital, Juba, has the most significant transportation links.

• Airports: 89 (2025).
• Railways: 248 km, mostly non-operational.
• Heliports: 2 (2025).

Communications

Communication infrastructure is underdeveloped, with low internet penetration and limited fixed-line subscriptions.

• Mobile cellular subscriptions: 6.17 million (2023).
• Internet users: 9% of the population (2022).
• Total fixed-line subscriptions: 0 (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,703,714	2024 est.
Area	644,329 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$6.752 billion	2023 est.
GDP per capita	$400	2023 est.
Unemployment rate	12.5%	2023 est.
Life expectancy	60.3 years	2024 est.
Birth rate	35.68 births/1,000	2025 est.
Urban population	21.2%	2023 est.
Electric access	8.4%	2022 est.
Refugees	517,471	2024 est.