Country Profile: South Sudan

South Sudan, the world's newest country, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is characterized by a diverse population primarily of Nilotic ethnolinguistic groups, and a geography dominated by plains and the White Nile. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, but is hampered by extreme poverty and ongoing conflict since independence. Governance challenges persist, marked by corruption and civil strife, particularly between rival ethnic groups. Despite a transitional government formed in 2020, implementation of peace agreements remains slow, leading to widespread humanitarian challenges.

Geography

South Sudan is located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan to the north, Uganda and Kenya to the south, and Ethiopia to the east. The country is landlocked, with a total area of 644,329 sq km. Its terrain consists mainly of plains with the significant geographic feature of the White Nile and large swamp areas known as The Sudd. The climate is hot, with seasonal rainfall that varies greatly across the region.

6 neighboring countries: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda.
44.9% of land is classified as agricultural.
The highest point is Kinyeti, at an elevation of 3,187 m.

People and Society

The estimated population of South Sudan is 12,703,714 as of 2024, with significant ethnic diversity, including groups such as the Dinka and Nuer. English is the official language, alongside various ethnic languages. The society is predominantly Christian, with around 60.5% of the population identifying as such. High birth rates and a young population contribute to a median age of only 18.7 years.

42.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
82.3% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2016.
Urban population stands at 21.2% as of 2023.

Economy

The economy of South Sudan is classified as low-income and heavily reliant on oil, which constitutes a significant portion of its GDP. The GDP (PPP) is approximately $6.752 billion in 2023. The country faces challenges from ongoing violence, extreme poverty, and infrastructure deficits. Agriculture plays a minor role in the economy, contributing 10.4% to the GDP, indicating a need for development and diversification.

12.5% unemployment rate as of 2023.
91.4% inflation rate projected for 2024.
82.3% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2016.

Government

South Sudan is a presidential republic with a governing structure that has faced significant challenges since independence. The capital, Juba, serves as the hub for governance, and the country is divided into 10 states. The government has struggled with corruption, and political instability, particularly between the factions of President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar.

1 official national anthem, "South Sudan Oyee!" adopted in 2011.
The last elections were in 2010, with the next scheduled for December 2026.
South Sudan gained independence on 9 July 2011.

Military and Security

The military structure includes the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and various police and security forces. The country faces ongoing security challenges, including the presence of numerous irregular militias. Military expenditures are estimated at 2% of GDP, with personnel strength varying significantly across estimates.

Estimated 150-200,000 active defense forces as of 2025.
18 years is the legal minimum age for military service.
The SSPDF history dates back to 1983 with its origins in the Sudan People's Liberation Army.

Energy

Energy access remains extremely low, with only 8.4% of the total population having access to electricity. South Sudan's energy generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, with an installed generating capacity of 136,000 kW as of 2023. The country has significant potential in crude oil production, yet faces challenges in infrastructure and distribution.

Total petroleum production is approximately 146,000 bbl/day in 2023.
Electricity consumption is around 566.034 million kWh as of 2023.
93.2% of the installed electricity capacity comes from fossil fuels.

Environment

South Sudan faces various environmental challenges, including water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. The country is rich in natural resources, yet suffers from inadequate supplies of potable water. Climate factors, such as seasonal rainfall and drought, further intensify environmental issues.

11.3% of land is forested as of 2023.
Annual municipal solid waste generation is estimated at 2.681 million tons in 2024.
49.5 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources as of 2022.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in South Sudan is limited, with a small network of railways and airports. There are a total of 89 airports, but the railway system is not operational, leaving road transport as the primary mode of movement.

248 km of railway, last recorded in 2018.
2 heliports as of 2025.

Communications

Communications infrastructure is developing, with a low percentage of internet users and reliance on mobile phones for connectivity. The total mobile cellular subscriptions are reported at 6.17 million.

Internet penetration stands at approximately 9% of the population in 2022.
There are 0 fixed-line telephone subscriptions as of 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,703,714	2024 estimate
Area	644,329 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$6.752 billion	2023 estimate
GDP per capita	$400	2023 estimate
Unemployment rate	12.5%	2023 estimate
Inflation rate	91.4%	Projected for 2024
Life expectancy	60.3 years	2024 estimate
Birth rate	35.68 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Rural population with improved water	33.6%	2022 estimate
Total energy consumption per capita	2.092 million Btu/person	2023 estimate