South Sudan

Africa’s Newest Nation at the Crossroads of Peace and Prosperity

South Sudan is the youngest independent country in the world, located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. With vast oil reserves, rich cultural diversity, and the iconic White Nile running through its territory, South Sudan is striving toward peace, unity, and development.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Historically part of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.

  • After decades of civil war, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in 2005.

  • Gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following a 2011 referendum with over 98% support.

  • Experienced a brutal internal civil conflict from 2013–2018.

  • Currently governed under a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) established in 2020 to ensure power sharing and peace.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of South Sudan
Capital Juba
Continent Africa (East-Central)
Official Language English
National Languages Arabic, Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, and others
Currency South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
Area Approx. 619,745 sq. km
Population Approx. 13 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Central Africa Time (UTC+2)
ISO Code SS
Internet TLD .ss
Calling Code +211

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Salva Kiir Mayardit
First Vice President Riek Machar Teny
Vice Presidents 5 total (representing major factions per peace agreement)
Government Type Transitional presidential republic
Legislature Bicameral – Transitional National Legislative Assembly and Council of States
Judiciary Supreme Court of South Sudan, lower courts

Administrative Divisions (States & Administrative Areas)

South Sudan is divided into 10 states and 3 administrative areas, each with appointed governors and local structures.

10 States:

  1. Central Equatoria (capital: Juba)

  2. Eastern Equatoria (capital: Torit)

  3. Western Equatoria (capital: Yambio)

  4. Jonglei (capital: Bor)

  5. Upper Nile (capital: Malakal)

  6. Unity (capital: Bentiu)

  7. Lakes (capital: Rumbek)

  8. Warrap (capital: Kuajok)

  9. Northern Bahr el Ghazal (capital: Aweil)

  10. Western Bahr el Ghazal (capital: Wau)

3 Administrative Areas:

  1. Abyei Area (disputed with Sudan; administered by a joint UNISFA mission)

  2. Ruweng Administrative Area

  3. Pibor Administrative Area

Each state is subdivided into counties, payams, and bomas (village-level units).

Local Government Structure

  • Governors head each state, appointed by the president.

  • County commissioners, payam administrators, and boma chiefs govern at local levels.

  • Juba City Council manages urban governance for the capital.

Leadership & Governance

  • Governance is guided by:

    • 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement

    • Transitional Constitution of 2011 (as amended)

  • Emphasis on:

    • Peace implementation and reconciliation

    • Power-sharing among former rivals

    • Constitution-making process and democratic elections (planned)

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Agencies include:

    • South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS)

    • South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF)

    • National Security Service (NSS)

  • UN peacekeeping forces (UNMISS) provide security in volatile areas.

  • Challenges:

    • Ethnic violence, cattle raiding, inter-communal conflict

    • Land disputes and displacement

Economy & Industry

  • Heavily reliant on:

    • Oil (95% of national revenue)

    • Agriculture: sorghum, maize, livestock

  • Other potential sectors: gold, fisheries, forestry

  • Key issues: food insecurity, infrastructure gaps, currency depreciation

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 4.2 billion

  • Development partners: World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP

Education & Institutions

  • Education disrupted by conflict; recovery ongoing

  • English is the official medium of instruction

  • Key institutions:

    • University of Juba

    • Upper Nile University

    • Catholic and private universities growing

  • Major challenges: school access for girls, trained teachers, infrastructure

Healthcare

  • Supported by NGOs and UN agencies

  • Major public health concerns:

    • Malaria, cholera, maternal mortality, malnutrition

  • Key hospitals:

    • Juba Teaching Hospital

    • Wau Hospital

  • Most rural populations rely on mobile clinics and humanitarian health services

Transport & Connectivity

  • Road:

    • Poor infrastructure; many areas inaccessible during rainy seasons

  • Airports:

    • Juba International Airport

    • Regional airports: Malakal, Wau, Rumbek

  • River transport: limited along the White Nile

  • No rail or domestic public transport system; development needed

Tourism & Attractions

(Underdeveloped due to instability, but rich in natural and cultural sites)

  • Boma National Park, Bandingilo National Park – wildlife and seasonal migrations

  • Sudd Wetlands – one of the world’s largest inland wetlands

  • Cultural heritage of Dinka, Nuer, Zande, Shilluk and other ethnic groups

  • Nile River – Juba offers views and riverside relaxation

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Over 60 ethnic groups, major ones: Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Bari, Zande, Azande

  • Religion: Mostly Christian, with animist and Muslim minorities

  • Music, dance, cattle culture, and storytelling are central to tradition

  • Common dishes: kisra (flatbread), stews, okra, sorghum porridge

  • Clothing: mix of traditional garments and western dress

Summary

South Sudan, despite facing immense challenges, holds great potential with its natural wealth, cultural diversity, and young population. As peace continues to take root, the country looks forward to building a future of stability, opportunity, and national unity in the heart of Africa.