Introduction
Background
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, is the world’s newest country. When Sudan attained independence in 1956, the southerners were assured of full participation in the political system, but the Arab government in Khartoum reneged on its promises. Since independence, South Sudan has struggled to form a viable governing system and has been plagued by widespread corruption, political conflict, and communal violence. Implementation of a 2018 peace agreement has been stalled as South Sudanese leaders wrangle over power-sharing.
Geography
Area
total : 644,329 sq km
Climate
hot with seasonal rainfall influenced by the annual shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone; rainfall heaviest in upland areas of the south and diminishes to the north
Natural resources
hydropower, fertile agricultural land, gold, diamonds, petroleum, hardwoods, limestone, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver
People and Society
Population
total: 12,703,714
Ethnic groups
Dinka (Jieng) approximately 35-40%, Nuer (Naath) approximately 15%, Shilluk (Chollo), Azande, Bari, Kakwa, Kuku, Murle, Mandari, Didinga, Ndogo, Bviri, Lndi, Anuak, Bongo, Lango, Dungotona, Acholi, Baka, Fertit (2011 est.)
Languages
English (official), Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), ethnic languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk
Religions
Christian 60.5%, folk religion 32.9%, Muslim 6.2%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
4.65% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Juba
Executive branch
chief of state: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011)
head of government: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011)
Legislative branch
summary: Transitional National Legislative Assembly (550 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Angong ACUIL (since 13 December 2023)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. ADLER
Economy
Economic overview
low-income, oil-based Sahelian economy; extreme poverty and food insecurity; COVID-19 and ongoing violence threaten socioeconomic potential; environmentally fragile; ongoing land and property rights issues; natural resource rich but lacks infrastructure
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$20.01 billion (2017 est.)
$21.1 billion (2016 est.)
$24.52 billion (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$1,600 (2017 est.)
$1,700 (2016 est.)
$2,100 (2015 est.)
Exports
$5.811 billion (2022 est.)
$4.652 billion (2021 est.)
$2.344 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners
China 44%, Italy 26%, Singapore 12%, Japan 9%, UAE 8% (2022)
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, gold, forage crops, barley (2022)
Imports
$6.402 billion (2022 est.)
$4.037 billion (2021 est.)
$4.245 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
UAE 39%, Kenya 18%, China 17%, US 4%, India 3% (2022)
Imports - commodities
garments, cars, trucks, packaged medicine, malt extract (2022)
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 17, 2024