South Sudan is a country located in East-Central Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan. It gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world's youngest country. The capital and largest city of South Sudan is Juba.

South Sudan is a landlocked country bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. The country has a diverse geography, including the Sudd wetland, the White Nile, and various mountain ranges.

South Sudan is home to over 60 indigenous ethnic groups, with the largest being the Dinka, Nuer, and Bari. The official languages are English and Arabic, although there are over 60 other recognized languages.

The economy of South Sudan is largely dependent on oil exports, which account for over 95% of the country's export revenues. However, the country has struggled with political instability and conflict since gaining independence, which has had a significant impact on its economic development.

South Sudan has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. The country is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and numerous bird species. The country's cultural heritage includes various traditional dances, music, and art forms, including the famous Dinka cattle dances.

South Sudan faces many challenges, including ongoing conflict, poverty, and a lack of infrastructure. However, there is hope that the country's vast natural resources, including its oil reserves and agricultural potential, can be harnessed for economic growth and development in the future.

Telephone Code
211

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 997; Fire: 998; Police: 999

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccine, at least 10 days before arrival, is required for travelers originating from or transiting through WHO-designated yellow fever countries. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; South Sudan is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.

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

Currency (Code)
South Sudanese pounds (SSP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D

Major Languages
English, Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), regional languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk

Major Religions
Animist, Christian, Muslim

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Boma National Park; Wau; Southern National Park; Kidepo Game Reserve; Bandingilo National Park

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, track and field

Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to not remove one's shoes before entering a household.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not customary.

Souvenirs
Ebony-wood-carved animal tribal items, grass woven baskets, leather items, gold jewelry, spices

Traditional Cuisine
Ful Medames — a vegetarian dish typically made with fava beans and served with toppings such as tomatoes, greens, feta, red onions, hard-boiled eggs, or shata (hot sauce)

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
12,118,379 (2023 est.)

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
4.78% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Juba

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.)

Real GDP per capita
$1,600 (2017 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, sorghum, vegetables, cassava, goat milk, fruit, beef, sesame seed, sheep milk, mutton

Exports
$4.652 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 88%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, gold, forage crops, lumber, insect resins (2019)

Imports
$4.037 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United Arab Emirates 37%, Kenya 18%, China 18% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars, delivery trucks, packaged medicines, foodstuffs, clothing and apparel (2019)