Discover Fascinating South Sudan Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about South Sudan.
South Sudan
Background
๐บ๏ธ South Sudan is a fascinating country! It became the world's newest nation when it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Can you believe that it has only been around for a little over a decade? ๐ The journey to independence was sparked back in 1956 when Sudan itself became independent, and the southerners were promised a fair role in politics. However, the promises made by the Arab government in Khartoum were not kept, leading to a long and complicated struggle for the people of South Sudan.
Since its independence, South Sudan has faced many challenges. ๐ There have been issues with forming a strong government, and the country has experienced widespread corruption and political conflict. Not to mention, there are communal violence problems too! The peace agreement that was made in 2018 to help stabilize the country has hit roadblocks as leaders fight over how to share power. Itโs a tough situation for this young nation as it tries to find its way! ๐ง
Year of Independence from Sudan
2011
Year Sudan attained independence
1956
Year of the peace agreement
2018
Capital
๐๏ธ The capital of South Sudan is Juba! It's the largest city in the country and serves as its administrative hub. Juba is situated on the banks of the Nile River, making it a vital geographic and cultural center for the nation. ๐
Climate
South Sudan has a hot climate with seasonal rainfall! โ๏ธ The rain is mostly influenced by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. ๐ง๏ธ Heavy rainfall occurs in the upland areas of the south, while the rainfall decreases as you go north. This means the southern regions get a lot of water during the rainy season, which is super important for farming and nature! ๐ฑ
Executive branch
๐ Leadership in South Sudan! ๐
In the heart of South Sudan's government, we find President Salva KIIR Mayardit serving as both the chief of state and head of government. He has held these significant roles since 9 July 2011, marking an important era in the countryโs leadership! ๐
His leadership is crucial for guiding South Sudan in its journey through challenges and opportunities. ๐บ๏ธ
Chief of State
President Salva KIIR Mayardit
Head of Government
President Salva KIIR Mayardit
Duration of Leadership
Since 9 July 2011
Legislative branch
In South Sudan, the legislative branch is represented by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, which consists of 550 seats! ๐ This assembly plays a crucial role in the governance and legislative processes of the nation. ๐โจ
Total seats in Legislative Assembly
550
Natural resources
๐ Natural Wealth of South Sudan ๐
South Sudan is blessed with a variety of natural resources! Hereโs a fun overview of what this beautiful country offers:
- Hydropower: A renewable energy source crucial for electricity! โก
- Fertile Agricultural Land: Perfect for farming and growing food! ๐พ
- Gold: A precious metal that shines bright! ๐ฐ
- Diamonds: Sparkling treasures from the earth! ๐
- Petroleum: Essential for fuel and energy! โฝ
- Hardwoods: Strong and durable timber for construction! ๐ณ
- Limestone: Used for making cement and building! ๐๏ธ
- Iron Ore: A key ingredient for producing steel! ๐ฉ
- Copper and Zinc: Important metals for electrical components! ๐
- Chromium Ore: Used for making stainless steel! ๐ฅ
- Tungsten: Known for its extremely high melting point! ๐ฅ
- Mica: A mineral that adds sparkle to products! โจ
- Silver: Another shiny metal used in jewelry and electronics! ๐จ
South Sudan has an abundance of minerals and land that can support agriculture and industry, which is truly exciting! ๐
Types of Natural Resources
13
Economic overview
South Sudan's Economic Journey ๐
South Sudan is classified as a low-income, oil-based economy that faces numerous challenges. The country struggles with extreme poverty and food insecurity that affect many of its citizens. Unfortunately, the impacts of COVID-19 and ongoing violence continue to threaten the country's socioeconomic potential.
Moreover, South Sudan is characterized as being environmentally fragile, which means it has delicate ecosystems that can be easily harmed. The country also grapples with ongoing land and property rights issues that complicate its development.
Even though South Sudan is rich in natural resources, it lacks adequate infrastructure to support its economy. This means that despite having valuable assets, the country struggles to transport and utilize these resources effectively. It's a complex situation that needs attention! ๐ก
Economic Classification
Low-income, oil-based
Poverty Status
Extreme poverty
Food Security Issue
Food insecurity
Environmental Condition
Environmentally fragile
Infrastructure Status
Lacks infrastructure
Government type
๐ South Sudan has a presidential republic! In this type of government, the president is not just a symbol; they play a big role in running the country. This means that the president makes important decisions and can impact the lives of many people in South Sudan every day. ๐๏ธ
Government Type
Presidential Republic
Ethnic groups
In South Sudan, the ethnic tapestry is vibrant and diverse! ๐โจ The major ethnic groups include the Dinka, who make up approximately 35-40% of the population. The Nuer follow with approximately 15%. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Other ethnic groups include the Shilluk, Azande, Bari, Kakwa, Kuku, Murle, Mandari, Didinga, Ndogo, Bviri, Lndi, Anuak, Bongo, Lango, Dungotona, Acholi, and Baka. Each group contributes to the cultural richness and heritage of South Sudan! ๐
Dinka Percentage Range
35-40%
Nuer Percentage
15%
Ethnic Composition of South Sudan
Religions
In South Sudan, the religious landscape is vibrant and diverse! ๐ Here's a peek at the beliefs of the people:
- Christianity is the most widely practiced religion, comprising 60.5% of the population. โ๏ธ
- Following closely is folk religion, with 32.9% of South Sudanese identifying with these traditional beliefs. ๐พ
- Islam is present in 6.2% of the population. โช๏ธ
- There are also others and unaffiliated groups, each making up less than 1%. ๐ค
Together, these figures paint a beautiful tapestry of cultural and spiritual life in South Sudan!
Percentage of Christians
60.5%
Percentage of Folk Religion adherents
32.9%
Percentage of Muslims
6.2%
Percentage of Other Religions
<1%
Percentage of Unaffiliated
<1%
Religions in South Sudan (2020 est.)
Languages
In South Sudan, communication dances on the tongues of many! ๐ธ๐ฉ The country recognizes English as its official language, which is a cool choice for a nation on the rise! ๐ฃ๏ธ But that's not all! Two forms of Arabic are also spoken: Juba Arabic and Sudanese Arabic.
Along with these, there are vibrant ethnic languages that tell the diverse stories of South Sudan's people. Some of the main ones are:
- Dinka
- Nuer
- Bari
- Zande
- Shilluk
Isn't it amazing how many ways there are to express thoughts and feelings? ๐ Each language adds color to the cultural landscape, making South Sudan a unique place! ๐
Official Language
English
Varieties of Arabic
2 (Juba and Sudanese)
Ethnic Languages
5 (Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk)
Imports - partners
๐ Let's explore the world of South Sudan's imports! In 2022, South Sudan sourced its goods from various partners around the globe. Hereโs how it breaks down:
- UAE: 39%
- Kenya: 18%
- China: 17%
- US: 4%
- India: 3%
๐ The United Arab Emirates leads the way with a whopping 39% share! Kenya and China follow as strong partners. The US and India, while making contributions, have smaller shares. Isnโt it interesting to see how much these countries help South Sudan with what it needs?
Total Percentage of Top Partners
81%
Country with Highest Import Share
UAE
Country with Lowest Import Share
India
South Sudan's Import Partners (2022)
Imports - commodities
In 2022, South Sudan had some interesting imports! ๐ธ๐ฉ Let's break down what they brought into the country:
- Garments: South Sudan loves fashion!
- Cars: Vroom vroom, new rides for everyone! ๐
- Trucks: Heavy-duty vehicles to get the job done! ๐
- Packaged medicine: Health is wealth, and South Sudan is taking care of it! ๐
- Malt extract: Perfect for brewing some delicious beverages! ๐บ
These items show the diverse needs and desires of the South Sudanese people as the country continues to develop and grow!
Exports - partners
South Sudan's exports are quite the global affair! ๐ In 2022, five key partners contributed significantly to the country's export market. Here's how it breaks down:
- China takes the lead with a whopping 44% of South Sudan's exports! ๐จ๐ณ
- Coming in second is Italy with 26%! ๐ฎ๐น
- Singapore holds 12% of exports, showing its emerging influence! ๐ธ๐ฌ
- Japan accounts for 9%, adding to the diverse trading landscape! ๐ฏ๐ต
- Lastly, the UAE wraps it up with 8%! ๐ฆ๐ช
These stats reflect how interconnected South Sudan is with the world through trade! ๐๐
Total exports partners
5
Exports Partners of South Sudan (2022)
Exports - commodities
South Sudan is rich in valuable resources that contribute to its economy! ๐๐ The top exports from this nation include:
- Crude petroleum - A major source of revenue for South Sudan.
- Refined petroleum - Processed petroleum that adds even more value to their natural resources.
- Gold - A shiny treasure that brings wealth! ๐ฐ
- Forage crops - Essential for feeding livestock.
- Barley - A crucial grain used in various food products.
These commodities play a significant role in the country's trade and economic development!
Top Export Commodities
Crude petroleum, Refined petroleum, Gold, Forage crops, Barley
Population
๐ Did you know that South Sudan has a total population of 12,703,714 people? That's a lot of hearts and dreams working together in this beautiful country! It's important to keep track of people because each one contributes to the rich culture and vibrant communities. Let's celebrate this amazing population! ๐
Total Population
12,703,714
Area
Land of South Sudan: It's Huge! ๐
Did you know that South Sudan covers a massive total area of 644,329 square kilometers? That's a lot of land! Just imagine all the amazing places and natural beauty that can be found in such a vast region. From rivers to forests, South Sudan is filled with diverse landscapes just waiting to be explored!
๐ Quick Fact: South Sudan is the world's youngest country, having gained independence in 2011. Its large area means there are plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure!
Total Area of South Sudan
644329 sq km
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
๐ Real GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) in South Sudan ๐
Let's dive into how South Sudan's economy has been performing! Here are the estimated values of South Sudan's Real GDP (PPP) over the past few years:
- 2015: $24.52 billion
- 2016: $21.1 billion
- 2017: $20.01 billion
You can see that in 2015, the economy was at its peak, but then it started to decline in the following years. ๐
This information is crucial for understanding the economic health of South Sudan and helps in making informed decisions about investments and policies! ๐ผ๐ธ
Estimated Real GDP in 2015
24.52 billion USD
Estimated Real GDP in 2016
21.1 billion USD
Estimated Real GDP in 2017
20.01 billion USD
South Sudan Real GDP (PPP) Over Time
Real GDP per capita
๐๐ฐ Let's explore how South Sudan's economy has changed over the years! The Real GDP per capita gives us an idea of how much money, on average, each person in the country has to spend. Here's what we found:
- In 2015, the Real GDP per capita was $2,100.
- In 2016, it decreased a bit to $1,700.
- By 2017, it went down further to $1,600.
As we can see, the GDP per capita has been declining. Let's visualize this trend to understand the changes better! ๐
GDP per Capita in 2015
2100
GDP per Capita in 2016
1700
GDP per Capita in 2017
1600
Real GDP per Capita in South Sudan (2015-2017)
Imports
South Sudan's imports tell an interesting story about its economy! ๐ In 2022, the country imported a whopping $6.402 billion worth of goods! Thatโs a big jump from $4.037 billion in 2021 and $4.245 billion in 2020. Let's explore how these values have changed over time!
Total imports in 2022
$6.402 billion
Total imports in 2021
$4.037 billion
Total imports in 2020
$4.245 billion
South Sudan Imports Over the Years
Exports
South Sudan has been making strides in its export landscape! ๐๐ฐ Here are some fascinating figures for the past three years:
- In 2020, South Sudan's exports were estimated at $2.344 billion.
- By 2021, this number grew to $4.652 billion!
- Fast forward to 2022, and exports reached an impressive $5.811 billion!
This growth is a clear reflection of the country's evolving economy and trade activities. ๐ Let's visualize this exciting upward trend!
Exports in 2020
2.344 billion
Exports in 2021
4.652 billion
Exports in 2022
5.811 billion
Exports of South Sudan Over Three Years
Population growth rate
๐ Did you know that South Sudan has a population growth rate of 4.65% estimated for 2024? That means the number of people living there is getting bigger and bigger each year! ๐ธ๐ฉ With such a growth rate, South Sudan is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world! Let's keep an eye on how this affects the community and resources! ๐
Population Growth Rate for 2024
4.65%