Country Profile · No. 47

South Sudan

Capital / Admin Capital

JubaPopulation: ~11.1MIndependence: 2011 (July 9, seceding from Sudan following a historic referendum)

First & Current President

Salva Kiir Mayardit (Serving since independence in July 2011)

Geography & Borders

Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic. Landlocked East-Central African nation traversed by the massive White Nile and the sprawling Sudd wetland swamp.

Demographics & Language

Christianity and traditional indigenous beliefs (~60%–70%+), Islam. Official: English language. National languages include Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Zande. Major groups: Dinka (~35%), Nuer (~15%), Shilluk, Azande.

Economy & GDP

Crude petroleum extraction (represents nearly the entirety of export earnings and government revenue).

Global Diaspora

1. Sudan (~800k–1M), 2. Uganda (~400k), 3. Kenya (~100k), 4. United States (~40k–50k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Nebraska (Omaha), Texas (Dallas), Minnesota (Rochester/Minneapolis), Tennessee (Nashville).

Major Conflicts

First Sudanese Civil War (1955–1972), Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005), South Sudanese Civil War (2013–2020).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Bandingilo National Park (Vast protected savanna grassland hosting one of the largest mammal wildlife migrations on Earth), 2. The Sudd Wetland (One of the world's largest freshwater wetlands formed by the White Nile, teeming with rich birdlife), 3. Nimule National Park (Scenic wildlife reserve along the White Nile bordering Uganda sheltering elephants and hippos).

Quick Facts

The youngest sovereign UN-recognized country in the world, having gained independence in July 2011; home to one of the largest animal migrations on the planet (surpassing even the Serengeti in total wildlife numbers).