The World’s Youngest Country
South Sudan is the world’s newest country — independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, following a referendum in which 99% of voters chose separation. The country emerged from decades of civil war between Arab-Muslim northern Sudan and African-Christian southern Sudan.
Independence was immediately followed by internal conflict — a civil war (2013-2020) between supporters of President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar killed an estimated 400,000 people. A fragile peace since 2020 has been repeatedly tested by regional clashes and the humanitarian impact of the Sudan war next door.
A Brief History
Southern Sudan was part of Sudan under British-Egyptian rule (1899-1956) and independent Sudan (1956-2011). Two civil wars (1955-1972, 1983-2005) killed an estimated 2.5 million southern Sudanese. Independence in 2011 followed a 2005 peace agreement and 2011 referendum.
Geography and Climate
South Sudan covers 644,329 km². The Sudd is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. Climate: tropical.
Culture, Language and Religion
English is official (a legacy of British administration). Over 60 ethnic groups, with Dinka and Nuer the largest. Religion: mix of Christianity (about 60%) and traditional African religions.
The Economy
South Sudan has a low-income economy (~$8 billion GDP). Oil dominates exports but production has been disrupted by the war in Sudan (pipelines pass through Sudan to Port Sudan).
Travel Guide
Most Western governments strongly advise against travel.
Surprising Facts
- South Sudan is the world’s newest country — independent since 9 July 2011.
- About 2.2 million South Sudanese have fled as refugees since 2013, mostly to Uganda and Ethiopia.
- The Sudd wetland — one of the world’s largest — is home to an estimated 400+ bird species and one of Africa’s largest mammal migrations (the annual white-eared kob migration).
- English was adopted as official language upon independence despite only about 2% speaking it at independence.
- Dinka and Nuer — the two largest ethnic groups — have had tensions that fuelled the 2013-2020 civil war.
- South Sudan has some of Africa’s lowest literacy rates — around 35% among adults.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.