Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
South Sudan
Republic of South Sudan
CapitalJuba
Population12,188,788
GDP$12.0bn
Area644,329 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, is the world’s newest country. Home to a diverse array of mainly Nilotic ethnolinguistic groups that settled in the territory in the 15th through 19th centuries, South Sudanese society is heavily dependent on seasonal migration and seasonal fluctuations in precipitation. Modern-day South Sudan was conquered first by Egypt and later ruled jointly by Egyptian-British colonial administrators in the late 19th century. Christian missionaries helped spread the English language and Christianity in the area, leading to significant cultural differences with the northern part of Sudan, where Arabic and Islam are dominant. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, the southern region received assurances that it would participate fully in the political system. However, the Arab government in Khartoum reneged on its promises, prompting two periods of civil war (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) in which as many as 2.5 million people died -- mostly civilians -- due largely to starvation and drought. The second Sudanese civil war was one of the deadliest since WWII and left southern Sudanese society devastated. Peace talks resulted in a US-backed Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, which granted the South six years of autonomy followed by a referendum on final status. The result of this referendum, held in 2011, was a vote of 98% in favor of secession.
Since independence, South Sudan has struggled to form a viable governing system and has been plagued by widespread corruption, political conflict, and communal violence. In 2013, conflict erupted between forces loyal to President Salva KIIR, a Dinka, and forces loyal to Vice President Riek MACHAR, a Nuer. The conflict quickly spread through the country along ethnic lines, killing tens of thousands and creating a humanitarian crisis with millions of South Sudanese displaced. KIIR and MACHAR signed a peace agreement in 2015 that created a Transitional Government of National Unity the next year. However, renewed fighting broke out in Juba between KIIR and MACHAR’s forces, plunging the country back into conflict and drawing in additional armed opposition groups. A "revitalized" peace agreement was signed in 2018, mostly ending the fighting and laying the groundwork for a unified national army, a transitional government, and elections. The transitional government was formed in 2020, when MACHAR returned to Juba as first vice president. Since 2020, implementation of the peace agreement has been stalled amid wrangling over power-sharing, which has contributed to an uptick in communal violence and the country’s worst food crisis since independence, with 7 of 11 million South Sudanese citizens in need of humanitarian assistance. The transitional period was extended an additional two years in 2022, pushing elections to late 2024.
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018Since independence, South Sudan has struggled to form a viable governing system and has been plagued by widespread corruption, political conflict, and communal violence. In 2013, conflict erupted between forces loyal to President Salva KIIR, a Dinka, and forces loyal to Vice President Riek MACHAR, a Nuer. The conflict quickly spread through the country along ethnic lines, killing tens of thousands and creating a humanitarian crisis with millions of South Sudanese displaced. KIIR and MACHAR signed a peace agreement in 2015 that created a Transitional Government of National Unity the next year. However, renewed fighting broke out in Juba between KIIR and MACHAR’s forces, plunging the country back into conflict and drawing in additional armed opposition groups. A "revitalized" peace agreement was signed in 2018, mostly ending the fighting and laying the groundwork for a unified national army, a transitional government, and elections. The transitional government was formed in 2020, when MACHAR returned to Juba as first vice president. Since 2020, implementation of the peace agreement has been stalled amid wrangling over power-sharing, which has contributed to an uptick in communal violence and the country’s worst food crisis since independence, with 7 of 11 million South Sudanese citizens in need of humanitarian assistance. The transitional period was extended an additional two years in 2022, pushing elections to late 2024.
Geography
Location
East-Central Africa; south of Sudan, north of Uganda and Kenya, west of Ethiopia
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 644,329 sq km
land: NA
water: NA
land: NA
water: NA
Area - comparative
more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries
total: 6,018 km
border countries: Central African Republic 1,055 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 714 km; Ethiopia 1,299 km; Kenya 317 km; Sudan 2,158 km; Uganda 475 km
note: note: South Sudan-Sudan boundary represents 1 January 1956 alignment; final alignment pending negotiations and demarcation; final sovereignty status of Abyei Area pending negotiations between South Sudan and Sudan
Reference: 1956border countries: Central African Republic 1,055 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 714 km; Ethiopia 1,299 km; Kenya 317 km; Sudan 2,158 km; Uganda 475 km
note: note: South Sudan-Sudan boundary represents 1 January 1956 alignment; final alignment pending negotiations and demarcation; final sovereignty status of Abyei Area pending negotiations between South Sudan and Sudan
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
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
Terrain
plains in the north and center rise to southern highlands along the border with Uganda and Kenya; the White Nile, flowing north out of the uplands of Central Africa, is the major geographic feature of the country; The Sudd (a name derived from floating vegetation that hinders navigation) is a large swampy area of more than 100,000 sq km fed by the waters of the White Nile that dominates the center of the country
Elevation
highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m
lowest point: White Nile 381 m
lowest point: White Nile 381 m
Natural resources
hydropower, fertile agricultural land, gold, diamonds, petroleum, hardwoods, limestone, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver
Land use
agricultural land: 44.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 3.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 40.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 43.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 3.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 40.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 43.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,000 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major rivers (by length in km)
Nile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Population distribution
clusters found in urban areas, particularly in the western interior and around the White Nile, as shown in this population distribution map
Geography - note
landlocked; The Sudd is a vast swamp in the north central region of South Sudan, formed by the White Nile; its size is variable but can reach some 15% of the country's total area during the rainy season; it is one of the world's largest wetlands
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: South Sudanese (singular and plural)
adjective: South Sudanese
adjective: South Sudanese
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.)
note: note: Figures are estimations due to population changes during South Sudan's civil war and the lack of updated demographic studies
Reference: 2011note: note: Figures are estimations due to population changes during South Sudan's civil war and the lack of updated demographic studies
Languages
Languages: English (official), Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), ethnic languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk
major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
Religions
Christian 60.5%, folk religion 32.9%, Muslim 6.2%, other
Age structure
0-14 years: 42.1% (male 2,725,520/female 2,619,035)
15-64 years: 55.3% (male 3,568,064/female 3,458,804)
65 years and over: 2.6% (2024 est.) (male 182,757/female 149,534)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 55.3% (male 3,568,064/female 3,458,804)
65 years and over: 2.6% (2024 est.) (male 182,757/female 149,534)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 80.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 76.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 76.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 18.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 18.7 years
female: 18.7 years
Reference: 2024male: 18.7 years
female: 18.7 years
Population growth rate
4.65% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
36.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
clusters found in urban areas, particularly in the western interior and around the White Nile, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
459,000 JUBA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.22 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.22 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
692 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
2.48 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 70% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 33.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 41.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 30% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 66.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 58.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 33.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 41.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 30% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 66.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 58.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 2.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 2.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.04 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 60.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 24.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 39.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 75.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 24.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 39.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 75.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
6.6% (2014)
Reference: 2014Currently married women (ages 15-49)
72% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 517,471 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 1,359,795 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 18,000 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 1,359,795 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 18,000 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Salva Kiir Mayardit | — | 2011-07-09 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Salva Kiir Mayardit | — | — | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of South Sudan
conventional short form: South Sudan
etymology: self-descriptive name from the country's geographic position within Sudan prior to independence; the name Sudan derives from the Arabic balad-as-sudan, meaning "Land of the Black [peoples]"
conventional short form: South Sudan
etymology: self-descriptive name from the country's geographic position within Sudan prior to independence; the name Sudan derives from the Arabic balad-as-sudan, meaning "Land of the Black [peoples]"
Capital
name: Juba
geographic coordinates: 04 51 N, 31 37 E
time difference: UTC+2 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the name of a small Bari village that was located near the present-day city
geographic coordinates: 04 51 N, 31 37 E
time difference: UTC+2 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the name of a small Bari village that was located near the present-day city
Administrative divisions
10 states; Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria
note: note: in 2015, 28 new states were created, and 4 additional states in 2017; after the 2020 peace agreement, the country was again reorganized into the 10 original states, plus 2 administrative areas, Pibor and Ruweng, and 1 special administrative status area, Abyei (which is disputed between South Sudan and Sudan)
Reference: 2020, 2017, 2015note: note: in 2015, 28 new states were created, and 4 additional states in 2017; after the 2020 peace agreement, the country was again reorganized into the 10 original states, plus 2 administrative areas, Pibor and Ruweng, and 1 special administrative status area, Abyei (which is disputed between South Sudan and Sudan)
Constitution
history: previous 2005 (pre-independence); latest signed 7 July 2011, effective 9 July 2011 (Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011)
amendment process: proposed by the National Legislature or by the president of the republic; passage requires submission of the proposal to the Legislature at least one month prior to consideration, approval by at least two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Legislature, and assent of the president
Reference: 2011, 2005amendment process: proposed by the National Legislature or by the president of the republic; passage requires submission of the proposal to the Legislature at least one month prior to consideration, approval by at least two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Legislature, and assent of the president
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Sudan
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Sudan
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011)
head of government: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011)
cabinet: National Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly
election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 11-15 April 2010
election results: 2010: Salva KIIR Mayardit elected leader of then-Southern Sudan; percent of vote - Salva KIIR Mayardit (SPLM) 93%, Lam AKOL (SPLM-DC) 7%
expected date of next election: scheduled for 2015 but has been postponed multiple times, currently to be held in December 2026
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2026, 2015, 2011, 2010head of government: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011)
cabinet: National Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly
election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 11-15 April 2010
election results: 2010: Salva KIIR Mayardit elected leader of then-Southern Sudan; percent of vote - Salva KIIR Mayardit (SPLM) 93%, Lam AKOL (SPLM-DC) 7%
expected date of next election: scheduled for 2015 but has been postponed multiple times, currently to be held in December 2026
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Législature nationale (National Legislature)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: Transitional National Legislative Assembly (Al-Majlis Al-Tachirii)
number of seats: 550 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
most recent election date: 5/10/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 32.4%
expected date of next election: December 2026
Reference: 2026, 2021number of seats: 550 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
most recent election date: 5/10/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 32.4%
expected date of next election: December 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Council of States (Al-Watani)
number of seats: 100 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
most recent election date: 8/2/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 32.1%
expected date of next election: December 2026
Reference: 2026, 2021number of seats: 100 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
most recent election date: 8/2/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 32.1%
expected date of next election: December 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of South Sudan (consists of a chief justice, deputy chief justice, and 5 additional justices); the 2011 Transitional Constitution of South Sudan calls for 9, rather than 5 additional justices
judge selection and term of office: the 2011 Transitional Constitution of South Sudan calls for the establishment of a Judicial Service Council to recommend prospective justices to the president, and for the justices' tenures to be set by the National Legislature
subordinate courts: national level - Courts of Appeal; High Courts; County Courts; state level - High Courts; County Courts; customary courts; other specialized courts and tribunals
note: note: in mid-2022, the Government of South Sudan inaugurated an ad-hoc judiciary committee, a 12-member body led by two eminent jurists, that is charged with reviewing relevant laws, advising on judicial reform, and restructuring the judiciary
Reference: 2022, 2011judge selection and term of office: the 2011 Transitional Constitution of South Sudan calls for the establishment of a Judicial Service Council to recommend prospective justices to the president, and for the justices' tenures to be set by the National Legislature
subordinate courts: national level - Courts of Appeal; High Courts; County Courts; state level - High Courts; County Courts; customary courts; other specialized courts and tribunals
note: note: in mid-2022, the Government of South Sudan inaugurated an ad-hoc judiciary committee, a 12-member body led by two eminent jurists, that is charged with reviewing relevant laws, advising on judicial reform, and restructuring the judiciary
Political parties
Democratic Change or DC
Democratic Forum or DF
Labour Party or LPSS
South Sudan Opposition Alliance or SSOA
Sudan African National Union or SANU
Sudan People's Liberation Movement or SPLM
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition or SPLM-IO
United Democratic Salvation Front or UDSF
United South Sudan African Party or USSAP
United South Sudan Party or USSP
Democratic Forum or DF
Labour Party or LPSS
South Sudan Opposition Alliance or SSOA
Sudan African National Union or SANU
Sudan People's Liberation Movement or SPLM
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition or SPLM-IO
United Democratic Salvation Front or UDSF
United South Sudan African Party or USSAP
United South Sudan Party or USSP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Santino Fardol Watod DICKEN (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 1015 31st Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 600-2238
FAX: [1] (202) 644-9910
email address and website: info.ssdembassy@gmail.com
https://www.ssembassydc.org/
Reference: 2024chancery: 1015 31st Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 600-2238
FAX: [1] (202) 644-9910
email address and website: info.ssdembassy@gmail.com
https://www.ssembassydc.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. ADLER (since 24 August 2022)
embassy: Kololo Road adjacent to the EU's compound, Juba
mailing address: 4420 Juba Place, Washington DC 20521-4420
telephone: [211] 912-105-188
email address and website: ACSJuba@state.gov
https://ss.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022embassy: Kololo Road adjacent to the EU's compound, Juba
mailing address: 4420 Juba Place, Washington DC 20521-4420
telephone: [211] 912-105-188
email address and website: ACSJuba@state.gov
https://ss.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
AU, EAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO
Independence
9 July 2011 (from Sudan)
Reference: 2011National holiday
Independence Day, 9 July (2011)
Reference: 2011Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a five-pointed gold star is in the middle of a blue isosceles triangle based on the left side
meaning: black stands for the people, red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green for the land, and blue for the Nile; the gold star represents the unity of the country's states
note: note 1: similar to the flag of Kenya
note 2: South Sudan has one of two national flags that display six colors as part of the primary design -- the other is South Africa's
meaning: black stands for the people, red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green for the land, and blue for the Nile; the gold star represents the unity of the country's states
note: note 1: similar to the flag of Kenya
note 2: South Sudan has one of two national flags that display six colors as part of the primary design -- the other is South Africa's
National symbol(s)
African fish eagle
National color(s)
red, green, blue, yellow, black, white
National anthem(s)
title: "South Sudan Oyee!" (South Sudan, Hooray!)
lyrics/music: collective/Mido SAMUEL and Juba University students
history: adopted 2011; anthem selected in a national contest
Reference: 2011lyrics/music: collective/Mido SAMUEL and Juba University students
history: adopted 2011; anthem selected in a national contest
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Legislature of South Sudan | — | — | — |
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)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $6.752 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $6.585 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $6.945 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $6.585 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $6.945 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2023: $400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $400 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015Real GDP per capita 2022: $400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $400 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 10.4% (2015 est.)
industry: 33.1% (2015 est.)
services: 56.6% (2015 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2015industry: 33.1% (2015 est.)
services: 56.6% (2015 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
milk, cassava, sorghum, goat milk, vegetables, fruits, groundnuts, sesame seeds, beef, maize (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industrial production growth rate
-36.8% (2015 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2015note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
5.091 million (2023 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2023note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 18.5% (2023 est.)
male: 19.4% (2023 est.)
female: 17.6% (2023 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2023male: 19.4% (2023 est.)
female: 17.6% (2023 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
82.3% (2016 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2016note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016: 44 (2016 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2016note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.8% (2016 est.)
highest 10%: 33% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2016highest 10%: 33% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2015: 9.5% of GDP (2015 est.)
Remittances 2014: 0% of GDP (2014 est.)
Remittances 2013: 0% of GDP (2013 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2015, 2014, 2013Remittances 2014: 0% of GDP (2014 est.)
Remittances 2013: 0% of GDP (2013 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $2.513 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $1.984 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $1.984 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 86.6% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $577.9 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$596.748 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$6.55 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$596.748 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$6.55 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $4.499 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.811 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $4.652 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $5.811 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $4.652 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 51%, Singapore 29%, UAE 10%, Germany 4%, Uganda 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, forage crops, gold, scrap iron (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $4.443 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $6.402 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.037 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $6.402 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.037 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Uganda 33%, UAE 26%, Kenya 14%, China 10%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
garments, cement, other foods, iron bars, cereal flours (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $72.881 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $94.914 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $341.932 million (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $94.914 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $341.932 million (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: South Sudanese pounds (SSP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 2,163.104 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 930.331 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 534.511 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 306.355 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 165.907 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 2,163.104 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 930.331 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 534.511 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 306.355 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 165.907 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $577.9 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$596.748 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$6.55 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$596.748 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$6.55 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $4.499 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.811 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $4.652 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $5.811 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $4.652 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 51%, Singapore 29%, UAE 10%, Germany 4%, Uganda 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, forage crops, gold, scrap iron (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $4.443 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $6.402 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.037 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $6.402 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.037 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Uganda 33%, UAE 26%, Kenya 14%, China 10%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
garments, cement, other foods, iron bars, cereal flours (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 136,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 566.034 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 23.966 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 566.034 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 23.966 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 93.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 100 metric tons (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Petroleum
total petroleum production: 146,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 11,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 3.75 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 11,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 3.75 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 2.092 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 0 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
692 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 2.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 2.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.04 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
6.6% (2014)
Reference: 2014Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of South Sudan (consists of a chief justice, deputy chief justice, and 5 additional justices); the 2011 Transitional Constitution of South Sudan calls for 9, rather than 5 additional justices
judge selection and term of office: the 2011 Transitional Constitution of South Sudan calls for the establishment of a Judicial Service Council to recommend prospective justices to the president, and for the justices' tenures to be set by the National Legislature
subordinate courts: national level - Courts of Appeal; High Courts; County Courts; state level - High Courts; County Courts; customary courts; other specialized courts and tribunals
note: note: in mid-2022, the Government of South Sudan inaugurated an ad-hoc judiciary committee, a 12-member body led by two eminent jurists, that is charged with reviewing relevant laws, advising on judicial reform, and restructuring the judiciary
Reference: 2022, 2011judge selection and term of office: the 2011 Transitional Constitution of South Sudan calls for the establishment of a Judicial Service Council to recommend prospective justices to the president, and for the justices' tenures to be set by the National Legislature
subordinate courts: national level - Courts of Appeal; High Courts; County Courts; state level - High Courts; County Courts; customary courts; other specialized courts and tribunals
note: note: in mid-2022, the Government of South Sudan inaugurated an ad-hoc judiciary committee, a 12-member body led by two eminent jurists, that is charged with reviewing relevant laws, advising on judicial reform, and restructuring the judiciary
Military & Security
Military and security forces
South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF): Land Forces (includes Presidential Guard), Air Forces, Marine (Riverine) Forces, Reserve Forces; National (or Necessary) Unified Forces (NUF)
Ministry of Interior: South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) (2025)
note: note 1: the NUF are being formed by retraining rebel and pro-government militia fighters into military, police, and other government security forces; the first operational NUF deployed in November 2023
note 2: numerous irregular forces operate in the country with official knowledge, including militias operated by the National Security Service (an internal security force under the Ministry of National Security) and proxy forces
Reference: 2025, 2023Ministry of Interior: South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) (2025)
note: note 1: the NUF are being formed by retraining rebel and pro-government militia fighters into military, police, and other government security forces; the first operational NUF deployed in November 2023
note 2: numerous irregular forces operate in the country with official knowledge, including militias operated by the National Security Service (an internal security force under the Ministry of National Security) and proxy forces
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; estimated 150-200,000 active Defense Forces (2025)
note: note: some active SSPDF personnel may be militia; the National/Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) were expected to have up to 80,000 personnel when training and integration is completed; the first batch of approximately 20,000 NUF personnel completed training in late 2022
Reference: 2025, 2022note: note: some active SSPDF personnel may be militia; the National/Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) were expected to have up to 80,000 personnel when training and integration is completed; the first batch of approximately 20,000 NUF personnel completed training in late 2022
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the SSPDF inventory is comprised primarily of Soviet-era equipment; South Sudan has been under a UN arms embargo since 2018 (2024)
Reference: 2024, 2018Military service age and obligation
18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; 12-24 months service (2023)
Reference: 2023Military - note
the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) are largely focused on border and internal security; areas of concern include disputed national borders, conflict spillover from neighboring Sudan, banditry, and armed rebel groups and militias that continue to operate in the country since the civil war ended in 2020
the SSPDF, formerly the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), was founded as a guerrilla movement against the Sudanese Government in 1983 and participated in the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005); the Juba Declaration that followed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 unified the SPLA and the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF), the second-largest rebel militia remaining from the civil war, under the SPLA name; in 2017, the SPLA was renamed the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF) and in September 2018 was renamed again as the SSPDF
the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has operated in the country since 2011 with the objectives of consolidating peace and security and helping establish conditions for the successful economic and political development of South Sudan; UNMISS has about 18,000 personnel assigned; the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has operated in the disputed Abyei region along the border between Sudan and South Sudan since 2011; its mission includes ensuring security, protecting civilians, strengthening the capacity of the Abyei Police Service, de-mining, monitoring/verifying the redeployment of armed forces from the area, and facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid; UNISFA has approximately 3,800 personnel assigned (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2020, 2018, 2017the SSPDF, formerly the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), was founded as a guerrilla movement against the Sudanese Government in 1983 and participated in the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005); the Juba Declaration that followed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 unified the SPLA and the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF), the second-largest rebel militia remaining from the civil war, under the SPLA name; in 2017, the SPLA was renamed the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF) and in September 2018 was renamed again as the SSPDF
the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has operated in the country since 2011 with the objectives of consolidating peace and security and helping establish conditions for the successful economic and political development of South Sudan; UNMISS has about 18,000 personnel assigned; the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has operated in the disputed Abyei region along the border between Sudan and South Sudan since 2011; its mission includes ensuring security, protecting civilians, strengthening the capacity of the Abyei Police Service, de-mining, monitoring/verifying the redeployment of armed forces from the area, and facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid; UNISFA has approximately 3,800 personnel assigned (2025)
International Relations
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Santino Fardol Watod DICKEN (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 1015 31st Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 600-2238
FAX: [1] (202) 644-9910
email address and website: info.ssdembassy@gmail.com
https://www.ssembassydc.org/
Reference: 2024chancery: 1015 31st Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 600-2238
FAX: [1] (202) 644-9910
email address and website: info.ssdembassy@gmail.com
https://www.ssembassydc.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. ADLER (since 24 August 2022)
embassy: Kololo Road adjacent to the EU's compound, Juba
mailing address: 4420 Juba Place, Washington DC 20521-4420
telephone: [211] 912-105-188
email address and website: ACSJuba@state.gov
https://ss.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022embassy: Kololo Road adjacent to the EU's compound, Juba
mailing address: 4420 Juba Place, Washington DC 20521-4420
telephone: [211] 912-105-188
email address and website: ACSJuba@state.gov
https://ss.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
AU, EAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 2011-07-14 |
International organization participation
AU, EAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 517,471 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 1,359,795 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 18,000 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 1,359,795 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 18,000 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 3 — South Sudan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, South Sudan remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/south-sudan/
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
Z8
Airports
89 (2025)
Heliports
2 (2025)
Railways
total: 248 km (2018)
note: note: a narrow gauge, single-track railroad between Babonosa (Sudan) and Wau, the only existing rail system, was repaired in 2010 with $250 million in UN funds, but is not currently operational
Reference: 2018, 2010note: note: a narrow gauge, single-track railroad between Babonosa (Sudan) and Wau, the only existing rail system, was repaired in 2010 with $250 million in UN funds, but is not currently operational
Environment
Environmental issues
water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife conservation and loss of biodiversity; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; drought
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
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
Land use
agricultural land: 44.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 3.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 40.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 43.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 3.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 40.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 43.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 21.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 4.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 1.725 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.725 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 1.725 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
20.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 59.4 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 696 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 120.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 12.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 696 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 120.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 12.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.681 million tons (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Total water withdrawal
municipal: 193 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 225 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 240 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 225 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 240 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
49.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 0 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
1 state-controlled TV channel and radio station; several community and commercial FM stations, mostly sponsored by outside aid donors; some foreign radio broadcasts available (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.ss
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10,830,102 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 10,259,154 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 10,122,977 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 10,423,384 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 10,698,467 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 10,865,780 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 11,021,177 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 11,483,374 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 11,943,408 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 12,188,788 | world_bank_wdi |
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $11,997,800,760 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 882,252 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 914,001 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 479,199 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 266,027 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 283,331 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 211,198 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 321,713 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 853,845 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 2,374,400 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 3,168,836 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -654,225 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -670,477 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 157,408 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 65,198 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 62,935 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -154,359 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 40,259 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 455,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 15,374 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 6,145 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,188,788 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 12,436,037 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 12,575,714 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 914,001 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 7.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 3,168,836 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 6,145 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 601,818 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 3,246 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 2,386,499 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 123,984 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.155 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -3.017 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -1.729 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.542 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -0.846 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -1.104 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.734 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 31 January 1991 (as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan); Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment. (not enforced) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2011 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes / No Limited protections. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No Forms of gender expression are criminalized. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $11,997,800,760 | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $1,080 | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | -10.8% | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 91.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 12.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Low income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 57.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.8 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 21.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 6.7% | 2019 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 36.7% | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 28.9% | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 65.6% | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 26.8% | 2008 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 122.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 1.6% | 2016 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 5.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 48 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 32.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 11.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 71.9 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 11.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 46.6 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.0 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 5 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 4.8500° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 31.6000° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 7.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 30.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, Africa/Juba | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | federal republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:32