South Sudan Facts, Map, People, Religion, History, Currency

South Sudan

South Sudan: Quick Facts

Map

South Sudan is located in East-Central Africa, 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 capital city is Juba, situated near the White Nile River.

People

Population: Approximately 11 million people.
Ethnic Groups: South Sudan is highly diverse, with over 60 different ethnic groups. The largest include the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk.
Languages: The official language is English, but many indigenous languages are widely spoken, including Dinka, Nuer, and Arabic.

Religion

Christianity: The majority of South Sudanese practice Christianity, primarily Catholicism and Protestantism.
Traditional African Religions: Indigenous beliefs and practices are also widespread.
Islam: A minority practice Islam, especially in areas near the border with Sudan.

History

Independence: South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following a long civil war. It is the youngest country in the world.
Civil Wars: South Sudan has faced internal conflicts since its independence, leading to significant humanitarian crises.
Recent Developments: Despite ongoing challenges, there are efforts towards peace and nation-building.

Currency

South Sudanese Pound (SSP): The official currency is the South Sudanese pound, introduced in 2011 after independence.

Key Challenges

Economic Development: South Sudan’s economy relies heavily on oil exports, but it faces challenges due to conflict, infrastructure issues, and a lack of diversification.
Humanitarian Issues: The country deals with significant humanitarian challenges, including food insecurity, displacement, and health crises.

This overview offers a snapshot of South Sudan, a nation with rich cultural diversity and a complex history of conflict and resilience.