South Sudan

South Sudan
Conventional long name	Republic of South Sudan
Capital	Juba
Largest city	Juba
Official languages	English
National languages	Bari, Dinka, Luo, Murle, Nuer, Zande and around 60 others
Government type	Federal republic under a presidential system
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Salva Kiir Mayardit
Leader title2	First Vice President
Leader name2	Riek Machar
Sovereignty type	Independence
Sovereignty note	from Sudan
Established event1	Comprehensive Peace Agreement
Established date1	9 January 2005
Established event2	Autonomy
Established date2	9 July 2005
Established event3	Independence
Established date3	9 July 2011
Area km2	619745
Population estimate	11,544,905
Population estimate year	2023
Currency	South Sudanese pound
Time zone	East Africa Time

South Sudan. Officially the Republic of South Sudan, it is a landlocked country in East Africa. It gained independence from the Republic of the Sudan in 2011 following a prolonged conflict and a decisive referendum. The nation's capital and largest city is Juba, situated on the banks of the White Nile.

History

The region's modern history is deeply shaped by the First Sudanese Civil War and the even more devastating Second Sudanese Civil War, largely fought between the central government in Khartoum and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement. The conflict culminated in the landmark Comprehensive Peace Agreement, brokered with international involvement from entities like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. This paved the way for the 2011 South Sudanese independence referendum, where an overwhelming majority voted for secession. Since independence, the country has been plagued by internal conflict, notably the South Sudanese Civil War beginning in 2013 between forces loyal to Salva Kiir Mayardit and those of Riek Machar, leading to severe humanitarian crises and international intervention by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Geography

South Sudan is characterized by vast savannas, extensive swamps like the Sudd, and the central uplands of the Ironstone Plateau. The White Nile, known locally as the Bahr al Jabal, flows through the country, with key tributaries including the Bahr el Ghazal and the Sobat River. It borders Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, the Central African Republic to the west, and Sudan to the north. The Imatong Mountains in the southeast contain the nation's highest peak, Mount Kinyeti.

Government and politics

South Sudan is a federal republic with a presidential system; Salva Kiir Mayardit has served as President since independence. The political landscape has been dominated by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and recurrent conflict with opposition groups, leading to a fragile Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The National Legislature of South Sudan is bicameral, consisting of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States. Key political figures, besides Kiir, include First Vice President Riek Machar and former Vice President James Wani Igga.

Economy

The economy is overwhelmingly dependent on crude oil exports, with major fields in the northern regions like Unity and Upper Nile, though production is frequently disrupted by conflict. Infrastructure is severely underdeveloped, with a notable lack of paved roads outside Juba. The South Sudanese pound is the national currency, managed by the Bank of South Sudan. Other economic activities include subsistence agriculture and pastoralism, with significant livestock herds. The country has sought investment and development assistance from China National Petroleum Corporation, the World Bank, and various international aid agencies.

Demographics

South Sudan is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, the largest being the Dinka and the Nuer, followed by the Shilluk, the Bari, the Azande, and the Murle. Christianity is the predominant religion, with significant influence from the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, and the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan. A minority practice traditional African religions or Islam. The population is predominantly young and rural, with high rates of displacement due to conflict.

Culture

Traditional culture is strongly tied to ethnic identity, with prominent practices like cattle raiding among pastoralist groups and distinctive forms of body modification such as scarification. Important cultural events include wrestling matches among the Dinka and the elaborate beadwork of the Nuer. Music incorporates instruments like the thom and the Sudanese lyre, while oral literature and folklore are vital. Association football is popular, with the national team nicknamed the Bright Stars. South Sudanese literature is emerging, with authors like Stella Gaitano gaining recognition.

Category:South Sudan Category:Landlocked countries Category:Countries in Africa