Juba

Juba
source
Name	Juba
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	4.85°N 31.6°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	South Sudan
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Central Equatoria
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Juba County
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Stephen Wani
Population total	525,953
Population as of	2017

Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan, located on the White Nile river. The city is situated in the southern part of the country, near the borders of Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Juba is an important cultural and economic center, with a diverse population of people from various tribes of South Sudan, including the Bari people, Luo people, and Dinka people. The city is also home to several institutions, including the University of Juba, which is one of the oldest and largest universities in South Sudan, and the Juba Teaching Hospital, which is a major healthcare facility in the country.

Geography

Juba is located in the Central Equatoria state, which is one of the ten states of South Sudan. The city is situated on the western bank of the White Nile river, which flows through the city and provides water and transportation links to other parts of the country. The surrounding area is characterized by savannas and grasslands, with several rivers of South Sudan, including the Kongongo River and the Lol River, flowing through the region. The city is also close to several national parks of South Sudan, including the Bangweulu Wetlands and the Southern National Park. Juba is connected to other cities in South Sudan, including Khartoum, Malakal, and Wau, by road and air, with the Juba Airport serving as a major transportation hub.

History

The history of Juba dates back to the 19th century, when it was a small trading post on the White Nile river. The city was founded by Greek traders, who established a settlement in the area and began to trade with the local Bari people. During the Scramble for Africa, Juba was colonized by Britain, which established the city as the capital of the Equatoria province. The city played an important role in the Sudanese civil wars, with the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) using Juba as a base for its operations against the Sudanese government. After South Sudan gained independence in 2011, Juba became the capital of the new country, with the Government of South Sudan establishing its headquarters in the city. The city has also hosted several international events, including the African Union summit and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting.

Climate

Juba has a tropical savanna climate, with high temperatures and high levels of humidity throughout the year. The city experiences a wet season, which runs from April to October, and a dry season, which runs from November to March. The average temperature in Juba is around 28°C, with the highest temperatures occurring in March and the lowest temperatures occurring in July. The city is also prone to floods, which can occur during the wet season, and droughts, which can occur during the dry season. The climate in Juba is similar to that of other cities in the region, including Kampala, Entebbe, and Nairobi. The city is also home to several research institutions, including the Juba University Institute of Tropical Agriculture, which conducts research on agriculture and climate change.

Economy

The economy of Juba is driven by several sectors, including agriculture, mining, and services. The city is an important center for the production of cotton, sorghum, and maize, with several farms and plantations located in the surrounding area. Juba is also home to several mining companies, including the South Sudan Mining Company, which extracts gold, copper, and iron ore from the surrounding area. The city is also a major center for trade, with several markets and shopping centers located in the city. The economy of Juba is also driven by the presence of several international organizations, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the African Development Bank. The city is also connected to other cities in the region, including Khartoum, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi, by road and air, with the Juba Airport serving as a major transportation hub.

Demographics

The population of Juba is diverse, with people from various tribes of South Sudan living in the city. The city is home to several ethnic groups, including the Bari people, Luo people, and Dinka people. The population of Juba is also characterized by a high level of urbanization, with many people moving to the city from rural areas in search of employment and education. The city is also home to several refugee camps, including the Kator Refugee Camp and the Gondokoro Refugee Camp, which provide shelter and assistance to refugees from Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic. The demographics of Juba are similar to those of other cities in the region, including Kampala, Entebbe, and Nairobi. The city is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Juba Museum and the South Sudan National Museum, which showcase the history and culture of South Sudan.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure in Juba is developing, with several roads, bridges, and buildings being constructed in the city. The city is connected to other cities in South Sudan by road, with the Juba-Nimule Road and the Juba-Bor Road serving as major transportation routes. The city is also home to several hospitals, including the Juba Teaching Hospital and the Dr. John Garang Memorial Hospital, which provide medical care to the population. The city is also served by the Juba Airport, which provides air transportation links to other cities in the region, including Khartoum, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. The infrastructure in Juba is also supported by several international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. The city is also home to several universities, including the University of Juba and the Upper Nile University, which provide education and research opportunities to the population.