South Sudan Map

South Sudan is officially known as the Republic of South Sudan. Ethiopia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and the Central African Republic are its neighbors. According to the Human Development Index, South Sudan is a developing nation that is 191st overall.

The capital and largest city of South Sudan is Juba. Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo all border South Sudan on its northern, eastern, southern, and western borders, respectively. Several national parks and game reserves are found in South Sudan, including the southern Southern and Badingilo national parks.

History:

People have lived in what is now South Sudan for thousands of years. It was home to various Nilotic, Nilo-Saharan, and Afro-Asiatic ethnic groups, including the Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, and others. These groups developed complex societies with rich cultural traditions and engaged in agriculture, pastoralism, and trade.

During the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, many of the current ethnic groups in South Sudan made their homes there. The Sudan region in 1820, was full of slaves. Sudan was governed by the British and the Egyptians by the end of the nineteenth century. There was a dichotomy of development between the north and south in the country that persisted for several decades. Ethnic divides were made worse by the "divide and rule" policy of the British government. The region was economically and politically marginalized compared to the northern part of Sudan, where most administrative focus was concentrated.

Many governments over the years found it challenging to win the support of the nation's numerous political constituencies after Sudan gained independence in 1956, particularly in the south of Sudan.The new nation’s northern-centric government largely neglected the South, leading to significant tensions. The marginalization and a lack of political representation for the South fostered discontent, resulting in the First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972). Ethnic and regional grievances propelled the northern government and the rebels in the south in this conflict. In 1972, the Addis Ababa Agreement granted autonomy to South Sudan. This period of relative peace allowed for some development and self-governance, but it was short-lived. Tensions continued to simmer, primarily due to the central government's failure to fully implement the agreement and address underlying issues. The Second Sudanese Civil War erupted in 1983, triggered by the central government’s attempt to impose Islamic law and dissolve the autonomy granted to the South. The war was marked by brutal conflict, including widespread atrocities and human rights abuses. The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), led by John Garang, emerged as the primary rebel group fighting for southern autonomy and later independence. The war was also fueled by competition over resources, such as oil, and deep-seated ethnic rivalries. There were large-scale casualties, population dislocation, and general suffering as a result of the fighting. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005 led to the country of South Sudan announcing its independence on July 9, 2011. The CPA granted that, within six years, the country will hold an independence referendum. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the leader of the SPLA, became the country's first president.

In December 2013, a political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar, erupted into a full-blown civil war. The conflict was characterized by severe ethnic violence, primarily between the Dinka (Kiir’s ethnic group) and the Nuer (Machar’s ethnic group). The war caused a humanitarian crisis, with massive displacement, famine, and numerous atrocities. The 2015 peace agreement, brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), aimed to end the conflict but failed to bring lasting peace. Fighting continued intermittently, and the fragile peace process faced numerous setbacks. A new peace agreement was signed in 2018, leading to the formation of a transitional unity government in February 2020. The agreement's major goal was to end the conflict and establish a transitional government that includes representatives from various factions. Nevertheless, execution has been poor and challenging. South Sudan continues to face numerous challenges, including economic difficulties, political instability, corruption, and ongoing ethnic tensions. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with large numbers of people displaced and in need of aid.

Culture:

South Sudan's culture has been greatly influenced by its neighbors as a result of the lengthy civil war. Many South Sudanese who had fled the country ended up in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, where they interacted with the locals and picked up their languages and cultures. Even when living in exile or the diaspora, most South Sudanese place a high value on knowing one's tribal origin, traditional culture, and dialect. English, Swahili, Juba Arabic, their native African language, or a combination of all of these are used frequently by South Sudanese musicians. Drums, flutes, and other native instruments are frequently heard in traditional music, which creates rhythms for a variety of rituals and festivals. Songs and dances are used to convey historical narratives, celebrate communal events, and participate in religious and spiritual practices. Each ethnic group has its unique musical style and dance form. For instance, the Dinka perform a traditional dance called the "Dinka War Dance," characterized by its energetic movements and intricate footwork. The Nuer are renowned for their group dance ceremonies, which are an important part of rites and social events.

Traditional practices play a central role in the cultural life of South Sudan. Social structures vary significantly among the ethnic groups but often include complex systems of clan and tribal affiliations. For instance, the Dinka and Nuer people have intricate social hierarchies and ritual practices that revolve around cattle, which are central to their economy and social status. Marriage ceremonies are significant cultural events, often marked by elaborate rituals and celebrations. In many communities, bride price, typically paid in cattle, is an important aspect of marriage. Traditional dress also varies, with each group having its distinct attire. For example, the Dinka are known for their tall, elaborate headdresses and beadwork, while the Nuer often wear distinctive body paint and scarification as part of their traditional dress.

Staple foods include grains such as sorghum and millet, which are used to make dishes like "kisra" (a type of flatbread) and "posho" (a porridge-like dish). In addition, "fufu," a starchy side dish prepared from yams or cassava, is a popular food. Meat, especially beef and goat, plays a central role in South Sudanese cuisine. One popular dish is "jaja," a stew made with meat and vegetables. Fish is another staple of the diet, especially in the southern parts of the nation, where it is obtained from the Nile and other bodies of water. Traditional meals are often accompanied by communal eating practices, where food is shared from a common dish.

Language:

There are more than 60 indigenous languages spoken in South Sudan, making it a multilingual nation. English, which was first spoken in the area during colonial times, is now the official language of the nation.

Dinka, Nuer, Bari, and Zande are some of the indigenous languages with the highest speaker populations. As a common language, Juba Arabic, an Arabic pidgin spoken by thousands of people primarily in the capital city of Juba, coexists with English.

Geography:

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is located in the northeastern part of Africa. The Central African Republic borders the nation on the west, Kenya and Uganda on the south, Ethiopia on the east, and Sudan on the north. Between latitudes, 3° and 13°N and longitudes 24° and 36°E are where South Sudan is located. Swamps, grassland, and tropical forest are all present there. While traversing the nation, the White Nile passes through Juba.It is predominantly covered by acacia and scrubland. As you move south, the vegetation transitions to savanna grasslands, interspersed with trees like baobabs and palms. The southwestern region features tropical forest areas, although these are less extensive due to deforestation and land use changes. The Sudd wetland area is a significant ecological zone, providing vital habitat for various species of birds, fish, and mammals. This region is crucial for migratory birds and supports large populations of wildlife, including the endangered Shoebill stork and Nile crocodiles. In the northern part of the country, the land is dominated by the Nubian Desert and semi-arid regions. As you move southwards, the terrain shifts to a more humid environment, featuring a mix of savannahs and wetlands. The Sudd is one of the world’s largest wetlands which is located in the central region of South Sudan. The climate of the country is desert in the north and humid in the south. The country experiences a tropical climate with a significant rainy season typically lasting from May to October. During this period, heavy rains can lead to flooding, particularly in the Sudd region. The dry season, which extends from November to April, is characterized by high temperatures and low humidity. South Sudan is sparsely populated compared to its size, with most of its population concentrated in the southern and central regions. The country’s population includes various ethnic groups, each with its own cultural practices and languages. For many South Sudanese, agriculture is their main source of income, and subsistence farming is quite popular. The economy is heavily reliant on oil production, which is concentrated in the northern regions. The second-largest wildlife migration in the world takes place in South Sudan's protected Bandingilo National Park.

FAQs

Q1.What is the official language of South Sudan?

English is the official language of South Sudan.

Q2.What is the capital of South Sudan?

Juba is the capital of South Sudan.

Q3.What is the currency of South Sudan?

South Sudanese pound is the currency of South Sudan.

Q4.What is the climate in South Sudan?

An tropical climate prevails in South Sudan. Highs typically exceed 35°C, with average temperatures typically above 25°C, especially during the dry season.