South Sudan
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is one of the world’s poorest countries .
Located in East-Central Africa it is 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 country was part of of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan for more than 50 years from 1899 to 1956.After two long civil wars with the north of Sudan which was predominantly Arabic , the country voted to secede in an independence referendum
The population was 11 million people in 2023. The country is larger than France but there are less than 200 kilometres of paved roads .The White Nile runs through the country . It also has one of the world’s largest wetlands. It is home to Boma National Park which attracts one of Africa’s largest migrations of antelopes.
The nation is home to diverse ethnic groups and cultures, with vibrant traditions in music, dance, and art.
The major ethnic groups are the Dinka who make up 35% of the population and are dominant in government), the Nuer (15%) and the Shilluk, Bari, Azande and Murle . Although English is the official language indigenous languages are spoken . Christianity is the main religion but mostly animist-influenced.
The capital city is Juba, which serves as the political and economic center. South Sudan is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, which plays a significant role in its economy.
