(The Republic of South Sudan)<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SouthSudanFlaf.png” alt=”Flag of South Sudan” title_text=”SouthSudanFlaf” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Flag” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”right” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/South-Sudan-Map2.png” alt=”Map of South Sudan” title_text=”South Sudan Map2″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Map” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”|30px||30px” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Tag-Africa.png” alt=”African Continent” title_text=”Tag Africa” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Asia 1 Globe Tag” _builder_version=”4.23″ custom_margin=”|30px||30px” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/South-Sudan-Map.png” alt=”Two tone map of South Sudan” title_text=”South Sudan Map” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/South-Sudan.jpg” alt=”South Sudan” title_text=”South Sudan.” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/desert-1658851_1280.jpg” title_text=”desert-1658851_1280″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Capital<\/strong>: Juba<\/p>\nPopulation (Estimated July 2012)<\/strong>: 10,625,176<\/p>\nArea<\/strong>: 644,330km2\u00a0<\/span><\/sup>or 248,777mi2<\/sup><\/p>\nCurrency<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>South Sudan<\/a> pound (SSP)<\/span><\/p>\nOfficial Language<\/strong>: English<\/p>\nPolitical Information<\/strong>: Presidential Republic<\/p>\nOfficial Religion<\/strong>: No Official Religion
<\/span>(mainly animist and Christian)<\/span><\/p>\nHighest Mountain<\/strong>: Kinyeti at 3,187m or 10,456ft.<\/p>\nGDP Official Exchange Rate\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(OER is more precise at gauging a country’s economic power<\/a>)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n(Estimated 2011)<\/span><\/strong>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\nGDP (OER) Per Capita\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(per member of the population estimated 2011)<\/span><\/em>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nGDP Purchasing Power Parity\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(PPP is good for gauging living conditions and the use of resources but is not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States<\/span>)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\u00a0(Estimated 2011)<\/span><\/strong>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\nGDP (PPP) Per Capita\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(per member of the population estimated 2011)<\/span><\/em>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\nTime Zone (GMT\/UTC)<\/strong>: +3:00\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nWildlife<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCounties\/Provinces\/States<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>10 states; Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nLeaders<\/strong>: President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President Riek Machar\u00a0<\/span>(the president is both chief of state and head of government)<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/strong>Additional<\/strong>: Gained independence from Sudan on the 9th<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span>of July 2011.<\/p>\nSources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
South Sudan<\/h2>\n
South Sudan, the world\u2019s youngest nation, emerged as an independent state on 9 July 2011, following a protracted struggle for autonomy from Sudan. This landlocked country, located in East-Central Africa, is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the south, Uganda to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. With a diverse landscape that includes vast swamps, savannahs, and the Nile River, South Sudan is endowed with rich natural resources and a wealth of cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
However, despite its potential, the nation has faced significant challenges since its inception, including ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. The capital city, Juba, serves as the political and economic hub of South Sudan. The population is predominantly composed of various ethnic groups, with the Dinka and Nuer being the largest.<\/p>\n
The official language is English, although numerous indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country. South Sudan’s independence was celebrated with great hope for a brighter future; however, the reality has often been marred by internal strife and governance issues. Understanding South Sudan requires a deep dive into its historical context, political landscape, economic conditions, cultural dynamics, and the pressing humanitarian challenges it faces.<\/p>\n
Summary<\/h3>\n\n- South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 after years of civil war.<\/li>\n
- The history of South Sudan is marked by conflict, with the country experiencing two civil wars before gaining independence.<\/li>\n
- The political situation in South Sudan is unstable, with ongoing power struggles and ethnic tensions leading to violence and displacement.<\/li>\n
- The economy and development in South Sudan are hindered by the effects of conflict, with high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure.<\/li>\n
- South Sudan’s culture<\/a> and society are diverse, with over 60 different ethnic groups and a rich tradition of music, dance, and storytelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
History of South Sudan<\/h2>\n
The history of South Sudan is marked by a long-standing struggle against marginalisation and oppression by successive governments in Khartoum. The roots of this conflict can be traced back to colonial times when British and Egyptian rule exacerbated regional disparities. After gaining independence in 1956, Sudan was plagued by civil wars that pitted the north against the south.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\nThe first civil war lasted from 1955 to 1972 and ended with the Addis Ababa Agreement, which granted limited autonomy to the south.<\/strong> However, this peace was short-lived, as tensions resurfaced in the late 1980s, leading to a second civil war that lasted from 1983 until 2005. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 marked a significant turning point in South Sudan’s history.<\/p>\nIt provided a framework for governance and autonomy for the south and set the stage for a referendum on independence. In January 2011, an overwhelming majority of South Sudanese voted in favour of secession from Sudan. The birth of South Sudan was celebrated globally as a triumph of self-determination; however, the euphoria was soon overshadowed by internal divisions and power struggles that would lead to renewed violence.<\/p>\n
Political Situation in South Sudan<\/h2>\n
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The political landscape of South Sudan has been tumultuous since its independence. The initial optimism surrounding the formation of a new government quickly dissipated as rival factions emerged within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Tensions between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar escalated into violent conflict in December 2013, resulting in a civil war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.<\/p>\n
The conflict has been characterised by ethnic violence, with Dinka and Nuer communities often pitted against each other. Efforts to broker peace have been ongoing but fraught with challenges. The peace agreement signed in August 2015 aimed to end hostilities and establish a transitional government; however, implementation has been inconsistent.<\/p>\n
A revitalised peace agreement was reached in September 2018, which sought to address some of the underlying issues that fuelled the conflict. Despite these efforts, political instability remains a significant concern, with ongoing clashes between armed groups and persistent allegations of human rights abuses. The lack of effective governance and accountability continues to hinder progress towards lasting peace.<\/p>\n
Economy and Development in South Sudan<\/h2>\n
South Sudan’s economy is heavily reliant on oil production, which accounts for over 90% of government revenue. The country possesses significant oil reserves located primarily in the Unity and Upper Nile states. However, years of conflict have severely impacted infrastructure development and oil production capacity.<\/p>\n
The ongoing instability has deterred foreign investment and hampered efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil. Agriculture holds immense potential for development, given that a large portion of the population relies on subsistence farming; yet, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity have stifled growth in this sector. The economic challenges are compounded by hyperinflation and a lack of basic services such as healthcare and education.<\/p>\n
Population (Estimated July 2012)<\/strong>: 10,625,176<\/p>\n Area<\/strong>: 644,330km2\u00a0<\/span><\/sup>or 248,777mi2<\/sup><\/p>\n Currency<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>South Sudan<\/a> pound (SSP)<\/span><\/p>\n Official Language<\/strong>: English<\/p>\n Political Information<\/strong>: Presidential Republic<\/p>\n Official Religion<\/strong>: No Official Religion Highest Mountain<\/strong>: Kinyeti at 3,187m or 10,456ft.<\/p>\n GDP Official Exchange Rate\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(OER is more precise at gauging a country’s economic power<\/a>)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n (Estimated 2011)<\/span><\/strong>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\n GDP (OER) Per Capita\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(per member of the population estimated 2011)<\/span><\/em>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n GDP Purchasing Power Parity\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(PPP is good for gauging living conditions and the use of resources but is not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States<\/span>)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0(Estimated 2011)<\/span><\/strong>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\n GDP (PPP) Per Capita\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(per member of the population estimated 2011)<\/span><\/em>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/span><\/p>\n Time Zone (GMT\/UTC)<\/strong>: +3:00\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Wildlife<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Counties\/Provinces\/States<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>10 states; Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Leaders<\/strong>: President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President Riek Machar\u00a0<\/span>(the president is both chief of state and head of government)<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Additional<\/strong>: Gained independence from Sudan on the 9th<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span>of July 2011.<\/p>\n Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n South Sudan, the world\u2019s youngest nation, emerged as an independent state on 9 July 2011, following a protracted struggle for autonomy from Sudan. This landlocked country, located in East-Central Africa, is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the south, Uganda to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. With a diverse landscape that includes vast swamps, savannahs, and the Nile River, South Sudan is endowed with rich natural resources and a wealth of cultural heritage.<\/p>\n However, despite its potential, the nation has faced significant challenges since its inception, including ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. The capital city, Juba, serves as the political and economic hub of South Sudan. The population is predominantly composed of various ethnic groups, with the Dinka and Nuer being the largest.<\/p>\n The official language is English, although numerous indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country. South Sudan’s independence was celebrated with great hope for a brighter future; however, the reality has often been marred by internal strife and governance issues. Understanding South Sudan requires a deep dive into its historical context, political landscape, economic conditions, cultural dynamics, and the pressing humanitarian challenges it faces.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The history of South Sudan is marked by a long-standing struggle against marginalisation and oppression by successive governments in Khartoum. The roots of this conflict can be traced back to colonial times when British and Egyptian rule exacerbated regional disparities. After gaining independence in 1956, Sudan was plagued by civil wars that pitted the north against the south.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n The first civil war lasted from 1955 to 1972 and ended with the Addis Ababa Agreement, which granted limited autonomy to the south.<\/strong> However, this peace was short-lived, as tensions resurfaced in the late 1980s, leading to a second civil war that lasted from 1983 until 2005. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 marked a significant turning point in South Sudan’s history.<\/p>\n It provided a framework for governance and autonomy for the south and set the stage for a referendum on independence. In January 2011, an overwhelming majority of South Sudanese voted in favour of secession from Sudan. The birth of South Sudan was celebrated globally as a triumph of self-determination; however, the euphoria was soon overshadowed by internal divisions and power struggles that would lead to renewed violence.<\/p>\n The political landscape of South Sudan has been tumultuous since its independence. The initial optimism surrounding the formation of a new government quickly dissipated as rival factions emerged within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Tensions between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar escalated into violent conflict in December 2013, resulting in a civil war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.<\/p>\n The conflict has been characterised by ethnic violence, with Dinka and Nuer communities often pitted against each other. Efforts to broker peace have been ongoing but fraught with challenges. The peace agreement signed in August 2015 aimed to end hostilities and establish a transitional government; however, implementation has been inconsistent.<\/p>\n A revitalised peace agreement was reached in September 2018, which sought to address some of the underlying issues that fuelled the conflict. Despite these efforts, political instability remains a significant concern, with ongoing clashes between armed groups and persistent allegations of human rights abuses. The lack of effective governance and accountability continues to hinder progress towards lasting peace.<\/p>\n South Sudan’s economy is heavily reliant on oil production, which accounts for over 90% of government revenue. The country possesses significant oil reserves located primarily in the Unity and Upper Nile states. However, years of conflict have severely impacted infrastructure development and oil production capacity.<\/p>\n The ongoing instability has deterred foreign investment and hampered efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil. Agriculture holds immense potential for development, given that a large portion of the population relies on subsistence farming; yet, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity have stifled growth in this sector. The economic challenges are compounded by hyperinflation and a lack of basic services such as healthcare and education.<\/p>\n
<\/span>(mainly animist and Christian)<\/span><\/p>\nSouth Sudan<\/h2>\n
Summary<\/h3>\n
\n
History of South Sudan<\/h2>\n
Political Situation in South Sudan<\/h2>\n
Economy and Development in South Sudan<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n