South Sudan’s estimated population is 11,088,796, and 52% of people are under 18. Urban residents make up only 24.08%, while infant mortality reaches 65.3 deaths per 1,000 live births and literacy for adults aged 15 and above sits at 34.52%. The demographic pressure shows up alongside displacement and uneven health and education coverage across regions.
Key Takeaways
- South Sudan's population density is 21 people per square kilometer, one of the lowest in Africa.
- GDP per capita (PPP) in South Sudan is $516, one of the lowest worldwide.
- South Sudan covers a total land area of 619,745 square kilometers, ranking it as the 44th largest country globally by land area.
- Under-5 mortality rate is 90 deaths per 1,000 live births in South Sudan.
- South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after 98.83% referendum vote.
South Sudan’s recent statistics show slow progress in key development indicators despite persistent challenges.
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographics and Population30 stats
01
South Sudan's population density is 21 people per square kilometer, one of the lowest in Africa.
02
As of 2023, South Sudan's total population is estimated at 11,088,796, with 52% under 18 years old.
03
Females constitute 51.2% of South Sudan's population, totaling approximately 5.67 million women.
04
The median age in South Sudan is 17.9 years, reflecting a very youthful demographic structure.
05
Urban population in South Sudan is only 24.08%, with Juba housing 36% of urban dwellers.
06
Life expectancy at birth is 59.67 years for males and 62.44 years for females as of 2023.
07
Total fertility rate stands at 4.83 children per woman, highest in the world per some metrics.
08
Infant mortality rate is 65.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, among the highest globally.
09
Net migration rate is -11.5 migrants per 1,000 population due to conflict and refugees.
10
Ethnic Dinka group comprises 35-40% of population, approximately 4 million individuals.
11
Over 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees are hosted in neighboring countries as of 2023.
12
Literacy rate for adults aged 15+ is 34.52%, with male literacy at 41% and female at 28%.
13
Youth unemployment rate (15-24 years) exceeds 40%, exacerbating economic pressures.
14
Religious composition: 60% animist, 32% Christian, 6% Muslim, 2% other.
15
Average household size is 6.5 persons, highest in East Africa.
16
Population growth rate is 4.65% annually, driven by high birth rates.
17
Internally displaced persons total 1.9 million as of mid-2023.
18
Over 83% of population practices subsistence farming or pastoralism.
19
Maternal mortality ratio is 1,150 deaths per 100,000 live births.
20
Population projected to reach 20 million by 2040 at current growth rates.
21
Nuer ethnic group second largest at 15-20%, about 1.8 million.
22
2.4 million South Sudanese refugees globally as of 2023 UNHCR.
23
Dependency ratio is 99 dependents per 100 working-age population.
24
Shilluk and Azande together form 12% of population.
25
60% of population nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralists.
26
Crude birth rate 35.7 per 1,000 population annually.
27
Death rate 8.1 per 1,000, yielding natural increase of 2.7%.
28
Juba population 525,000, growing 5% yearly.
29
Over 250 ethnic groups, with 60+ languages spoken.
30
38% of population aged 0-14, 59% 15-64, 3% 65+.
Interpretation
Demographics and Population Interpretation
Despite having space for everyone, South Sudan's story is one of a tragically crowded youth—bursting with future yet stretched thin by displacement, loss, and a relentless battle for survival on its own vast land.
02 · Category
Economy and Resources30 stats
01
GDP per capita (PPP) in South Sudan is $516,one of the lowest worldwide.
02
Oil accounts for 98% of South Sudan's export revenues, producing 147,000 barrels per day in 2022.
03
Total GDP (nominal) was $4.87 billion USD in 2022, contracting 12% from prior year.
04
Inflation rate reached 387.1% in 2023, world's highest hyperinflation case.
05
Agriculture employs 78% of workforce but contributes only 15% to GDP due to low productivity.
06
Foreign direct investment inflow was $186 million in 2021, mainly in oil sector.
07
South Sudan's external debt stock is $1.6 billion, 33% of GDP.
08
Proven oil reserves are 3.5 billion barrels, with Unity and Upper Nile fields dominant.
09
Livestock population includes 11.8 million cattle, valued at over $1 billion.
10
Sorghum production totals 1.2 million metric tons annually, staple for 90% of diet.
11
Unemployment rate is estimated at 35.43%, with underemployment over 60%.
12
Gold artisanal mining produces 2-3 tons yearly, informal sector worth $200 million.
13
Public expenditure on wages is 45% of total budget, straining fiscal resources.
14
Remittances inflow $1.4 billion annually, 25% of GDP equivalent.
15
Electricity access rate is 7.3%, with 93% relying on biomass for energy.
16
Fisheries output from Nile is 10,000 tons yearly, supporting 50,000 livelihoods.
17
Budget deficit averages 8.5% of GDP, financed by oil revenues and arrears.
18
Timber exports, though illegal, valued at $50 million annually from equatorial forests.
19
South Sudan GDP growth -4.35% in 2022 due to oil disruptions.
20
Oil production peaked at 350,000 bpd pre-2012, now halved.
21
90% of oil exported via Sudan pipeline to Port Sudan.
22
Sesame seed exports 45,000 tons yearly, second revenue source.
23
Gum arabic production 20,000 tons, global top supplier.
24
Poverty rate 82.3% below $2.15 PPP line.
25
Banking assets total $1.2 billion, penetration 5% of adults.
26
Mobile money accounts 2.5 million, 25% of adults.
27
Teak and mahogany logging yields $100 million illicit trade.
28
Fish exports to Uganda $15 million annually pre-floods.
29
Road network 7,000 km, only 300 km paved.
30
Aid dependency 90% of budget, $1.5 billion yearly inflows.
Interpretation
Economy and Resources Interpretation
South Sudan's economy is a paradox of immense potential and desperate hardship, where a river of oil flows through a desert of development, leaving its people with a billion-dollar herd of cattle but no paved road to market.
03 · Category
Geography and Environment30 stats
01
South Sudan covers a total land area of 619,745 square kilometers, ranking it as the 44th largest country globally by land area.
02
The White Nile River, known locally as Bahr al Jabal, flows through South Sudan for approximately 1,200 kilometers within its borders.
03
South Sudan experiences a tropical climate with average annual rainfall ranging from 500 mm in the north to 2,000 mm in the southern highlands.
04
The Sudd wetland, the largest freshwater swamp in the world, spans over 15,000 square kilometers in South Sudan during the rainy season.
05
South Sudan's highest point is Kinyeti Peak at 3,187 meters above sea level in the Dongotona Mountains.
06
Approximately 8% of South Sudan's land area is arable, supporting subsistence agriculture for over 80% of the population.
07
South Sudan shares a 1,055 km border with Sudan to the north, characterized by arid savanna and desert fringes.
08
The Boma National Park in South Sudan covers 22,800 square kilometers and is home to diverse wildlife including white-eared kob.
09
South Sudan's average elevation is 720 meters, with vast plains dominating 70% of its terrain.
10
Forest cover in South Sudan stands at about 11.3% of total land area, equating to 70,000 square kilometers.
11
The Jonglei Canal project, if completed, would be 360 km long to divert Nile waters through the Sudd.
12
South Sudan has over 5,000 kilometers of navigable waterways during the rainy season, primarily the White Nile.
13
Annual deforestation rate in South Sudan is 2.1%, leading to loss of 1,500 square kilometers of forest yearly.
14
South Sudan's coastal length is 0 km as it is landlocked, relying on Sudan for Red Sea access.
15
The Imatong Mountains in Eastern Equatoria reach up to 1,396 meters and support unique montane forests.
16
South Sudan receives an average of 988 mm of annual precipitation, with 90% falling between May and October.
17
Over 40% of South Sudan's territory is covered by swamps and wetlands, affecting infrastructure development.
18
The country has 12 major river basins, with the Nile system draining 99% of its surface water.
19
South Sudan's soil types include vertisols covering 30% of arable land, ideal for sorghum cultivation.
20
Biodiversity hotspots in South Sudan include over 200 bird species in Bandingilo National Park.
21
South Sudan has a total land area of 644,329 square kilometers including water bodies.
22
The Sudd region expands to 30,000 sq km in wet seasons, impeding navigation.
23
South Sudan's lowest point is the White Nile at 400 meters elevation.
24
Over 1 million hectares of permanent swamps exist year-round.
25
Annual temperature average is 27.6°C, with highs of 43°C in dry season.
26
South Sudan hosts 12 national parks and reserves covering 10% of land.
27
Iron ore deposits estimated at 2 billion tons in Boda Hills.
28
75% of land suitable for grazing, supporting nomadic herding.
29
Earthquake risk low, with magnitude 5.0 events rare per USGS.
30
South Sudan borders 5 countries: Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, DRC totaling 5,413 km.
Interpretation
Geography and Environment Interpretation
South Sudan is a land of vast, untamed contradictions, where 40% of the country is swallowed by life-giving swamps that also strangle development, 80% of its people survive on a mere 8% of arable land, and its greatest natural wealth is matched only by its profound environmental and infrastructural vulnerability.
More related reading
04 · Category
Health and Education30 stats
01
Under-5 mortality rate is 90 deaths per 1,000 live births in South Sudan.
02
HIV prevalence among adults 15-49 is 2.5%, affecting 190,000 people.
03
Only 6.7% of births are attended by skilled health personnel.
04
Malaria accounts for 25% of all hospital admissions and 9% of deaths.
05
Immunization coverage for DTP3 vaccine is 75% among one-year-olds.
06
There are 0.2 physicians per 1,000 population, far below WHO recommendation.
07
Adult literacy rate is 34.5%, with rural rates dropping to 20%.
08
Net primary school enrollment is 62%, but completion rate only 38%.
09
Gender parity index in primary education is 0.92, favoring boys slightly.
10
Tuberculosis incidence is 97 cases per 100,000 population annually.
11
Only 19% of population has access to improved sanitation facilities.
12
Stunting affects 31% of children under 5 due to chronic malnutrition.
13
Government health expenditure is 2.4% of GDP, below Abuja Declaration target.
14
Youth literacy rate (15-24) is 43%, with females at 37%.
15
48% of schools lack clean water, impacting 1.7 million pupils.
16
Hepatitis B prevalence is 8.5% among general population.
17
Primary school pupil-teacher ratio is 48:1, highest in region.
18
7 million people face acute food insecurity, per IPC Phase 3+.
19
Contraceptive prevalence rate is 4.6% among married women.
20
Tertiary enrollment rate is 2.3%, with only 3 universities operational.
21
Wasting affects 7.1% of under-5 children, acute malnutrition crisis.
22
55% of health facilities non-functional due to conflict.
23
Polio vaccination coverage 82% after 2020 outbreak.
24
Non-communicable diseases rising, 15% of deaths hypertension/diabetes.
25
1.5 million children out of school, 70% of primary age.
26
Teacher absenteeism 50% in rural areas.
27
83% lack basic drinking water services.
28
Mental health disorders affect 50% post-trauma population.
29
Secondary net enrollment 12%, dropout 40% after grade 5.
30
Neglected tropical diseases: 4 million at risk for onchocerciasis.
Interpretation
Health and Education Interpretation
South Sudan presents a grim paradox of resilience, where a child is statistically more likely to die before turning five than to be born with a skilled attendant, more likely to suffer from stunting than to have a teacher present in an overcrowded classroom, and where the very hospitals meant to save lives are themselves under attack and understaffed, painting a portrait of a nation systematically dismantled from its foundations of health, education, and hope.
05 · Category
Politics and Security30 stats
01
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after 98.83% referendum vote.
02
Civil war from 2013-2018 displaced 4 million and killed 383,000.
03
Current constitution adopted 2011, with 10 states increased to 32 counties in 2015.
04
President Salva Kiir has been in power since independence, re-elected in 2018 with 82%.
05
Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict (R-ARCSS) signed September 2018 by 8 parties.
06
Over 1,100 political violence events recorded in 2022 by ACLED.
07
Corruption Perceptions Index rank 177/180, score 13/100 in 2022.
08
Military expenditure 6.3% of GDP, highest globally per capita.
09
85,000 child soldiers recruited since 2013, per UN reports.
10
Freedom House rates South Sudan "Not Free" with score 11/100.
11
Inter-communal violence killed 4,000 in 2022, mainly cattle raids.
12
UNMISS peacekeeping force has 13,000 troops deployed since 2011.
13
Gender-based violence affects 65% of women, per MSF data.
14
7.7 million voters registered for 2018 elections, turnout 64%.
15
Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) holds 514/332 parliamentary seats.
16
Arms embargo imposed by UNSC Resolution 2206 since 2015.
17
195 political parties registered, but opposition fragmented.
18
Homicide rate 14.4 per 100,000, driven by conflict.
19
Transitional government extended to 2025 per 2022 roadmap.
20
2.2 million excess deaths from 2013-2018 war per LSE study.
21
Parliamentary seats 332 transitional, 30% women quota unmet.
22
1,800 ceasefire violations recorded 2022 by CTSAM.
23
SPLM-IO controls 20% territory per UN estimates.
24
1.1 million small arms in civilian hands.
25
Press Freedom Index rank 140/180, score 42.3.
26
52 journalists detained/arrested in 2022.
27
Oil revenue sharing 60/40 Sudan-South Sudan per 2011 agreement.
28
National Legislative Assembly sessions disrupted 70% of time.
29
IGAD-mediated talks held 15 rounds since 2011.
30
Rape cases 85% unreported, 1,300 verified 2022.
Interpretation
Politics and Security Interpretation
Despite a near-unanimous vote for independence that promised freedom, South Sudan has tragically traded one master for many, charting a course from jubilant nationhood into a brutal labyrinth of perpetual conflict, corruption, and statistical horror where the only things that seem to grow reliably are military budgets, body counts, and the number of administrative divisions.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). South Sudan Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/south-sudan-statistics
MLA
Karl Becker. "South Sudan Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/south-sudan-statistics.
Chicago
Karl Becker. 2026. "South Sudan Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/south-sudan-statistics.
Sources & references
86 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level