South Sudan

Introduction & Quick Facts
Land
- Relief
- Drainage and soils
- Climate
- Plant and animal life
People
- Ethnic groups
- Languages
- Religion
- Settlement patterns
- Demographic trends
Economy
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- Resources and power
- Manufacturing
- Finance and trade
- Services
- Labour and taxation
- Transportation and telecommunications
Government and society
- Constitutional framework
  - Constitutional history
  - Current framework
- Local government
- Justice
- Political process
- Security
- Health and welfare
- Education
Cultural life
- Cultural milieu
- Daily life and social customs
- The arts
- Cultural institutions
- Sports and recreation
- Media and publishing
History
- Colonial administration
- Sudanese independence and civil war
- The 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement
- Resumption of civil war
- The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement
- Moving toward southern independence
- Independent South Sudan
  - Continued problems with Sudan
  - Domestic problems

References & Edit History Facts & Stats

Images

Political map of South Sudan showing its national borders with Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. Major cities such as Juba, Malakal, Bentiu, Wau, and Bor are labeled. The map highlights the disputed Abyei region along the northern border with Sudan, noted as having its final status yet to be determined. An inset in the lower left shows South Sudan's location within Africa.

Two children in Terekeka, South Sudan, smile at the camera as one carries a tray of cooked corn on her head. A blue metal gate and wooden fence are visible in the background.

Map of northeastern Africa highlighting South Sudan in orange at the center, with its capital Juba marked. Surrounding countries-Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Central African Republic-are labeled in black text. Major bodies of water, including the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, are also shown.

Physical map of South Sudan highlighting major rivers, wetlands, and national parks. Key features include the White Nile River running north through the country, the large Al-Sudd swamp in the center, Southern National Park and Boma National Park, the Ironstone Plateau in the west, and Mount Kinyeti near the southern border. The map also marks the disputed Abyei region along the northern border with Sudan and shows neighboring countries: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Aerial view of green savanna vegetation with scattered trees and a winding river, photographed over Southern Sudan during the rainy season.

South Sudan: Ethnic composition

South Sudan: Religious affiliation

South Sudan: Urban-rural

At a Glance

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South Sudan summary

South Sudan

country, Africa

Also known as: southern Sudan

Written by

Mohy el Din SabrAll

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026 •History

South Sudan, country located in northeastern Africa. Its rich biodiversity includes lush savannas, swamplands, and rainforests that are home to many species of wildlife. Prior to 2011, South Sudan was part of Sudan, its neighbour to the north. South Sudan’s population, predominantly African cultures who tend to adhere to Christian or animist beliefs, was long at odds with Sudan’s largely Muslim and Arab northern government. South Sudan’s capital is Juba. South Sudan was settled by...

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