Africa · Middle Africa

South Sudan

Republic of South Sudan

Flag of South Sudan
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Juba
👥 Population
15,786,898
📐 Area
619,745 km²
💱 Currency
South Sudanese pound (£)
🗣️ Languages
English
📞 Calling Code
+211
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Middle Africa

About South Sudan

South Sudan is the world's youngest country, having achieved independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after decades of devastating civil conflict. Located in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic, it is a vast and largely undeveloped land of immense natural beauty and deep cultural complexity. The country is home to the extraordinary Sudd — one of the world's largest wetlands and a crucial refugium for wildlife and migratory birds — as well as sweeping savannahs and lush greenery in its southern regions.

Travel to South Sudan is not for the faint-hearted. The country has experienced recurring internal conflict since its independence, and large parts remain unsafe for foreign visitors. However, for seasoned travellers and journalists operating within organised, well-supported expeditions, the country offers an extraordinary window into one of Africa's most culturally rich and largely undocumented corners. The Dinka, Nuer, Bari, and dozens of other ethnic groups maintain pastoralist and agropastoral traditions of extraordinary antiquity, and wildlife including large antelope herds, the Nile lechwe, and the elusive shoebill stork can be found in the Sudd and surrounding wetlands.

Juba, the capital, has grown rapidly since independence and houses a small but growing hospitality sector catering primarily to NGO workers, diplomats, and journalists. For those who do visit, South Sudan leaves a lasting impression — not as a conventional tourist destination, but as a place of raw, unfiltered humanity and natural wonder in the making.

History & Background

The region that is now South Sudan was incorporated into British-Egyptian Sudan in the nineteenth century and later administered by Britain as part of the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium. The north-south divide that would eventually lead to independence was foreshadowed by British policies that treated the two regions distinctly — the predominantly Arab and Muslim north and the predominantly African and Christian or animist south developed under very different administrative frameworks.

The First Sudanese Civil War (1955–1972) and the far more devastating Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005) resulted in the deaths of over two million people and the displacement of millions more. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement paved the way for a referendum in 2011, in which an overwhelming 98.83% of southern Sudanese voted for independence. South Sudan became the world's 193rd recognised country on July 9, 2011 — a moment of jubilation quickly overshadowed by renewed civil conflict between 2013 and 2018, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. A peace agreement signed in 2018 brought a fragile but meaningful reduction in large-scale fighting.

Culture & People

South Sudan is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa, with over 60 distinct ethnic groups and more than 60 languages spoken across its territory. The Dinka are the largest group, followed by the Nuer, and both communities are defined by a profound attachment to cattle, which represent wealth, status, social connection, and spiritual identity. Cattle raids, elaborate coming-of-age ceremonies, and intricately scarified skin patterns are central to the cultural identity of many groups in the country's interior.

Music, dance, and oral poetry carry enormous importance in South Sudanese society. The communal dances of the Dinka and Nuer — performed at weddings, seasonal celebrations, and community gatherings — are expressions of communal identity and joy. Christianity, brought by missionaries during British colonial administration, is the dominant religion in much of the south, though traditional animist beliefs remain deeply interwoven with daily life. Despite the immense hardships the country has endured, South Sudanese culture exhibits a remarkable vitality and warmth that surprises many first-time visitors to Juba.

Food & Cuisine

South Sudanese cuisine reflects the country's pastoral and agricultural traditions. Asida, a thick porridge made from sorghum or maize flour, is the staple food across most of the country and is eaten with stewed vegetables, dried fish, groundnut sauce, or the occasional meat dish. Ful medames — slow-cooked fava beans — reflects the cultural influence from the north and is popular in Juba, where it is commonly eaten for breakfast with flatbread and oil.

Juba's restaurant scene, though modest, has grown considerably since independence, catering to the large NGO and diplomatic community. You will find Ugandan, Ethiopian, Kenyan, and Western food alongside South Sudanese staples. The Nile perch, caught fresh from the White Nile, is a popular and excellent fish choice grilled or fried. Fresh tropical fruits including mangoes, papayas, and watermelons are abundant and cheap. Alcohol is available in Juba but less so in more conservative areas.

Top Attractions

  • The Sudd Wetlands — One of the world's largest freshwater wetlands, home to extraordinary birdlife including the prehistoric shoebill stork, and hosting Africa's second-largest animal migration — the white-eared kob.
  • Juba Waterfront — The banks of the White Nile in the capital offer riverside restaurants, sunset views, and a focal point for Juba's slowly developing social scene.
  • Boma National Park — A vast, remote park in eastern South Sudan that hosts huge populations of tiang antelope and is part of one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife migration corridors.
  • Nimule National Park — On the border with Uganda, this relatively accessible park supports elephant, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile populations along the Nile.
  • Dinka Cultural Villages — With proper guidance and permission, visits to Dinka communities in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region provide extraordinary cultural encounters with one of Africa's most distinctive pastoral peoples.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Register with your country's embassy or consulate in Juba immediately on arrival and maintain regular contact; the security situation can change rapidly and evacuation plans need to be in place.
  • Carry your visa and all documentation in original form at all times; checkpoints are common and security forces will inspect your papers.
  • US dollars are the most widely used foreign currency; bring crisp, undamaged notes as older or torn bills are often refused.
  • Arrange travel with a reputable local fixer or NGO-affiliated logistics provider; independent travel outside Juba carries significant risks that most solo travellers are not equipped to manage.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is essential — South Sudan has one of the highest malaria burdens in the world, and mosquito nets and strong repellent are mandatory.
  • Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints, soldiers, or government buildings under any circumstances; this is a serious offence that can result in detention.

Visa Overview

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter South Sudan. Tourist visas must be obtained in advance from a South Sudanese embassy or high commission; visa on arrival is not reliably available. The application process requires a valid passport, passport photos, a completed application form, and supporting letters from your employer or organisation. Processing times vary. Journalists require a separate media accreditation. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. All travellers are strongly advised to check current travel advisories from their government before applying, as access and safety conditions vary significantly across the country.

Getting Around

Transport infrastructure in South Sudan is extremely limited. Juba has paved roads and regular matatu minibuses and boda-boda motorcycle taxis, but travel outside the capital by road is often only possible with a 4WD vehicle and local knowledge of current conditions. Small charter aircraft operated by NGOs and private companies are frequently the only practical way to reach regional towns during or after the rainy season. The Nile is navigable and used for cargo and some passenger traffic. Hiring a vehicle with a local driver and fixer is strongly recommended for any travel outside Juba.

Safety Notes

South Sudan remains a high-risk destination and most governments advise against all non-essential travel to many areas. Armed conflict, banditry, and intercommunal violence have affected large parts of the country at various times since independence. Juba is relatively more stable but not without risk. Carjacking and armed robbery occur. Any travel requires thorough security briefings, communication equipment, emergency contacts, and ideally affiliation with an established NGO or reputable tour operator with on-ground security resources. Check your government's latest travel advisory immediately before any planned trip.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in South Sudan.

South Sudanese pound (SSP) £
Updated: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.002318
AAVE 0.000002
ADA 0.000844
AED 0.000779
AFN 0.013258
AKT 0.000263
ALGO 0.001975
ALL 0.017408
AMD 0.078062
AMP 0.253507
ANG 0.000382
AOA 0.194835
APE 0.001471
APT 0.000225
AR 0.000099
ARB 0.001815
ARS 0.296119
ATOM 0.000103
ATS 0.002507
AUD 0.000297
AVAX 0.000023
AWG 0.000380
AXS 0.000181
AZM 1.802906
AZN 0.000361
BAKE 0.286876
BAM 0.000356
BAT 0.002189
BBD 0.000424
BCH 0.000001
BDT 0.026064
BEF 0.007350
BGN 0.000356
BHD 0.000080
BIF 0.631879
BMD 0.000212
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000272
BOB 0.001470
BRL 0.001063
BSD 0.000212
BSV 0.000014
BSW 0.247807
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.000551
BTN 0.020445
BTT 659.273966
BUSD 0.000212
BWP 0.002884
BYN 0.000583
BYR 5.832887
BZD 0.000427
CAD 0.000292
CAKE 0.000150
CDF 0.486772
CELO 0.002636
CFX 0.003602
CHF 0.000167
CHZ 0.004314
CLP 0.191113
CNH 0.001443
CNY 0.001443
COMP 0.000010
COP 0.805819
CRC 0.096024
CRO 0.003035
CRV 0.000899
CSPR 0.071801
CUC 0.000212
CUP 0.005089
CVE 0.020091
CVX 0.000122
CYP 0.000107
CZK 0.004429
DAI 0.000212
DASH 0.000005
DCR 0.000013
DEM 0.000356
DFI 0.216000
DJF 0.037742
DKK 0.001362
DOGE 0.002034
DOP 0.012556
DOT 0.000170
DYDX 0.001466
DZD 0.028159
EEK 0.002851
EGLD 0.000054
EGP 0.011310
ENJ 0.004938
EOS 0.002622
ERN 0.003182
ESP 0.030316
ETB 0.033399
ETC 0.000024
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000182
EURC 0.000182
FEI 0.000213
FIL 0.000220
FIM 0.001083
FJD 0.000468
FKP 0.000158
FLOW 0.005878
FLR 0.025392
FRAX 0.000214
FRF 0.001195
FTT 0.000656
GALA 0.063083
GBP 0.000158
GEL 0.000567
GGP 0.000158
GHC 24.264726
GHS 0.002426
GIP 0.000158
GMD 0.015669
GMX 0.000032
GNF 1.860546
GNO 0.000002
GRD 0.062085
GRT 0.008433
GT 0.000030
GTQ 0.001617
GUSD 0.000213
GYD 0.044361
HBAR 0.002356
HKD 0.001661
HNL 0.005642
HNT 0.000258
HOT 0.534581
HRK 0.001373
HT 0.001463
HTG 0.027762
HUF 0.065701
ICP 0.000082
IDR 3.759600
IEP 0.000143
ILS 0.000616
IMP 0.000158
IMX 0.001246
INJ 0.000041
INR 0.020445
IQD 0.277914
IRR 279.589493
ISK 0.026128
ITL 0.352792
JEP 0.000158
JMD 0.033540
JOD 0.000150
JPY 0.033711
KAS 0.006138
KAVA 0.003683
KCS 0.000026
KDA 0.025499
KES 0.027429
KGS 0.018554
KHR 0.850692
KLAY 0.004078
KMF 0.089638
KNC 0.001477
KPW 0.190891
KRW 0.319256
KSM 0.000043
KWD 0.000065
KYD 0.000176
KZT 0.099526
LAK 4.652434
LBP 19.014842
LDO 0.000596
LEO 0.000021
LINK 0.000022
LKR 0.070639
LRC 0.013088
LRD 0.038874
LSL 0.003531
LTC 0.000004
LTL 0.000629
LUF 0.007350
LUNA 0.003351
LUNC 2.698577
LVL 0.000128
LYD 0.001347
MAD 0.001952
MANA 0.002407
MBX 0.005417
MDL 0.003671
MGA 0.887524
MGF 4.437618
MINA 0.003713
MKD 0.011228
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.445262
MNT 0.759122
MOP 0.001711
MRO 0.084805
MRU 0.008481
MTL 0.000078
MUR 0.010029
MVR 0.003276
MWK 0.369161
MXN 0.003670
MXV 0.000415
MYR 0.000843
MZM 13.547283
MZN 0.013547
NAD 0.003531
NEAR 0.000131
NEO 0.000073
NEXO 0.000238
NFT 749.940815
NGN 0.290810
NIO 0.007797
NLG 0.000402
NOK 0.001967
NPR 0.032727
NZD 0.000362
OKB 0.000003
OMR 0.000082
ONE 0.103477
OP 0.001652
ORDI 0.000051
PAB 0.000212
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000726
PEPE 57.596402
PGK 0.000937
PHP 0.013089
PI 0.001397
PKR 0.059094
PLN 0.000773
POL 0.002333
PTE 0.036528
PYG 1.290970
QAR 0.000772
QNT 0.000003
QTUM 0.000235
ROL 9.491731
RON 0.000949
RPL 0.000122
RSD 0.021385
RUB 0.015372
RUNE 0.000474
RVN 0.038378
RWF 0.310123
SAND 0.002945
SAR 0.000795
SBD 0.001698
SCR 0.003114
SDD 12.731245
SDG 0.127312
SEK 0.001996
SGD 0.000272
SHIB 36.798459
SHP 0.000158
SIT 0.043663
SKK 0.005489
SLE 0.004858
SLL 4.858255
SNX 0.000685
SOL 0.000002
SOS 0.121205
SPL 0.000035
SRD 0.007896
SRG 7.895596
STD 4.512073
STN 0.004512
STX 0.000888
SUI 0.000200
SVC 0.001856
SYP 0.023445
SZL 0.003531
THB 0.006919
THETA 0.001074
TJS 0.001974
TMM 3.719510
TMT 0.000744
TND 0.000616
TON 0.000105
TOP 0.000505
TRL 9,668.519258
TRX 0.000595
TRY 0.009669
TTD 0.001439
TUSD 0.000212
TVD 0.000297
TWD 0.006711
TWT 0.000444
TZS 0.551904
UAH 0.009363
UGX 0.799362
UNI 0.000060
USD 0.000212
USDC 0.000212
USDD 0.000212
USDP 0.000212
USDT 0.000212
UYU 0.008502
UZS 2.552062
VAL 0.352792
VEB 10,972,785.970304
VED 0.109723
VEF 10,972.296439
VES 0.109723
VET 0.031488
VND 5.584832
VUV 0.025184
WAVES 0.000558
WEMIX 0.000785
WOO 0.012559
WST 0.000572
XAF 0.119517
XAG 0.000003
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000574
XCG 0.000382
XCH 0.000076
XDC 0.006823
XDR 0.000155
XEC 28.915403
XEM 0.318700
XLM 0.001445
XMR 0.000001
XOF 0.119517
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.021742
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000153
XTZ 0.000620
YER 0.050613
ZAR 0.003531
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.053949
ZMK 4.008799
ZMW 0.004009
ZWD 0.076761
ZWG 0.005496
ZWL 13.732258

No currencies match your search.

Cities in South Sudan 185
Browse all cities and towns
Abiemnhom Abukadara Adong Aduel Agangrial Akak Akobo Town Akuem Alek Anyidi Aroyo Atar Aweil Bagari Baliet Ban Jallo Barriak Bauw Bazi Bëntiw Bereka Bisellia Boma Bor Bunj Bwong Canal CITY OF KAJO KEJI Cueibet Cuhudum dhuɔrɛdiŋ Dik Mareeng Diŋkar Dok Dɔmɛ Duk Padiet Duk Payuel El Seriha Ezo Gadiang Geigar Girbanat Gogrial Gok Machar Gui̱t Gumuruk HILAL (CAMP-15) Huntau Ibba Ikotos Jalhak jamam town Jambo Jau Juba Kajo Keji Kaka Kapoeta Kassangor Kaya Kediba Keyala Ki̱ec Kun Kimotong Knich köbɛ Ko̱c Kodok Kuajiena Kuajok KuanyLualThɔ̱a̱n Labone Lafon Lainya Lankien Lɛ̈r Liet-Nhom Likuangole Lobira Lui Mabior Mabior Madiŋ Magwi Maiwut Malakal Malek Alel Mandɛ̈ŋ Mankien Maper Maridi Mathiaŋ Mayiandi̱t Mayɔm Melut Minkamman Mir Mir Mogiri Moli Mongalla Morobo Motot Mulbok Mundri Mvolo Nadupongor Nagero Narus New Fangak New Palouch Ngauro Nhialdiu Nimni Nimule Nyal Nyamliell Nyang Nyin Akok Nzara Old Fangak Owiny Kibul Padak Pagak (South Sudan) Paguir Pajok Pajut Paloich Panipandiar Panyi̱ji̱ar Pariak Pariang Pibor Pochalla Poktap Pulchol Pulturuk Raja Renk Riang Riang Aketh Rier Market Riwoto Rokon Romich Ruath-Nyibol Rubkona Market Rumbek Rupkuai Shambe Tali Tambura Terekeka Thiet Tindalo Tonga Tonj Torakit Tore Torit Turalei Turaybah Ulaŋ Wa̱a̱t Wadakona Walgak Wanyjok Waŋkɛy Warrap Wau Wau Weenyal Werngueny Wernyol Wonduruba Wulu Yambio Yei Yida Yi̱o̱d Yirol Yuai أكوك Agok أم حجار المقينص كافيا كنجي

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of South Sudan needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of South Sudan?
The capital of South Sudan is Juba.
What currency does South Sudan use?
South Sudan uses the South Sudanese pound (£) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in South Sudan?
The official language(s) of South Sudan include English.
What is the population of South Sudan?
South Sudan has a population of approximately 15,786,898 people.
What region is South Sudan in?
South Sudan is located in Africa, specifically in the Middle Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for South Sudan?
The international dialing code for South Sudan is +211.
What time zones does South Sudan observe?
South Sudan observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in South Sudan?
The local time in South Sudan is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of South Sudan?
South Sudan covers a total area of 619,745 km².
How many states or provinces does South Sudan have?
South Sudan is divided into 12 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in South Sudan in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for South Sudan in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of South Sudan?
Visa requirements for citizens of South Sudan vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.