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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.002937
AAVE 0.000002
ADA 0.001122
AED 0.000773
AFN 0.013387
AGIX 0.002699
AKT 0.000336
ALGO 0.002352
ALL 0.017260
AMD 0.077481
AMP 0.472070
ANG 0.000380
AOA 0.193379
APE 0.001502
APT 0.000337
AR 0.000105
ARB 0.002633
ARS 0.314278
ATOM 0.000133
ATS 0.002534
AUD 0.000304
AVAX 0.000030
AWG 0.000377
AXS 0.000209
AZM 1.789780
AZN 0.000358
BAKE 0.280228
BAM 0.000360
BAT 0.002391
BBD 0.000421
BCH 0.000001
BDT 0.025957
BEF 0.007430
BGN 0.000360
BHD 0.000079
BIF 0.626846
BMD 0.000211
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000272
BOB 0.001459
BRL 0.001088
BSD 0.000211
BSV 0.000014
BSW 0.629118
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.003973
BTG 0.000730
BTN 0.020061
BTT 793.942827
BUSD 0.000210
BWP 0.002842
BYN 0.000611
BYR 4.127422
BZD 0.000424
CAD 0.000299
CAKE 0.000145
CDF 0.485819
CELO 0.003134
CFX 0.004706
CHF 0.000169
CHZ 0.011663
CLP 0.193970
CNH 0.001430
CNY 0.001429
COMP 0.000013
COP 0.703811
CRC 0.095950
CRO 0.003523
CRV 0.000985
CSPR 0.108419
CUC 0.000211
CUP 0.005580
CVE 0.020309
CVX 0.000175
CYP 0.000108
CZK 0.004455
DAI 0.000211
DASH 0.000006
DCR 0.000019
DEM 0.000360
DFI 0.253442
DJF 0.037500
DKK 0.001377
DOGE 0.002725
DOP 0.012479
DOT 0.000241
DYDX 0.001594
DZD 0.028004
EEK 0.002882
EGLD 0.000076
EGP 0.010343
ENJ 0.007276
EOS 0.002907
ERN 0.003158
ESP 0.030644
ETB 0.033681
ETC 0.000030
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000184
EURC 0.000184
FEI 0.000211
FIL 0.000267
FIM 0.001095
FJD 0.000473
FKP 0.000158
FLOW 0.007514
FLR 0.030293
FRAX 0.000213
FRF 0.001208
FTT 0.000884
GALA 0.091912
GBP 0.000158
GEL 0.000553
GGP 0.000158
GHC 23.921947
GHS 0.002392
GIP 0.000158
GMD 0.015528
GMX 0.000036
GNF 1.846114
GNO 0.000002
GRD 0.062758
GRT 0.011098
GT 0.000031
GTQ 0.001607
GUSD 0.000211
GYD 0.044074
HBAR 0.002789
HKD 0.001651
HNL 0.005637
HNT 0.000879
HOT 0.583499
HRK 0.001388
HT 0.005877
HTG 0.027561
HUF 0.065125
ICP 0.000096
IDR 3.788543
IEP 0.000145
ILS 0.000632
IMP 0.000158
IMX 0.001524
INJ 0.000043
INR 0.020061
IQD 0.276088
IRR 289.751325
ISK 0.026522
ITL 0.356615
JEP 0.000158
JMD 0.033358
JOD 0.000149
JPY 0.034079
KAS 0.006864
KAVA 0.004667
KCS 0.000029
KDA 0.036127
KES 0.027224
KGS 0.018417
KHR 0.844320
KMF 0.090609
KNC 0.001889
KPW 0.189525
KRW 0.322763
KSM 0.000060
KWD 0.000065
KYD 0.000175
KZT 0.099542
LAK 4.760615
LBP 18.909222
LDO 0.000779
LEO 0.000022
LINK 0.000026
LKR 0.070516
LRC 0.017138
LRD 0.038243
LSL 0.003422
LTC 0.000005
LTL 0.000636
LUF 0.007430
LUNA 0.004288
LUNC 3.429625
LVL 0.000129
LYD 0.001351
MAD 0.001972
MANA 0.003026
MBX 0.008372
MDL 0.003706
MGA 0.893527
MGF 4.467636
MINA 0.004441
MKD 0.011346
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.442039
MNT 0.754685
MOP 0.001701
MRO 0.084092
MRU 0.008409
MTL 0.000079
MUR 0.009898
MVR 0.003255
MWK 0.365249
MXN 0.003680
MXV 0.000417
MYR 0.000859
MZM 13.447885
MZN 0.013448
NAD 0.003422
NEAR 0.000106
NEO 0.000106
NEXO 0.000274
NFT 794.514338
NGN 0.288529
NIO 0.007751
NLG 0.000406
NOK 0.002071
NPR 0.032113
NZD 0.000370
OKB 0.000003
OMR 0.000081
ONE 0.168461
OP 0.001959
ORDI 0.000065
PAB 0.000211
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000717
PEPE 77.198164
PGK 0.000926
PHP 0.012952
PI 0.001861
PKR 0.058581
PLN 0.000791
POL 0.002863
PTE 0.036924
PYG 1.280773
QAR 0.000766
QNT 0.000003
QTUM 0.000296
ROL 9.625067
RON 0.000963
RPL 0.000104
RSD 0.021602
RUB 0.016225
RUNE 0.000509
RVN 0.055250
RWF 0.308657
SAND 0.004220
SAR 0.000790
SBD 0.001704
SCR 0.003009
SDD 12.638907
SDG 0.126389
SEK 0.002033
SGD 0.000272
SHIB 48.092482
SHP 0.000158
SIT 0.044136
SKK 0.005548
SLE 0.004809
SLL 4.809235
SNX 0.000920
SOL 0.000003
SOS 0.120240
SPL 0.000035
SRD 0.007927
SRG 7.926541
STD 4.545801
STN 0.004546
STX 0.001231
SUI 0.000282
SVC 0.001842
SYP 0.023276
SZL 0.003422
THB 0.006999
THETA 0.001501
TJS 0.001952
TMM 3.694518
TMT 0.000739
TND 0.000621
TOP 0.000507
TRL 9,857.572919
TRX 0.000641
TRY 0.009858
TTD 0.001427
TUSD 0.000211
TVD 0.000304
TWD 0.006757
TWT 0.000613
TZS 0.553276
UAH 0.009384
UGX 0.769504
UNI 0.000067
USD 0.000211
USDC 0.000211
USDD 0.000211
USDP 0.000211
USDT 0.000211
UYU 0.008475
UZS 2.519968
VAL 0.356615
VEB 13,569,452.519978
VED 0.135682
VEF 13,568.244435
VES 0.135682
VET 0.044635
VND 5.537836
VUV 0.025308
WAVES 0.000792
WEMIX 0.000813
WOO 0.017783
WST 0.000582
XAF 0.120812
XAG 0.000003
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000570
XCG 0.000380
XCH 0.000134
XDC 0.007494
XDR 0.000155
XEC 39.639687
XEM 0.491863
XLM 0.001055
XMR 0.000001
XOF 0.120812
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.021978
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000184
XTZ 0.000846
YER 0.049902
ZAR 0.003422
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.068258
ZMK 3.863675
ZMW 0.003864
ZWD 0.076203
ZWG 0.005648
ZWL 14.112887

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.