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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.001652
AAVE 0.000001
ADA 0.000648
AED 0.000641
AFN 0.011283
AKT 0.000228
ALGO 0.001360
ALL 0.014323
AMD 0.063174
AMP 0.272330
ANG 0.000314
AOA 0.159957
APE 0.001090
APT 0.000213
AR 0.000039
ARB 0.000857
ARS 0.265413
ATOM 0.000096
ATS 0.002143
AUD 0.000251
AVAX 0.000015
AWG 0.000313
AXS 0.000133
AZM 1.484312
AZN 0.000297
BAKE 0.680330
BAM 0.000305
BAT 0.001655
BBD 0.000349
BCH 0.000001
BDT 0.021466
BEF 0.006281
BGN 0.000305
BHD 0.000066
BIF 0.524640
BMD 0.000175
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000223
BOB 0.002095
BRL 0.000873
BSD 0.000175
BSV 0.000009
BSW 0.424358
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.002499
BTG 0.000265
BTN 0.016837
BTT 469.707727
BUSD 0.000175
BWP 0.002403
BYN 0.000533
BYR 3.423076
BZD 0.000351
CAD 0.000249
CAKE 0.000071
CDF 0.403552
CELO 0.001679
CFX 0.003182
CHF 0.000145
CHZ 0.010439
CLP 0.169913
CNH 0.001170
CNY 0.001171
COMP 0.000007
COP 0.558555
CRC 0.079905
CRO 0.002571
CRV 0.000474
CSPR 0.068458
CUC 0.000175
CUP 0.004183
CVE 0.017170
CVX 0.000079
CYP 0.000091
CZK 0.003809
DAI 0.000175
DASH 0.000003
DCR 0.000009
DEM 0.000305
DFI 0.191064
DJF 0.031066
DKK 0.001164
DOGE 0.001842
DOP 0.010465
DOT 0.000141
DYDX 0.001195
DZD 0.023474
EEK 0.002436
EGLD 0.000039
EGP 0.009155
ENJ 0.005275
EOS 0.001718
ERN 0.002619
ESP 0.025907
ETB 0.028404
ETC 0.000020
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000156
EURC 0.000156
FEI 0.000175
FIL 0.000146
FIM 0.000926
FJD 0.000393
FKP 0.000132
FLOW 0.005519
FLR 0.024226
FRAX 0.000176
FRF 0.001021
FTT 0.000676
GALA 0.072074
GBP 0.000132
GEL 0.000453
GGP 0.000132
GHC 20.529778
GHS 0.002053
GIP 0.000132
GMD 0.012924
GMX 0.000020
GNF 1.535311
GNO 0.000001
GRD 0.053057
GRT 0.005997
GT 0.000016
GTQ 0.001333
GUSD 0.000175
GYD 0.036452
HBAR 0.001735
HKD 0.001370
HNL 0.004682
HNT 0.000337
HOT 0.381306
HRK 0.001173
HT 0.004788
HTG 0.022818
HUF 0.057199
ICP 0.000050
IDR 3.128406
IEP 0.000123
ILS 0.000534
IMP 0.000132
IMX 0.000952
INJ 0.000023
INR 0.016837
IQD 0.228291
IRR 314.063334
ISK 0.021321
ITL 0.301490
JEP 0.000132
JMD 0.027633
JOD 0.000124
JPY 0.027610
KAS 0.004070
KAVA 0.002519
KCS 0.000023
KDA 0.017886
KES 0.022668
KGS 0.015272
KHR 0.707414
KLAY 0.004193
KMF 0.076603
KNC 0.001219
KPW 0.157182
KRW 0.234425
KSM 0.000034
KWD 0.000054
KYD 0.000145
KZT 0.079502
LAK 3.918309
LBP 15.747921
LDO 0.000381
LEO 0.000020
LINK 0.000013
LKR 0.057596
LRC 0.017008
LRD 0.029799
LSL 0.002907
LTC 0.000003
LTL 0.000538
LUF 0.006281
LUNA 0.003420
LUNC 3.302506
LVL 0.000109
LYD 0.001120
MAD 0.001743
MANA 0.001689
MBX 0.005904
MDL 0.003130
MGA 0.773306
MGF 3.866531
MINA 0.001296
MKD 0.009580
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.366563
MNT 0.627799
MOP 0.001411
MRO 0.069914
MRU 0.006991
MTL 0.000067
MUR 0.008278
MVR 0.002700
MWK 0.302242
MXN 0.003156
MXV 0.000359
MYR 0.000713
MZM 11.146029
MZN 0.011146
NAD 0.002907
NEAR 0.000033
NEO 0.000069
NEXO 0.000205
NFT 731.784579
NGN 0.230859
NIO 0.006420
NLG 0.000343
NOK 0.001676
NPR 0.026951
NZD 0.000312
OKB 0.000001
OMR 0.000067
ONE 0.001192
OP 0.001299
ORDI 0.000038
PAB 0.000175
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000601
PEPE 40.376722
PGK 0.000787
PHP 0.010974
PI 0.002000
PKR 0.048283
PLN 0.000682
POL 0.001597
PTE 0.031216
PYG 1.020143
QAR 0.000636
QNT 0.000001
QTUM 0.000178
ROL 8.323048
RON 0.000832
RPL 0.000091
RSD 0.018288
RUB 0.014815
RUNE 0.000225
RVN 0.071172
RWF 0.257389
SAND 0.002656
SAR 0.000655
SBD 0.001409
SCR 0.002473
SDD 10.480510
SDG 0.104805
SEK 0.001754
SGD 0.000223
SHIB 29.830876
SHP 0.000132
SIT 0.037313
SKK 0.004691
SLE 0.004026
SLL 4.025905
SNX 0.000697
SOL 0.000001
SOS 0.099352
SPL 0.000029
SRD 0.006584
SRG 6.584288
STD 3.841840
STN 0.003842
STX 0.000466
SUI 0.000146
SVC 0.001528
SYP 2.270757
SZL 0.002907
THB 0.005878
THETA 0.000754
TJS 0.001607
TMM 3.064083
TMT 0.000613
TND 0.000523
TOP 0.000421
TRL 8,587.169394
TRX 0.000520
TRY 0.008587
TTD 0.001182
TUSD 0.000175
TVD 0.000251
TWD 0.005550
TWT 0.000306
TZS 0.460722
UAH 0.007865
UGX 0.702008
UNI 0.000020
USD 0.000175
USDC 0.000175
USDD 0.000175
USDP 0.000176
USDT 0.000175
UYU 0.007054
UZS 2.054104
VAL 0.301490
VEB 15,204,818.089007
VED 0.152048
VEF 15,204.818089
VES 0.152048
VET 0.020010
VND 4.539379
VUV 0.020992
WAVES 0.000585
WEMIX 0.000912
WOO 0.012757
WST 0.000486
XAF 0.102137
XAG 0.000003
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000473
XCG 0.000314
XCH 0.000112
XDC 0.005196
XDR 0.000129
XEC 21.897866
XEM 0.278137
XLM 0.000809
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.102137
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.018581
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000116
XTZ 0.000523
YER 0.041245
ZAR 0.002907
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.047854
ZMK 3.452350
ZMW 0.003452
ZWD 0.063196
ZWG 0.004675
ZWL 11.681320

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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.