Children in en:Yambio, West Equatorial South Sudan

w:Luol Deng playing with the w:Chicago Bulls

Two Mi17 helicopters at Juba Airport in Southern Sudan, after b…

South Sudan

Country Information of South Sudan

South Sudan is the world's newest sovereign state, having gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 after decades of civil conflict. Located in northeastern Africa, the country is landlocked and bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democrati...

Capital

Juba

Languages

English

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Yei,Malakal,Wau,Juba,Gogrial,Rumbek,Bor,Maridi,Bentiu,Kapoeta

Major Cities

Yei

Malakal

Wau

Juba

Gogrial

What Expats Say About South SudanBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for South Sudan. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in South Sudan

Life Expectancy

56.8

Population

11,193,729

Religions

Christianity

60.5%

Folk Religion

32.9%

Islam

6.2%

Ethnic Composition

Currently under research

Climate & Weather in South Sudan

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Safety & Security in South Sudan

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

South Sudan

Africa Average

Safety Index

Critical

Safety from Crime

Dangerous

Safe Alone (Day)

Low

Safe Alone (Night)

Critical

Safety from Violent Crime

Dangerous

Safety from Property Crime

Dangerous

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Critical

Healthcare Quality

Critical

Emergency Response

Critical

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 211 (limited availability)

• Ambulance Response: 30-60 minutes in urban areas, up to 2-3 hours in rural regions

• Hospital Coverage: Limited healthcare infrastructure with significant challenges

• Trauma Centers: Minimal specialized emergency facilities

• Language Support: English available in major cities

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 211

• Medical: 211

• Police: 999

• Fire: 998

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~45 minutes

• Rural areas: ~120 minutes

Hospital System:

Severely limited healthcare system with minimal infrastructure, primarily dependent on international humanitarian support

Major Trauma Centers:

Juba

Language Support:

English is official language, but local language interpretation may be challenging

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in South Sudan

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for South Sudan

Photo Gallery of South Sudan

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Living Costs in South Sudan

Extremely challenging economic environment with limited reliable cost of living data. Basic expenses are high due to ongoing economic instability and limited infrastructure.

Crime & Safety in South Sudan

Extremely high crime rates with significant safety risks, primarily due to ongoing political instability, tribal conflicts, and limited law enforcement capabilities.

Safety Index: 20.40 | Crime Level: 79.60

Health System in South Sudan

Severely underdeveloped healthcare system with minimal infrastructure, limited medical facilities, and extremely low accessibility for most population.

Quality Rating: 2.1/10

Advantages in South Sudan

Abundant natural resources and potential for economic development
Young population with potential for future growth
Strategic location in East African region
Diverse ethnic and cultural landscape

Disadvantages in South Sudan

Ongoing political instability and frequent armed conflicts
Extremely poor infrastructure and limited basic services
High poverty rates and economic vulnerability
Limited educational and professional opportunities

Government & Politics in South Sudan

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Economic Overview in South Sudan

Index

GDP

N/A

HDI

0.4

Quality of Life

N/A

NYC baseline: 43

Purchasing Power

N/A

NYC baseline: 42

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in South Sudan. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in South Sudan

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

N/A

Avg: N/A

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

65-170.92 SSP

Avg: 117.96 SSP

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.47-7 SSP

Avg: 6.23 SSP

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

N/A

Avg: N/A

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

N/A

Avg: N/A

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

N/A

Avg: N/A

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

N/A

Avg: N/A

Transportation Costs

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

5.33-22 SSP

Avg: 13.66 SSP

Gasoline (1 liter)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

5.69-12 SSP

Avg: 8.85 SSP

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Utilities & Communications Costs

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Eggs (regular) (12)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Local Cheese (1kg)

7.33-12 SSP

Avg: 9.66 SSP

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

N/A

Avg: N/A

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

N/A

Avg: N/A

Last updated: 2025-07-05

Education System in South Sudan

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in South Sudan

South Sudan's transportation infrastructure remains underdeveloped and fragmented, reflecting the country's recent independence and ongoing recovery from conflict. The transport system comprises limited road networks, minimal rail infrastructure, river transport corridors, and a small airport network. While the government has launched an ambitious Transport Sector Policy (2026-2036) to modernize connectivity, current mobility options are severely constrained by poor road conditions, with only 2% of roads paved and most impassable during wet seasons. The country faces significant challenges in providing reliable transportation for residents and visitors, though strategic investments in key corridors and regional connectivity are underway.

Public Transport

Poor

Road Infrastructure

Poor

Public Transport

1.5/10

Minimal public transport infrastructure. No metro or urban rail systems exist. Limited bus networks operate in major cities like Juba. River transport provides some connectivity along waterways. Overall coverage is sparse and unreliable, with most transportation relying on informal minibuses and private vehicles.

Road Infrastructure

1.8/10

Poor road conditions across the country. Only 300 km of 90,200 km total road network is paved (0.3%). Most roads are unpaved and in disrepair, becoming impassable during rainy seasons. The government prioritizes key corridors like Juba-Torit-Kapoeta-Nadapal-Lokichogio for rehabilitation to EAC standards. Interstate network spans 6,400 km but requires extensive reconstruction.

Internet Speed

1.2/10

Very limited internet infrastructure with minimal fiber deployment. South Sudan lacks submarine cable connections and relies on satellite and limited terrestrial networks. Connectivity is concentrated in Juba and major towns. Rural areas have virtually no broadband access. Significant infrastructure gaps compared to neighboring countries.

Avg: 2.5+ Mbps • Minimal fiber infrastructure; primarily satellite-based connectivity in major urban centers

Airport Connectivity

2.8/10

Limited airport network with 4 major airports and 93 total airports, though many lack paved runways. Juba International Airport serves as the primary hub. International connectivity is restricted, with limited regional routes. Airport facilities require upgrading per the 2026-2036 policy. Domestic coverage is sparse relative to country size.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A - No metro system
Bus Trip: N/A - Limited formal bus networks; informal minibuses operate at variable rates
Taxi: N/A - Informal taxi services; rates negotiated per journey
High-speed Train: N/A - No high-speed rail; limited rail infrastructure under rehabilitation

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: No 5G deployment; infrastructure development focused on 4G expansion

4G Coverage: Limited 4G coverage concentrated in Juba and major urban centers; extensive rural gaps

Mobile network coverage is severely limited with 4G available only in major cities. Rural areas rely on 2G/3G where available. Network reliability is inconsistent due to infrastructure constraints and ongoing development challenges. Multiple carriers operate but with limited geographic reach.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

International Driving Permit (IDP) required for foreign nationals. Vehicles drive on the right side. Foreign licenses must be converted to local license for extended stays. Road conditions and limited traffic management infrastructure present significant driving challenges.

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Work & Business in South Sudan

South Sudan, Africa's youngest nation, faces a challenging work and business environment marked by political instability, conflict, and heavy reliance on oil exports. With a population of over 11 million, the economy is fragile, dominated by an informal sector employing 66% of the labor force. Key strengths include projected high GDP growth and vast agricultural potential, offering opportunities in agribusiness and services for resilient entrepreneurs and workers, though infrastructure deficits and insecurity limit broader prospects.[1][2]

Employment Rate

34.0%

Low employment rate with significant challenges due to ongoing conflict, high informality (66% of labor force), and limited formal jobs. Youth and gender disparities exacerbate unemployment; oil and agriculture provide sparse opportunities amid economic fragility.[1]

Startup Ecosystem

12.0%

Minimal startup ecosystem hampered by instability, lack of funding, innovation hubs, and regulatory support. Informal entrepreneurial activities dominate; no notable VC, incubators, or success stories. Corruption and poor infrastructure stifle growth.[1]

Average Salary Range

Salary data scarce due to dominant informal economy (34.4% of GDP). Formal sector wages low, varying by oil and aid roles; high inflation erodes purchasing power. Cost of living elevated in Juba; regional disparities significant.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa for entry and work permit for employment. Apply via South Sudan embassy; processing 2-4 weeks. HIV test and police clearance often needed.

Non-EU Citizens:

Non-EU citizens need entry visa and work permit sponsored by employer. Categories include skilled workers; apply at embassies or on arrival for some. Extensions possible but bureaucratic.

Strict visa policy due to security concerns; most require pre-approval via Ministry of Interior. Timelines 1-4 weeks; key docs: passport, invitation letter, medical certs. No special programs like digital nomad visas; NGO/UN roles facilitate entry.

Business Registration

Timeline:

4-8 weeks

Complex process via Ministry of Justice and Investment Authority; in-person in Juba required. Docs: articles of association, ID proofs, fees ~500-2000 SSP. Corruption, instability hinder ease; no robust online system. LLC common but FDI limited.[1]

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work laws; governed by general labor code. Cross-border remote work unregulated and risky due to instability.

Remote work rare due to poor internet (urban only), power shortages, and security issues. Common in NGOs/UN; no co-working hubs widespread. Employer attitudes cautious; hybrid infeasible outside Juba.

Key Industries

Oil & Gas

Agriculture

Livestock

Informal Trade

NGO & Aid

Forestry

Job Opportunities by Sector

Oil & Gas:

Limited roles in extraction, logistics for multinationals; high demand for engineers, technicians. Growth tied to stability; expat-heavy, competitive salaries in USD.

Agriculture:

Opportunities in farming, agribusiness amid vast arable land; needs skilled agronomists, managers. Informal dominant; potential with irrigation investment.

NGO & Humanitarian Aid:

High demand for project managers, health/logistics workers due to crises. International orgs hire globally; contracts 6-24 months, good benefits.

Education:

Teachers, trainers needed in under-resourced schools; UN/INGO programs prioritize English speakers. Rural postings common; modest pay.

Healthcare:

Doctors, nurses in short supply; aid-funded clinics. High need in conflict zones; expats via MSF/WHO; challenging conditions.

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Retirement & Senior Living in South Sudan

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Legal & Administrative in South Sudan

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Environment & Sustainability in South Sudan

South Sudan faces severe environmental challenges including frequent flooding, deforestation, and climate vulnerability exacerbated by conflict and weak institutions. With a tropical climate featuring wet and dry seasons, the country experiences above-average rainfall under La Niña conditions, leading to floods impacting agriculture and livelihoods. Deforestation rates remain high, forest coverage is declining, and environmental sustainability policies score very low at 1/6 per World Bank metrics. Over 95% of the population relies on climate-sensitive livelihoods with limited adaptation capacity.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality data is unavailable (N/A AQI, PM2.5, PM10), with stable 6-month trend. Limited industrial activity and rural population suggest moderate conditions, but biomass burning from agriculture and conflict-related fires likely contribute to pollution. No specific government air quality initiatives or monitoring programs identified.

Water Quality

Poor

4.0/10

Water quality faces risks from flooding contaminating sources with agricultural runoff and waste. Access to clean water is limited, particularly in flood-prone areas affecting over 95% of climate-dependent populations. No comprehensive national monitoring standards identified; humanitarian aid addresses gaps amid conflict.

Drinking water safety compromised by seasonal floods and poor infrastructure; treatment standards not enforced nationally.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure is virtually non-existent with average rate N/A%, no types available per database. Waste management challenged by conflict, rural setting, and lack of formal systems. Focus remains on humanitarian aid rather than sustainability programs.

Green Spaces

South Sudan features biodiverse wetlands like the Sudd, but faces ongoing deforestation with 3,117 disturbance alerts (38 ha) in early January 2026 alone. Forest coverage declining due to agricultural expansion, fuelwood collection, and conflict. Few formal protected areas amid weak enforcement.

Forest Coverage: 11.0%

National Parks: 0

Sudd wetlands provide critical ecosystem services but unprotected from flooding and land degradation.

Environmental Policies

Environmental policies extremely weak, scoring 1/6 (lowest category) in World Bank CPIA 2024 assessment for policy and institutions. Ministry of Environment and Forestry exists but institutional capacity limited. No renewable energy targets or plastic reduction initiatives identified.

Key Policies:

•National Adaptation Plans via GCF projects

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

High risk from floods, droughts, and heat stress. Common disasters: floods, droughts. Recent events include widespread flooding from late July 2025 along Nile River, with 2025 rainfall 100-300mm in most areas; projected above-average July-November 2025 rainfall matching/exceeding 2024 levels.

floodsdroughtsheatwaves

Climate Change Impacts: La Niña conditions through Dec 2025 bring above-average rainfall and cooler temperatures, strongest in southeast, increasing flood frequency (e.g., 2025 wet September, deficits May-June stressing crops). Over 10-20 years, tropical climate shows intensified wet seasons (April-Oct peak June-Sep) with temperatures exceeding 40°C in dry season (Nov-Mar). Floods projected to peak Sep-Oct 2025, impacting livelihoods in Sudd wetlands; no specific °C rise data available but climate vulnerability ranked among world's highest.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Resilience

GCF-funded ECRF project strengthens institutional capacities, climate services, and community adaptation in flood-prone northwest (Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap). Targets land restoration for agropastoral livelihoods benefiting refugees and host communities.

Flood Risk Management

National efforts via Ministry of Environment improve climate information access and disaster services, though limited by conflict and weak capacity.

Wildlife & Nature

White Nile Fish SpeciesVulnerable

Sudd Wetland FaunaEndangered

Savannah AntelopesVulnerable

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Geography in South Sudan

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Kinyeti

Lowest Point

White Nile

National Flag

Quick Facts for South Sudan

Population

11,193,729

Currency

SSP

Timezone

UTC+03:00

Calling Code

+211

Week starts on

sunday

Gini Coefficient

44.1 (2016)

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

South Sudan

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure