string(19) "slug is south-sudan" South Sudan - Country Profile - African Landlocked Countries Research Centre
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South Sudan

Capital: Juba

Population

Approximately 13.4 million (2025 estimate)

Area

619,745 km²

GDP

$3.7 billion (2019 estimate)

Bordering Countries

6

Overview

East-Central Africa, landlocked; bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic

South Sudan, the world's newest nation, is rich in oil but devastated by conflict and instability. It faces severe humanitarian crises and infrastructure deficits, with oil dominating its fragile economy.

Bordering Countries: Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic

Economic Profile

Primary Exports

Oil (90-98% of government revenue)

Key Industries

Oil, agriculture, livestock

Economic Challenges

Civil wars, political instability, weak infrastructure, severe underdevelopment, corruption, governance issues

Trade & Transit Infrastructure

Main Transit Corridors

Oil export pipelines through Sudan to Port Sudan; land routes through neighboring countries

Key Border Crossing Points

Limited infrastructure and security concerns affect border efficiency

Port Access

Port Sudan via pipelines; neighboring countries' ports for other trade

Transport Infrastructure Quality

Poor road networks (~10,000 km paved), limited rail, lack of reliable electricity

Trade & Transit Challenges

Security concerns, infrastructure deficits, political instability

Key Statistics & Indicators

Human Development Index: Very low HDI

National Trade & Development Strategies

Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict (R-ARCSS), Transitional Government, economic diversification

Ongoing and Planned Projects

Infrastructure rehabilitation, oil sector management improvements, agricultural development, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance