South Sudan
Republic of South Sudan
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.73%
South Sudan is a Middle Africa landlocked nation of around 15.8 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 619,745 km² with a density of 25 people per km². Its capital is Juba, and English is the official language, while the South Sudanese pound serves as the national currency.
Population
15,786,898
Area
619,745 km²
Density
25/km²
World Rank
#75
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 28.6 per thousand against deaths at 9.6 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.9% of the population is under 15, while only 3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Juba
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- South Sudanese pound (£)
- Calling Code
- +211
- Top-Level Domain
- .ss
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 15,786,898
- Land Area
- 619,745 km²
- Population Density
- 25 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.73%
- Annual Growth
- +115,244 people
- Daily Growth
- +316 people
- World Population Share
- 0.19%
- Coordinates
- 7.00°, 30.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1.1k classifies South Sudan as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 12.4%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 44.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
57.6 years
GDP per Capita
$1,080
Birth Rate
28.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
21.4%
Fertility Rate
3.86 births/woman
Infant Mortality
72.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
12.4%
Literacy Rate
26.8%
Internet Users
9.3%
Under 15
38.9%
Over 65
3.0%
Health Spending
11.6% GDP
Gini Index
44.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
6.1M
15-64 years
9.2M
65+ years
472K
Urbanization
Only 21.4% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Juba, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 6145.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
3.4M
21.4%
12.4M
78.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy is 57.6 years, considerably below the world average of 72.8, underscoring urgent public-health challenges. An infant mortality rate of 72.6 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 26.8%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in South Sudan
South Sudan has 5 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that South Sudan is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, South Sudan participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 15,786,898 |
| 2030 | 16,256,236 |
| 2035 | 16,869,522 |
| 2040 | 17,512,894 |
| 2045 | 18,187,000 |
| 2050 | 18,892,582 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for South Sudan.
Largest Cities in South Sudan
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in South Sudan by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Sudan?
The population of South Sudan is approximately 15.8 million as of 2026, making it #75 in the world by population.
What is the capital of South Sudan?
The capital of South Sudan is Juba.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan?
The main languages spoken in South Sudan are English.
How big is South Sudan?
South Sudan covers an area of 619,745 km² with a population density of 25 people per km².
Is South Sudan growing or shrinking?
South Sudan is growing at a rate of 0.73% per year, adding approximately 115,244 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in South Sudan?
The average life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of South Sudan?
The GDP per capita of South Sudan is $1,080.