South Sudan Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for South Sudan
South Sudan recorded 14.0 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is high by global standards. That places South Sudan #30 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates South Sudan at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
14.0 /100k
Safety Rank
#166 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (2012-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How South Sudan Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
South Sudan has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2(2024)
Military Spending
2.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for South Sudan:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "health" and "unrest" risk indicators were added. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to South Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, and health threats . Advisory summary The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan. U.S. government personnel working in South Sudan are under a strict curfew. U.S. government personnel must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements. Official travel outside Juba is limited.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
South Sudan Population & Demographics
Population of 11,943,408, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Sudan safe to visit?
The US State Department rates South Sudan at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). Cited risks include health. The homicide rate of 14.0 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in South Sudan?
South Sudan has an intentional homicide rate of 14.0 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #30 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for South Sudan?
South Sudan is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in South Sudan compare to other countries?
South Sudan's homicide rate of 14.0 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.