The Republic of South Sudan is one of the newest countries in the world, gaining its independence from Sudan in 2011. South Sudan lies in East-Central Africa, between latitudes 3° and 13°N, and longitudes 24° and 36°E.
A majority of the terrain is tropical forest or grassland, or swampland formed by the White Nile, one of the two main tributaries of the famous Nile River. The White Nile passes through South Sudan from south to north, and the republic’s capital and largest city Juba is situated by this river.
South Sudan is renowned for its biodiversity, which includes inter alia a wide range of mammal species and birds. Examples of animals that live here are the African elephant, common chimpanzee, lion, buffalo, topi, giant forest hog, hartebeest, bongo antelope, and giraffe. The second-largest wildlife migration in the world takes place in South Sudan’s Bandingilo National Park, involving 1.3 million antelopes.
Economy
South Sudan has one of the world’s least developed economies. The economy is extremely dependent on oil. 98% of all government income comes from oil that is exported through North Sudan. South and North Sudan split the revenue from this oil. There is a lot of prospecting for oil being performed, and the oil industry might grow quickly in the coming years. The economy is also dependent on other natural resources and agricultural products. A large part of the population is sustenance farmers.
The country does not have a stock market at this time. There is a company that is working on starting a stock and binary options exchange in the country. They have, however, encountered regulatory problems and are unsure when they might be able to open their exchange. At the time of writing this, they hope to be able to open in 2019 but are uncertain if they will be able to do so. The goal is to open with at least 10 companies listed.
Forex trading in South Sudan
Forex trading is going through a renaissance in South Sudan and most of Africa. More and more people are trying forex trading each day. South Africa is now the second-largest forex market after the United States. Africa as a whole is a larger market than the USA. Why is forex trading becoming so popular in Africa? It is hard to say, but it might be due to the fact that the market is open 24 hours a day and allow anyone with an internet connection to make money. It does not matter where in the world you are located. If you are a dedicated trader, you can make money. South Sudanese people who want to try forex trading need to open an account with a forex broker. You can choose one of the world’s top brokers, or you can choose a broker regulated by the FSCA in south Africa. I recommend that you choose a broker that offer a free demo account that you can use to learn how to trade for free. Most top forex brokers offer free forex demo accounts.
The history of South Sudan (Video)
Travel advisory
Numerous countries worldwide have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to refrain from non-necessary visits to South Sudan due to widespread violence and a politically unstable situation. Many countries are also recommending their citizens in South Sudan to leave if it is safe for them to do so.
If you are interested in visiting South Sudan, always consult up to date recommendations, as the situation can change rapidly.
These are a few examples of travel advisories that were active in January 2018
| Issuing country | Advisory | For more info |
| Australia | South Sudan overall, do not travel | smartraveller.gov.au |
| Canada | Avoid all travel | travel.gc.ca |
| New Zealand | There is an extreme risk to your security in South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict, civil unrest, and violent crime and we advise against all travel. | safetravel.govt.nz |
| UK | The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to South Sudan. | gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice |
| USA | Level 4 out of 4.
Do not travel. |
travel.state.gov |
Flying in
The major airport in South Sudan is Juba International Airport in the capital, to which there are regular connections to other African airports such as the international ones in Nairobi, Entebbe, Addis Ababa, Asmara, and Khartoum.
Malakal International Aiport, which is located near the borders with Sudan and Ethiopia, has regular connections to Khartoum with Sudan Airways.
Several smaller airports with unpaved runways exist throughout the country, such as Nimule and Akobo.
Short facts about the Republic of South Sudan
| Name | Republic of South Sudan |
| Demonym | South Sudanese |
| Government | Federal presidential constitutional republic |
| Independence from Sudan | 9th of July 2011 |
| Admission into the United Nations | 13th of July 2011 |
| Motto | Justice, Liberty, Prosperity |
| Anthem | South Sudan Oyee! |
| Area | 619,745 square kilometres |
| Population | 12,239,730 (2016 estimate) |
| Capital | Juba(Coordinates: 04°51′N 31°36′E) |
| Largest city | Juba(Coordinates: 04°51′N 31°36′E) |
| Official language | English |
| Recognised national languages | Approximately 60 different onesThe Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, Part One, 6(1) states that all indigenous languages of South Sudan are national languages and shall be respected, developed and promoted. |
| Examples of major languages | English
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| Time zone | East Africa Time (UTC +3) |
| Calling code | (00) 211 |
| Drives on the | right |
| Currency | South Sudanese pound (SSP) |
| Total GDP (PPP) | 20,038 billion USD (2017 estimate) |
| GDP (PPP) per capita | 1,525 USD (2017 estimate) |
| GDP nominal totalt | 3,618 billion USD (2017 estimate) |
| GDP per capita | 275 USD (2017 estimate) |
| Memberships |
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| Alcohol | Alcohol is legal in South Sudan and alcoholism is a large problem in the country. |
In December 2011, it was formally announced that the U.S. Government’s sanctions against Sudan weren’t applicable to the newly formed South Sudan.