South Sudan is the youngest African state having gained independence in 2011. The country is located in East Africa and covers 619,745 square kilometres. Its current capital Juba, is also its largest city. The city is located on the banks of the White Nile. The country is landlocked and its population is estimated to be 8.2 million.
South Sudan: Climate and Landscape
Due to South Sudan’s location close to the equator, its climate is mainly tropical with a few semi arid regions. Much of the country is covered in tropical rainforest and its protected reserves are home to many migratory wildlife species. There are extensive swamp and grassland regions within South Sudan.
Places to Visit in South Sudan
Sudan is extremely young and its tourism industry is yet to take off. However, visitors can travel to the Boma national park close to the Ethiopian border home to wildlife including migratory herds of Mongalla gazelle, tiang, white-eared kob and antelope. Closer to Uganda visitors can visit the small but breathtaking Nimule park home to many hippos, the Ugandan Kob, buffalo and elephants.
South Sudan: People and Language
The official language of South Sudan is English though there many indigenous languages in use across the country. South Sudan is very ethnically diverse and is home to several hundred-language groups.
Other Facts from South Sudan
Southern Sudanese are naturally tall with an average height of above 6ft. Former NBA player Manute Boll and current player Luol Deng of the Chicago bulls all come from South Sudan. Prior to the separation of the country, Sudan was the largest country in all of Africa. Thirty five percent of the country’s population is rural and resides in circular mud and stick huts. The South Sudanese economy is young but has many lucrative natural resources including oil, iron ore, chromium, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver and gold.
