South Sudan Population 2026: 11.1M People, Vast Empty Land
South Sudan is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 11.1M people across 619,745 km², giving a density of 18/km².
GDP per capita stands at $415: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Juba, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About South Sudan's Population
With a population of 11.1M, South Sudan is home to a significant number of people within its 619,745 km² of territory. The population density of 18/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Juba, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of South Sudan. As a landlocked country, South Sudan's population is distributed entirely across its inland territory, without access to a coastline. This has historically shaped trade patterns and economic development.
In economic terms, South Sudan has a total GDP of $4.6B, translating to $415 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP).
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is English, making it straightforward for international visitors and businesses to communicate.
Within the East Africa region, South Sudan sits alongside Kenya (55.9M), Ethiopia (126.5M), Tanzania (63.7M). This regional context helps illustrate how South Sudan's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Sudan's Population
What is the population of South Sudan in 2026?
The population of South Sudan is approximately 11.1M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of South Sudan?
The capital city of South Sudan is Juba, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is South Sudan?
South Sudan has a population density of 18/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of South Sudan?
South Sudan has a GDP per capita of $415, with a total GDP of $4.6B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in South Sudan?
The official language of South Sudan is English.
How big is South Sudan?
South Sudan covers a total area of 619,745 km². With a population of 11.1M, that gives a density of 18/km².
When did South Sudan gain independence?
South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
What currency is used in South Sudan?
The official currency of South Sudan is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP).
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