South Sudan

Category: World Geography | International Relations | Conflict and Development

UPSC Notes

South Sudan is a landlocked country in northeastern Africa. It became independent from Sudan on 9 July 2011 following a referendum and is the world's youngest widely recognised sovereign state.

The country has significant oil resources but faces challenges involving political instability, ethnic tensions, displacement, food insecurity and dependence on oil revenues.

Key Pointers

  • Capital: Juba.

  • Independence: 9 July 2011.

  • Neighbouring countries: Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.

  • Major river system: White Nile.

  • Economy: Heavily dependent on petroleum exports.

  • Major challenges: Civil conflict, weak infrastructure, humanitarian crises and climate-related flooding.

  • International relevance: Relations with Sudan are important for oil export routes and regional stability.

  • Regional organisation: Member of the African Union and the United Nations; also a member of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

UPSC relevance: Nation-building, resource dependence, African geopolitics, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.