What is the population of South Sudan in 2026?
South Sudan has a population of 12,188,788 people (2025 estimate), which is 81st in the world and about 0.15% of the global total.
Officially Republic of South Sudan
Population 2025
12,188,788
0.15% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
+2.03%
+247,920 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
18/km²
631,930 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
18.7 years
Life expectancy 57.7 years
Our World in Data, 2025About South Sudan
With a population of 12,188,788, South Sudan ranks 81st globally. The country gained independence in 2011 and spans 631,930 km² across central Africa, bordering six nations including Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.
The nation has a young population with a median age of 18.7 years and an annual growth rate of 2%, though life expectancy stands at 57.7 years. Urban areas account for just 22% of residents, reflecting predominantly rural settlement across a land density of 18 people per km². The fertility rate is 3.8 births per woman, and English is the official language. South Sudan operates as a federal republic with Juba as its capital and uses the South Sudanese pound as currency.
The economy remains limited, with GDP per capita at $1,080. The country faces significant development challenges reflected in its low income level and young, rapidly growing population.
This summary is AI-generated from the indicators on this page. The figures themselves come from the sources cited beside each value.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Juba
- Continent
- Africa
- ISO codes
- SS · SSD
- Demonym
- South Sudanese
- Currency
- South Sudanese pound (SSP £)
- Government
- Federal republic
- State inception
- 2011
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +211
- Internet TLD
- .ss
- Land neighbours
- 6
Languages
- English
Demographics
Economy
Health
Not published for South Sudan: Hospital Beds.
Education
Not published for South Sudan: Mean Years of Schooling.
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 38.9%
- Age 15–64
- 58.1%
- Age 65+
- 3.0%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 8 | 8 |
| 95-99 | 17 | 50 |
| 90-94 | 351 | 1,093 |
| 85-89 | 2,967 | 5,807 |
| 80-84 | 9,892 | 16,957 |
| 75-79 | 22,412 | 34,683 |
| 70-74 | 41,953 | 58,269 |
| 65-69 | 71,251 | 91,591 |
| 60-64 | 107,059 | 131,390 |
| 55-59 | 152,570 | 181,499 |
| 50-54 | 216,866 | 249,934 |
| 45-49 | 273,362 | 307,986 |
| 40-44 | 298,521 | 335,885 |
| 35-39 | 257,866 | 288,617 |
| 30-34 | 301,027 | 319,227 |
| 25-29 | 392,498 | 390,810 |
| 20-24 | 612,503 | 605,856 |
| 15-19 | 763,232 | 751,321 |
| 10-14 | 842,569 | 824,782 |
| 5-9 | 725,614 | 711,515 |
| 0-4 | 781,827 | 761,765 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,493,283 |
| 1960 | 2,931,559 |
| 1970 | 3,409,614 |
| 1980 | 4,339,030 |
| 1990 | 4,737,633 |
| 2000 | 6,032,267 |
| 2010 | 9,745,953 |
| 2020 | 10,698,467 |
| 2030 | 13,457,453 |
| 2040 | 16,101,480 |
| 2050 | 18,341,974 |
| 2060 | 20,307,632 |
| 2070 | 21,989,974 |
| 2080 | 23,186,729 |
| 2090 | 23,741,231 |
| 2100 | 23,840,772 |
How South Sudan Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
- India1.46B
- China1.41B
- United States341.8M
- Indonesia285.7M
- Pakistan255.2M
- Nigeria237.5M
- Brazil212.8M
- Bangladesh175.7M
- Russia143.5M
- Ethiopia135.5M
- South Sudan12.2M
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| South Sudan | 12.2M |
Countries Bordering South Sudan
6 land borders.
South Sudan Population FAQ
Is the population of South Sudan growing or shrinking?
South Sudan's population is growing at +2.03% per year, a change of roughly 247,920 people annually.
What is the capital of South Sudan?
The capital of South Sudan is Juba.
How densely populated is South Sudan?
South Sudan has 18/km² across 631,930 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in South Sudan?
Life expectancy at birth in South Sudan is 57.7 years (2024).
What is the median age in South Sudan?
The median age in South Sudan is 18.7 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is South Sudan in?
South Sudan is in Africa.