South Sudan became independent from Sudan on 9 July 2011. The country is the world’s newest widely recognized sovereign state.
The Republic of South Sudan
South SudanEastern Africa-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)English
National CurrencySouth Sudanese Pound (SSP)
National Day(s)9 July (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalJuba
Economic CapitalJuba
Cultural CapitalJuba
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 4.5 – 5 h
Direct flights
Primary AirportJuba International Airport (JUB)
Primary PortPort of Juba (river port on the White Nile)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the CoastlineNone (landlocked)
Highest PointMount Kinyeti (3,187 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverWhite Nile (including Bahr el Jebel and tributaries such as the Sobat River)
ClimateTropical wet-and-dry climate, with seasonal rainfall and hot temperatures year-round
Border Countries
SudanEthiopiaKenyaUgandaDemocratic Republic of the CongoCentral African Republic
6Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Kisra, a thin flatbread made from fermented sorghum, is a staple of South Sudanese cuisine, traditionally served with meat or vegetable stews.
Yigga is a traditional South Sudanese ceremony involving livestock exchanges, communal feasting, music, and dancing to strengthen family and community bonds.
Traditional wrestling is a popular cultural sport in South Sudan.
The Sudd, located along the White Nile, is one of the world’s largest freshwater wetlands.
More than sixty languages are spoken in the country; English is the official working language.
Communities in the Sudd wetlands adapt to seasonal flooding through temporary settlements, fishing, and livestock herding.
Boma and Bandingilo national parks host one of the world’s largest seasonal wildlife migrations.
South Sudan’s capital, Juba, sits along the White Nile, one of the two principal tributaries of the Nile River, which flows northwards toward the Mediterranean Sea.
South Sudan is the natural home of the Nile lechwe, a rare wetland antelope endemic to the country and specially adapted to flooded grasslands.
Cattle have deep social value among Dinka and Nuer communities in South Sudan.
South Sudan is home to more than 60 ethnic communities, including the Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Azande, and Bari, each contributing distinct languages and cultural traditions.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | South SudanUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit
Since July 2011
H.E. Cecilia Adut Manyok Adeng
Since September 2026
H.E. Athian Diing Athian
Since September 2026
H.E. Maj. Gen. Ayor Akuoch Anok Aduot
Since September 2026
H.E. Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya Ugila
Since April 2026
Political Summary
Political System
Transitional Presidential Republic
A transitional, decentralized presidential republic governed by the Transitional Constitution of 2011.
Ruling Party
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM): Centre-left
Main Opposition Force(s)
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO): Centre-left
Next Presidential Election
Expected in December 2026
Next Legislative Election
Expected in December 2026
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
41Organizations
18Member
0Founding Member
3Partner, Observer or Participant
20Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | South Sudan | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations11 Jul 201115 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mohamed Salem Al RashdiUAE Ambassador to South Sudan · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Mawien Makol AriikAmbassador of South Sudan to the UAE · ResidentLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
South Sudan Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin South Sudan | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 23 Apr 2019.Entered into force on 17 Sep 2025. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Signed | Signed on 23 Apr 2019. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 17 Dec 2015. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to South Sudan | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateMar2025
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateNov2024
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Dr. James Pitia MorganMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South SudanJul2026
- H.E. Salva Kiir MayarditPresident of South SudanOct2025
- H.E. Dr. Benjamin Bol MelVice President of South SudanAug2025
- H.E. Salva Kiir MayarditPresident of South SudanJun2025
- H.E. Salva Kiir MayarditPresident of South SudanFeb2025
- H.E. Dr. Benjamin Bol MelSpecial Envoy of the President of South SudanMar2024
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)1.2USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)6.3USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major South Sudanese Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in South Sudan
DP World-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research