Society in South Sudan
An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.
Explore Social Domains
Demographics
Public Health
Education & Human Capital
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Current Social Overview of South Sudan
A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.
- South Sudan has an estimated population of 11.5M2023The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 4.1%2023, indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. With a fertility rate of 3.9 births per woman2023, the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Positive net migration of approximately 15K individuals annually (or 1.3 per 1,000 inhabitants)2024contributes to population stability and growth.
- Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 57.6 years2023underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (98.7 per 1,000 live births2023and maternal mortality (692 per 100,000 live births2023) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 6.8% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure2022.
- Critical educational challenges are highlighted by the low literacy rate of 35%2018, necessitating immediate and sustained interventions to improve foundational education. Complementing this, educational access remains notably limited with 35% primary enrollment2015, pointing to fundamental infrastructure, accessibility, and retention barriers across the educational system. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 1.6% of GDP2016, which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
- In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (79% rural population2023) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 5%2023and internet penetration at 9%2020severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.
Key Development Insights
Population Dynamics
A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.
Public Health System
Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.
Human Capital Formation
Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.
Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.