South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011. The capital city is Juba. South Sudan’s independence came after many years of civil war between forces in the south and the Government of Sudan. Despite the signing of numerous agreements in September 2012 regarding oil transport, border security, economic and financial matters, a safe demilitarized border zone, and the final status of disputed areas, the relationship between the two countries remains fragile.

South Sudan is one of the world’s least developed countries. Its economy relies largely on revenues from oil exports and trade with its neighbor, Sudan. Since December 2013, oil production has declined as a result of conflict in and around the oil producing region. 

U.S. Embassy Juba evacuated essential staff in December 2013 as a result of armed conflict between government and opposition forces which broke out in Juba and spread rapidly to the rest of the country.  While many staff members have since returned, the Embassy is still operating with limited staff.  Military operations between rebel and government forces continue to take place in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile States. Inter-ethnic violence – including revenge killings and cattle raids – continues in Lakes and Warrap States.  Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile State have all been placed under a State of Emergency.  Approximately 1.4 million people have been displaced throughout the country, with nearly 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) living on United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Protection of Civilian (PoC) sites. 

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operates under a UN Chapter VII mandate and is primarily focused on protection of civilians.  As of August 31, UNMISS consisted of approximately 11,405 uniformed personnel, 844 international civilian staff, 1,364 local civilian staff, and 394 UN Volunteers. Numerous UN agencies and non-governmental organizations provide humanitarian and development assistance. South Sudan also has a relatively large diplomatic corps, although numbers have diminished since the conflict began in December 2013.

Electricity, telephone and telecommunications, roads, and other forms of infrastructure are unreliable or sparse in many areas. Civilian institutions, including the criminal justice system, are rudimentary and not presently functioning at a level consistent with international standards. There are no government services available in many parts of the country. South Sudan operates as a cash economy, and tourist facilities are limited throughout the country. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on South Sudan for additional information on U.S. – South Sudan relations.