South Sudan Population 2026
As of 2025, South Sudan's population is estimated at 11,943,408, ranking it 80th globally. The country is classified as a low-income nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a high 1-year growth rate of 4.01% but a modest 10-year average growth of 0.61%.
Population Trend (South Sudan)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How South Sudan's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
South Sudan, located in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a low-income country with a population of 11,943,408 in 2025. The 1-year growth rate of 4.01% is notably high, reflecting recent demographic dynamics such as post-conflict recovery and high fertility. However, the 10-year average growth rate is only 0.61%, indicating significant fluctuations, likely due to periods of instability, displacement, and conflict that have slowed sustained growth. This contrast highlights the country's volatile demographic history.
In the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, South Sudan's population growth aligns with regional trends of high fertility but is tempered by humanitarian crises. The low 10-year average suggests episodes of population decline or stagnation, possibly from civil war and food insecurity. The country's young age structure and high dependency ratio are typical of low-income nations, but the lack of recent census data adds uncertainty to projections.
The global rank of #80 places South Sudan at a moderate population size compared to other nations. With a low income level, the country faces challenges in providing services to a rapidly growing population in the short term, despite the long-term average being relatively low. Continued monitoring is essential for understanding future demographic shifts.
Key Facts
- Population in 2025: 11,943,408
- 1-year population growth rate: 4.01%
- 10-year average population growth rate: 0.61%
- Global population rank: 80th
- Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Income group: Low income