South Sudan Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 79th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
12,514,070
The population of South Sudan is about 12,514,070 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 12.4 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.15% of the world's people.
South Sudan is ranked 79th of 217 by population. Its population is growing fast — about 2.0% a year, roughly 691 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 18.3 million. That is 4.2 times its 1960 population of 2.9 million. Population density is 20 people per square kilometre. 22% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
12.4 million
Yearly change
+2.03%
World rank
79th
Share of world
0.15%
Density
20/km²
Land area
631,930 km²
Life expectancy
57.7 yrs
Births per woman
3.79
GDP per capita
$1,080
GDP
$12.0B
Population of South Sudan, 1960–2050
South Sudan population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 2,931,559 | — | 5 |
| 1970 | 3,409,614 | +1.31% | 5 |
| 1980 | 4,339,030 | +2.51% | 7 |
| 1990 | 4,737,633 | +0.52% | 7 |
| 2000 | 6,032,267 | +4.52% | 10 |
| 2010 | 9,745,953 | +5.44% | 15 |
| 2020 | 10,698,467 | +2.64% | 17 |
| 2024 | 11,943,408 | +4.01% | 19 |
| 2026proj. | 12,436,037 | +2.03% | 20 |
| 2030proj. | 13,457,453 | +1.97% | 21 |
| 2040proj. | 16,101,480 | +1.58% | 25 |
| 2050proj. | 18,341,974 | +1.10% | 29 |
South Sudan vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 14.3 times as many people as South Sudan. Bangladesh is 69.4 times more densely populated.
South Sudan population: questions and answers
What is the population of South Sudan in 2026?
About 12,436,037 (12.4 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is South Sudan's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.03% a year (2026).
What is the population density of South Sudan?
About 20 people per km², with a land area of 631,930 km².
What will the population of South Sudan be in 2050?
About 18.3 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of South Sudan?
Juba.
What is the life expectancy in South Sudan?
57.7 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.