GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of South Sudan
Capital
Juba
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to thefreegeography, South Sudan is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south and the Central African Republic to the west. The White Nile flows from south to north; its largest tributaries are the Bahr al-Ghazal, the Bahr al-Arab and the Sobat. In the middle of the country lies the Sudd, a 120,000 km² swamp area, which merges into equatorial forest in the south and rises to the jungle-covered Imatong Mountains on the border with Uganda. The highest point is the Kinyeti (3,187 m).
Government
Republic since 2011. Independent from Sudan since 2011.
Head of state
Salva Kiir Mayardit (since 2011).
Head of government
Salva Kiir Mayardit (since 2011).
Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Eastern Africa Time: CET +4
MONEY
Currency
1 Sudanese pound = 100 piastres. Currency code: SDG (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 SDG. Coins are in circulation to the value of 50, 20, 10 and 1 piasters.
Credit cards
Are practically not accepted. We recommend that you bring cash in US dollars with you.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the local currency is not permitted. No import restrictions for foreign currencies, there is a declaration requirement. Imports are tax-free up to an amount equivalent to US $ 10,000.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are English and Arabic.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Import regulations
There are still no uniform rules for import regulations. It must therefore u. U. with individual divorces are expected.
Alcohol and cigarettes may be imported in the usual international quantities.
Prohibited exports
Finds from ancient excavation sites as well as protected plants and animals (including ivory, see also Appendix to the Washington Convention on Endangered Species) may not be exported.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light suits or suits are appropriate. Punctuality is less important than patience and politeness. A personal introduction to the business partner is an advantage.
Opening hours
Sat-Thu 8 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
Economy
At the time of South Sudan’s independence, oil and international aid were the two main pillars of the economy. A central point of contention in the longstanding conflict with the north was the large oil reserves in South Sudan. However, even after its independence, the country remains heavily dependent on its northern neighbor because of its better infrastructure – especially the oil pipelines – as only through these the oil can be transported to Port Sudan on the Red Sea for processing and export. Due to the civil war and displacement, many locals are dependent on humanitarian aid. The problem has worsened since the return of many South Sudanese to their homeland following the breakaway of South Sudan.
GDP
No information is currently available.
Main exports
Petroleum, wood, millet, peanuts, meat, animal skins, live cattle.
Main imports
Petroleum and petroleum products, wheat and wheat flour, transportation, food, finished products.
Most important trading partners
Sudan, Uganda, Kenya.
COMMUNICATION
Overview
Country code: +247.
(Note: This country code applies to Sudan and will (at least for a certain time) also remain valid for the independent South Sudan.
Phone
No landline connections. Roaming contracts exist with some international cell phone companies. Reception exists in larger cities.
Internet
Internet access is available in larger cities.
Press
The largest English-language daily newspaper is the Sudan Tribune (Internet: www.sudantribune.com).
SHOP
Overview
Basket items, fabrics and local jewelry are recommended.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Juba. Alcohol consumption is widespread.
CULINARY
Regional specialities
– The main food is kisra, a flatbread made from millet flour.
– Meat is often served with peanut sauce.
– Ful, an Arabic bean dish, is widespread.
Regional drinks
White Bull and Club Pilsner beers are brewed in Dschuba. Sweetened black tea is widely used.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Outside of Juba there are only a few accommodations. There are numerous hotels of different quality available in the capital; however, finding a room for under US $ 120 per night is difficult. An alternative are fixed tent accommodations, which have been booming, especially since the peace agreement of 2005 because of the large number of guest workers arriving. There are some small hotels in the other larger cities.
CULTURE
Religion
Christians and traditional animists.
Social rules of conduct
The photographing subject generally very strict regulations. Many buildings and locations are of strategic importance to the government and should not be photographed. Bans are often issued directly on site and seemingly arbitrarily.
CLIMATE
Overview
The rainy season, which often leads to floods and impassable roads, lasts from May to October. The temperatures are very high all year round.
Required clothing
Light clothing during the dry season. When traveling during the rainy months, it is recommended to bring rain gear.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +211 Area (sq km) 644 329 Population 12042910 Population density (per sq km) 19 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 777
