Poverty in South Sudan: Why 8 in 10 People Live Below the Poverty Line

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 amid hopes of prosperity and peace. However, more than a decade later, the nation faces one of the gravest poverty crises globally. According to the World Bank, a staggering 80% of South Sudan’s population lives below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day as of the latest statistics. This post takes a deep dive into the data, uncovering the root causes behind these numbers, the daily realities South Sudanese families face, and what can be done to bring lasting change.

In a world where global poverty has generally been declining, South Sudan is a stark outlier. Understanding the story behind these statistics is not only vital for humanitarian efforts but also for informing global poverty reduction strategies. Let’s explore why poverty remains pervasive in South Sudan and how this affects millions of lives.

The State of Poverty in South Sudan: Key Statistics

South Sudan consistently ranks among the world’s poorest nations. According to the most recent data from the World Bank (2022), approximately 8 out of every 10 people in the country live below the poverty line. That's nearly 10 million people out of a population rising above 12 million.

• Poverty headcount ratio: 80% (2022, at $2.15/day, World Bank)
• GDP per capita: Approx. $274 (2022, World Bank), among the world’s lowest
• Unemployment rate: Over 13% (ILO estimate), with massive underemployment and informal work
• Food insecurity: Over 7.7 million people face acute food insecurity (FAO, 2023)
• Education: 73% of adults are illiterate, and only 10% have completed primary school (UNESCO, 2022)
• Life expectancy: 57 years (World Bank, 2022)

These poverty statistics paint a grim picture, but to truly understand these figures, we need to explore the causes that underpin South Sudan’s poverty crisis.

Main Research: Why is Poverty So Widespread in South Sudan?

1. Conflict and Political Instability

The primary driver of poverty in South Sudan is protracted conflict and political fragmentation. Since independence, the country has been embroiled in recurring civil wars (notably from 2013 to 2018) resulting in massive displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and shattered livelihoods. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):

• Over 2 million people are internally displaced, and more than 2.3 million have fled as refugees to neighboring countries.
• Violence disrupts farming cycles, healthcare, and education, trapping generations in poverty.

The instability scares away foreign investment, limits government capacity, and continues to erode social trust—all crucial ingredients for economic development.

2. Weak Economic Infrastructure

South Sudan is narrowly reliant on oil, which accounts for over 90% of government revenues. Oil revenue volatility—exacerbated by price shocks and pipeline disputes—leaves little fiscal space for development. The absence of a diversified economy means jobs are scarce, and most of the labor force depends on subsistence agriculture.

• 70-80% of the population depends on agriculture and livestock herding, but frequent floods, droughts, and insecurity make yields unpredictable.
• There are very few paved roads outside the capital, Juba; poor transport hinders market access and raises food prices.
• Financial services remain extremely limited, with less than 15% of adults having access to formal banking (Findex Database, 2021).

3. Food Insecurity and Malnutrition

Over 60% of South Sudanese require urgent food assistance at any given time (FAO, 2023). Conflict displaces farmers, disrupts planting, and hampers supply chains. Compounded by climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, families are unable to produce or afford enough food.

• South Sudan’s Global Hunger Index score stands among the world’s worst, with millions of children suffering from acute malnutrition.
• Poor nutrition stunts development and traps families in a cycle of poverty.

4. Barriers to Education and Health Care

Conflict and poverty have ravaged South Sudan’s schools and hospitals. Teachers are in short supply, infrastructure is lacking, and school attendance—especially for girls—remains perilously low. This stifles human capital development, creating a vicious cycle where children lose out on future employment opportunities.

• UNESCO estimates that over 2.8 million school-aged children are out of school.
• Healthcare access is limited: one doctor for every 65,000 people (WHO, 2021), among the lowest ratios globally.

Preventable diseases like cholera, malaria, and measles take a heavy toll, especially on children under five.

5. Gender Inequality

Women and girls are especially vulnerable. Gender-based violence rates are high, and traditional customs often limit educational opportunities for girls, further entrenching cycles of poverty.

6. Displacement and Refugee Crisis

With nearly 4.3 million people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, South Sudan has one of the world’s largest displacement crises. Displaced families often lose farmland, assets, and means to earn a living, leading to widespread destitution in both rural and urban settings.

7. External Shocks and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic further destabilized South Sudan’s already fragile economy, aggravating food shortages, inflation, and access to health services. Combined with global food price hikes and regional instability, the poorest are hardest hit.

8. Rapid Population Growth

South Sudan’s population growth rate is among the highest in Africa, at nearly 3% annually. Resources do not meet the needs of growing families, intensifying strain on basic services, jobs, and land. Young people, who comprise the majority of the population, face limited prospects.

Conclusion: The Way Forward for South Sudan?

South Sudan’s poverty statistics are more than cold numbers—they represent millions of children, women, and men waking up each day with uncertainty about their next meal or their futures. The headline figure—8 in 10 people living below the poverty line—is not only among the highest globally, but it persists despite the country’s abundant natural resources.

Tackling this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Peacebuilding and Stability: Only a stable political environment can allow for reconstruction and investment in people.
• Investing in Agriculture & Diversification: Supporting farmers, improving infrastructure, and diversifying income sources to increase resilience.
• Education and Health: Expansion of schools, training of teachers and health workers, and a focus on girls’ and women’s empowerment.
• Inclusive Governance & Social Protections: Social programs targeting the most vulnerable, alongside community-led development initiatives.
• Partnerships: International organizations, regional neighbors, and South Sudanese civil society all play crucial roles in providing aid and supporting long-term development.

While the road will undoubtedly be long and challenging, the data shows where the most critical interventions are needed—and where hope for the world’s newest nation can begin. Staying informed about poverty statistics by country, including South Sudan, is key to global progress. By understanding the story behind the numbers, we can all be part of the solution.

For updated South Sudan poverty statistics and data-driven analysis by country, stay tuned to our website.