South Sudan
South Sudan
- Capital
- Juba
- Population
- 11,193,729
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- English
South Sudan is home to the second-largest land mammal migration on the planet, where over one million antelope move across the Boma-Jonglei landscape. Despite the nation's recent independence, this ecological marvel has persisted through decades of instability, rivaling the famous migrations of the Serengeti. The Sudd wetland, located within the country, is one of the world's largest freshwater ecosystems and was once considered an impassable barrier for Nile explorers. This vast swamp is so significant that it influences local weather patterns and provides a critical habitat for hundreds of bird species.
Currency
The official currency is the South Sudanese Pound, identified by the ISO code SSP. It was introduced on July 18, 2011, replacing the Sudanese Pound at par shortly after the country gained its sovereignty. The banknotes are unique for featuring the face of Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the revered leader of the independence movement, as a tribute to his role in the nation's founding.
Flag symbolism
The flag features three horizontal stripes of black, red, and green, which are separated by thin white stripes to represent peace after decades of conflict. The black stripe symbolizes the heritage of the African people, while the red represents the blood shed during the struggle for freedom. The green stripe stands for the nation's agricultural potential and natural wealth. A blue triangle on the hoist side contains a gold star, signifying the unity of the states and the guiding light of the nation's future.
Emblem history
The coat of arms features a secretary bird standing behind a shield and crossed spear and spade. This indigenous bird was chosen for its strength and its habit of hunting snakes, symbolizing the protection of the nation against its enemies. The shield and crossed spear represent the defense of the new republic, while the spade signifies the hard work required to build the nation's economy. Below the bird, a scroll displays the national motto, 'Justice, Liberty, Prosperity,' which was adopted upon the country's official independence in 2011.