In the 19th century, South Sudan was part of Sudan, a connection that began during the southward expansion of the Ottoman Khedivate of Egypt and the establishment of Turco-Egyptian Sudan in the land that makes up present-day South Sudan.
This country is mostly occupied by Nilo-Saharan speaking people, including tribes such as the Didinga, Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Otuho, Imatong, and Toposa, among others.
At the end of the 19th century, Sudan came under British-Egyptian rule. The northern region accepted this rule, while the south resisted, forcing the British to focus more on maintaining order rather than developing the south.
As a result, they concentrated on modernizing the northern region, introducing it to civilization while the south remained largely neglected.
Later, Sudan gained independence in 1956, but many governments struggled to maintain control, leading to more conflicts in the north. The northern leaders attempted to impose Islamic law and culture on the entire country. This frightened the southern population, who feared being ruled over and forced to follow the north’s laws.
The resistance from the south led to a long civil war, which ended temporarily with the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972. However, the conflict resumed, leading to the Second Civil War from 1983 to 2005.
These conflicts lasted for a long time, disrupting the country’s economy and social stability. Ceasefire meetings were held between the southern and northern Sudanese, but none were successful until 2005, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed.
This agreement included wealth-sharing, security provisions, and the promise of a referendum for South Sudan’s independence after six years. The referendum did not take place as originally planned but was finally held from January 9–15, 2011. Later, on July 9, 2011, South Sudan was officially declared an independent country.
Present-Day South Sudan
South Sudan has beautiful places worth visiting, including the National Museum, John Garang Mausoleum, and Juba City, which is the capital of the country.
South Sudan borders Uganda and Kenya to the south, Ethiopia to the east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. The River Nile, which originates from Uganda, flows through South Sudan.
Most rivers in South Sudan either flow into or towards the Nile. The White Nile is an important water source in the country, entering as the Mountain Nile before becoming the White Nile.
It gets its water from the right-bank River Sobat, which flows from the Ethiopian Plateau to join the Nile.
The Sudd Swamp, the largest wetland in the world, is located in South Sudan and is home to both humans and animals, including aquatic species.
There are two contrasting uplands in the country:
- The Ironstone Plateau, which is marked by inselbergs (isolated hills).
- The mountainous ranges near the Ugandan border, with peaks rising over 10,000 feet. This plateau is found between the Nile-Congo watershed and the clay plains.
History is full of facts and discoveries. Always feel free to read more about the history of South Sudan on our website.
