Population Statistics
Comprehensive data and analysis on population size, distribution, growth trends, and demographic characteristics across South Sudan.
Key Population Indicators (2023)
Total Population
12.3M
Population Density
19.5/km²
Urbanization Rate
24.8%
Median Age
18.7
Population Structure and Trends
Population Pyramid (2023)
Population Growth Trends (2015-2023)
Detailed Population Analysis
Age and Gender Distribution (2023)
Population by Age Group
| Age Group | Male Population | Female Population | Total | % of Total | Sex Ratio (M/F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 2,485,200 | 2,452,800 | 4,938,000 | 40.1% | 101.3 |
| 15-24 years | 1,285,500 | 1,315,200 | 2,600,700 | 21.1% | 97.7 |
| 25-54 years | 1,658,300 | 1,752,100 | 3,410,400 | 27.7% | 94.6 |
| 55-64 years | 385,200 | 412,500 | 797,700 | 6.5% | 93.4 |
| 65+ years | 285,400 | 318,800 | 604,200 | 4.9% | 89.5 |
| Total | 6,099,600 | 6,251,400 | 12,351,000 | 100% | 97.6 |
Demographic Structure Analysis
South Sudan has a very youthful population with 61.2% under 25 years and a median age of 18.7 years. This youth bulge presents both opportunities for economic growth and challenges for job creation and service delivery. The population has a slightly higher proportion of females (50.6%) than males (49.4%), with the gender gap widening in older age groups due to higher male mortality.
Household Characteristics
Household Size Distribution (2023)
Household Composition
Average Household Size
5.8 persons per household, with significant variation between urban (5.2) and rural (6.1) areas. Extended family structures remain common.
Female-Headed Households
28% of households are female-headed, increasing to 42% in urban areas. These households face particular economic vulnerabilities and higher poverty rates.
Multigenerational Households
65% of households include three or more generations, reflecting traditional family structures and mutual support systems, particularly in rural areas.
Child-Headed Households
Approximately 3% of households are headed by children under 18, primarily as a result of conflict, displacement, and disease-related adult mortality.
Household Dynamics
Household structures in South Sudan reflect both traditional patterns and adaptations to conflict and displacement. The high proportion of female-headed and child-headed households indicates significant social transformation and highlights specific vulnerabilities that require targeted policy responses.
Population Projections
Population Projections to 2050
| Year | Low Variant | Medium Variant | High Variant | Urban Population | Rural Population | Dependency Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13.2M | 13.5M | 13.8M | 3.5M (26%) | 10.0M (74%) | 92.4 |
| 2030 | 14.8M | 15.4M | 16.0M | 4.6M (30%) | 10.8M (70%) | 88.7 |
| 2035 | 16.5M | 17.4M | 18.3M | 6.1M (35%) | 11.3M (65%) | 84.2 |
| 2040 | 18.2M | 19.6M | 21.0M | 8.0M (41%) | 11.6M (59%) | 79.5 |
| 2045 | 19.8M | 21.8M | 23.8M | 10.3M (47%) | 11.5M (53%) | 74.8 |
| 2050 | 21.4M | 24.0M | 26.6M | 13.0M (54%) | 11.0M (46%) | 70.2 |
Projection Implications
Population projections indicate continued rapid growth, with the population potentially doubling by 2050. This growth will place significant pressure on resources, infrastructure, and service delivery systems. Rapid urbanization is projected to continue, with urban populations growing faster than rural populations.
Policy Considerations
Planning for this population growth requires investments in education, healthcare, housing, and job creation. The declining dependency ratio presents a potential demographic dividend if accompanied by appropriate investments in human capital and economic opportunities for the growing working-age population.
Related Resources
Population Census 2020 Report
Comprehensive analysis of population data from the 2020 census.
Download PDFPopulation Data Dashboard
Interactive population data visualization and analysis platform.
Access DashboardPopulation Projections
Future population scenarios and demographic projections to 2050.
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