South Sudan: Population

Between 2000 and 2023, South Sudan's estimated population rose from 6.0 million to 11.5 million. That was an absolute change of 5.5 million and 90.4%.

The 2023 estimate is the fixed baseline for this WPP 2024 analysis. Under the UN Medium projection, the population is projected at 12.9 million in 2028, 14.3 million in 2033, and 16.8 million in 2043. From the estimate baseline through the 20-year horizon, it is projected to increase by 5.3 million (46.6%).

In the latest estimate year, births numbered 328.3 thousand and deaths 110.3 thousand. Natural change was 218.0 thousand, while net migration was 455.0 thousand. These values are reported as demographic components and are not an explanation of the policies or events behind the series.

Age structure is also projected to shift. People aged 65 or older represented 2.9% of the 2023 estimate and are projected at 5.3% in 2043. The share aged 0-14 changes from 39.9% to 32.5% over the same comparison.

Total fertility was estimated at 3.86 births per woman in 2023, compared with 6.80 in 2000. Under the Medium projection it reaches 2.76 in 2043. Birth totals are shown separately; fertility rates and the number of births do not measure the same thing.

Life expectancy at birth increased from 47.6 years in 2000 to 57.6 years in 2023. The latest infant mortality rate was 63.8 per 1,000 live births. Crude death rates are presented with age and longevity measures rather than interpreted alone.

With 11.5 million people, South Sudan ranked 83rd of 237 WPP countries and areas by population in 2023. Its regional and peer comparisons use the same release, year, and country/area eligibility rules.