Pros and Cons of Living in South Sudan

Living in South Sudan comes with many interesting benefits that one might not expect. It is a place where people are determined to build their country despite the odds, and it is an extremely fun place to live if you are open to the experience. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons of living in South Sudan.

Food

South Sudan is one of the best places to find fresh local food and produce grown right at home. The country has abundant natural resources because it is so rich in farmland and water. It’s no wonder that everything tastes so good! And if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, every meal is an opportunity for celebration.  

Health Care

Healthcare is free for all citizens of South Sudan because the country cares about its people and wants them to be healthy. It’s a great benefit that very few people in the world get to experience! Medication is readily available, and medical staffs are helpful and well trained. If you need surgery, there are quality doctors who can perform it for a reasonable price.

Security

South Sudan is a relatively peaceful place to live these days, though there was a civil war just recently. Most crime consists of carjacking and other minor crimes that happen as people try to get ahead and become wealthy in the corrupt political environment. You should still be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuables locked up in the car. But, overall, South Sudan is safer than many other places in the world.

Value for Money

Foods are cheaper in South Sudan; you get more bangs for your buck! This is one of the main reasons that people want to move here, and it’s also the reason that South Sudan has such a large black market. You can buy things like clothes and shoes for less than you’d pay in North America or Europe.

Culture

There is a lot of diversity of culture within South Sudan because of its size and location on the map. Because it borders so many other countries, it has been influenced by them as well. And since South Sudan is still relatively new as a country, the culture is changing very rapidly! You can learn traditional dances or customs here that are dying out in neighbouring countries.

Cons

Low Quality Of Life

The concept of “quality of life” is usually defined as living standards or the material well-being and safety of a person or group, especially when this condition is favourable compared to others. This can mean access to nutrition, healthcare, just laws and education. So, in South Sudan, don’t be surprised to see more than 50 percent of the population having low quality of life.

Lack of Housing and Clean Water

Housing and clean water can a significant problem to an expat living in this country for the first time. The existence of easily accessible, safe and permanent housing for everyone is vital to the quality of life in any country. It is also an integral part of human rights along with running water, electricity and so on.

Low Literacy Rate

A country’s literacy level indicates the ability of its citizens to read and write. It also reflects the quality of education in that country, as those who can read and write can easily acquire knowledge from books and other sources as well as disseminate their own ideas through writing. But in South Sudan, there’s low literacy rate, and only the elites or rich people have access to quality education.

Low Salaries

Some companies will go out of business if they don’t pay their workers enough to survive because if they do, there won’t be enough employees to get their work done. In this case, it would be better to research well about the kind of job you’d love to do before relocating to this country as an expat.

8 Top Rated Tourist Attractions in South Sudan

South Sudan is a country in East Africa, recently founded after breaking away from the Republic of Sudan. Located between Ethiopia and Kenya, South Sudan has an abundance of interesting tourist attractions for both locals and foreign visitors to explore. Without much talk, below are the top-rated tourist attractions in the country.

1.       Kakuma River

Located in the Kakuma refugee camp, a UNHCR refugee camp hosting mainly refugees from South Sudan, this river is full of crocodiles and hippos. The river’s beauty is enhanced by the palm trees along its side. Tourists can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Lake Turkana which hosts more than 400 species of birds flying around it.

2.       Boma Falls

This is another place to take into consideration if you’re looking to explore what South Sudan has for you. It’s a place with a great view of the Nile River and is located near the city of Juba. The Boma Falls are an attraction to tourists who want to see freshwater flowing down from high hills through tea plantations.

3.       The High Bridge

Located on top of an extinct volcano, this bridge offers visitors scenic views of the White Nile River. It is said to be one of the longest bridges in Africa and it offers great opportunities for game viewing due to its location in Jonglei state. So, you can check this place with family and friends to have a lovely fun time.

4.       The Nubian Desert

Located in Northern South Sudan, this desert is considered one of Africa’s largest deserts covering an area over 9,800 square kilometers. It is home to many wildlife species including ostriches, gazelles, antelopes and hyenas. The Nubian Desert is also known for its rich fossils that are over four million years old.

5.       The Western Borassus Palm Forest

This forest is located in Western Bahr el Ghazal State. The forest covers an area of over 3,900 square kilometers and is home to the rare animal species called the elephant shrew or locally known as “Uyoga”. I’m sure you’d love to see the animal species called the elephant shrew? Yes! Check it out.

6.       The Gobboshi Ruins

These ruins are located near the Kajo-Keji County which is close to the border of Uganda. The site was a centre for trade and an ancient African kingdom. It is believed that the Gobboshi Ruins date back to the 15th century during the time when Arabs were expanding their trading routes through Africa.

7.       South Sudanese Birding Trails

South Sudan is home to many bird species that can be seen at different times throughout the year, and these species include the Nile Valley openbill (Alticus arnoldi), Marib white-winged flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) and Denham’s bustard (Neotis denhami).

8.       The Little Girma Lake

This lake is a popular tourist attraction in South Sudan due to its crystal clear water, which comes from supplies from the River Nile. This place is best known for being the habitat of birds such as pelicans and cormorants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in South Sudan

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is before the rainy season (May-September). The dry season (October-April) is also a very good time to go, but can be hot. December through March are the hottest times of the year. It’s safe to assume this question refers to Juba, rather than elsewhere in South Sudan

How do people address each other?

In South Sudan, it is proper to address someone with their title and last name. In a formal setting, this may be as simple as “Doctor”, or as complex as “Colonel Brigadier General Jeremiah Pach”. While the level of formality between individuals will vary widely, the majority of people will be addressed in this form.

Is it safe to go outside?

While there are some areas that are more dangerous than others, the majority of South Sudan is considered relatively safe. The chances of being injured or killed are much higher in unusual places, such as military bases or when overtly harming civilians. If you follow general safety precautions common in other countries, you can find yourself having a very safe and enjoyable time in South Sudan.

What does the economy consist of?

There are many factors that go into the South Sudanese economy; however, agriculture is one of its largest components. This can take the form of farming crops such as sorghum and rice, or rearing animals like cattle, goats and chickens.

How can I find a job?

There are many opportunities for employment in South Sudan, both within the government and outside of it. Jobs with the government can range from working as low-level administrators all the way up to high-level executives. While most jobs with the government require at least a college degree, many similar jobs outside of it pay significantly less.

Can I bring beef into South Sudan?

Due to religious reasons, it is illegal to import beef products into South Sudan. If you are caught with any, you can be sent to jail or fined. While it is possible for South Sudanese people to purchase beef from the market, it is not allowed for foreigners.

Are vaccinations required?

Yes, if you are traveling to South Sudan for any period of time long enough that it would put you in close proximity with animals you will need to be up-to-date on your core vaccines. This includes protecting against yellow fever, polio and Hepatitis A through D.

Conclusion

South Sudan, also called Southern Sudan has a lot of unique scene that you can’t see in other Western counties. While people could describe it as a dangerous place to reside, others see it as an opportunity. The country is safe for expats and there are many things to explore. Nonetheless, read this ultimate guide once more to understand why living in South Sudan worth it.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

For many years, South Sudan was considered one of the most dangerous places in the world to live. The country has experienced constant fighting since it gained its independence from Sudan in 2011. As a result, millions of people were displaced internally or fled the region entirely.

However, over the past few years there have been significant improvements in the security situation, and South Sudan has been able to stabilize the region. In fact, in June 2016, a peace treaty was signed between opposing forces that put an end to years of conflict. Now more than ever, there are opportunities for expats who want to move to this country and start a new life.

It is important for people who have never lived in South Sudan to understand that it is not like living in most Western countries. Expats will find that the country has its own unique history and traditions, which often come with pros and cons for those who choose to live there.

For example, some of the historical differences between South Sudan and other countries include gender roles; women are expected to be submissive to men. In addition, the country has a different way it organizes time and money, which can have a significant effect on expat lifestyles.

This article will provide information about living in South Sudan as well as an overview of some key differences between life for Westerners and locals there. Moreover, it should be used as a starting point for people who are interested in learning more about the local customs and culture, lifestyle, and more.

Understanding the Concept of Living in South Sudan

At independence, an estimated eight million people lived in the region that is now South Sudan (Juba). The majority of the population belongs to one of around 80 ethnic groups. South Sudan is an African nation, which means it falls under the jurisdiction and traditions of the East African Community and uses English as its official language.

That being said, it has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry. Expats will find that most areas do not have distinct seasons, but rather alternate between rainy and dry periods. The rainy season runs from April to September, with the two wettest months being May and July. These months are also when South Sudan experiences its highest temperatures (34°C – 38°C).

Almost all of the country’s population is rural; less than 4% of people live in major cities. The regions with the most population density are Greater Bahr el Ghazal, which has about 1.8 million residents, and Western Equatorial, home to nearly 1.5 million people.

In South Sudan, the family is considered sacred and is responsible for raising children as well as providing for them. The majority of the population is Christian, following either Catholic or Protestant traditions. Muslims are also widely represented in the country. And due to their use of so many religions, South Sudanese have a more inclusive view of faith than Westerners do.

8 Interesting Facts about Living in South Sudan

If you’re thinking about moving to South Sudan, there are many different things you should know before making the big move. Working and living in a new country can be both exciting and challenging, but it can also be rewarding. Here are 8 interesting facts about living in South Sudan that will help you understand the many challenges that face the people who live there.

1.       Languages in South Sudan

The official languages of South Sudan are Arabic and English, but due to the large number of tribes spread out over so much land, it can be difficult to find people who actually speak them. Despite this challenge, InterNations has made some recommendations on how to handle this language barrier.

Sudan has one of the largest linguistic diversity in Africa with over 200 indigenous languages spoken by different tribes. English is the official language, but Arabic predominates in many regions because it is also the most common Islamic liturgical language. Other tribal languages are also used in everyday life, especially when interacting with people from other tribal regions. English is spoken in the capital, Juba, and a few other cities by small elite. In rural areas it is rarely understood.

2.       Culture in South Sudan

You may be surprised to learn that South Sudan has one of Africa’s longest histories dating back almost 3,000 years to the birth of African civilization. The tribes in South Sudan have a rich history of living in rural farming communities before European colonization. Now, the people no longer live in mud huts and wear animal skins all day, but there is still much to discover about this complex culture that will surprise you.

3.       Relationships between Men and Women

Familial relationships are incredibly important to the people of South Sudan. Because resources are scarce, everyone has to contribute to the family unit. Also, it is not uncommon for children as young as 3 or 4 years old to help with chores around the house instead of playing with toys. When it comes time for marriage, it is also common for women to marry younger than in most other countries.

4.       Religion in South Sudan

Because there are more than 200 different languages spoken throughout South Sudan, it would be an understatement to say that religion varies by region. The people of the Dinka tribe typically practice Christianity while many tribes in the North follow Islam.

There are even some tribes that practice witchcraft and do not practice any religion at all. It’s important to note that there is a larger divide between Christians and Muslims than there are between the people who practice Islam versus the people who practice Christianity.

5.       Food in South Sudan

Depending on where you live in South Sudan, you will have access to different types of food. The most common crops grown in South Sudan are sorghum and millet with an occasional banana crop. Meat is not typically consumed every day, but it can be found for special occasions like weddings or holidays. Most families survive on a diet heavy in breads, rice, maize flour, or cassava.

However, food can be scarce in South Sudan and many people rely on neighbouring countries to import food during the dry season, but there are some things you can do to make it easier on yourself and your family. If you choose to bring any non-perishable foods with you, store them in a safe and cool place like a basement or a water-tight container.

You can use this time to explore the country and learn about the differences between each community. This is because; each one has a unique culture with varying beliefs and practices, but there are a few things you will want to remember no matter where your travels take you.

6.       Expat Health Insurance in South Sudan

Although you might not think that South Sudan has the same health care system as many other countries in the world, there are still critical treatments available for those who are ill or have been injured. Expat health insurance can help provide peace of mind and ensure that you’re able to get any treatment your doctor prescribes.

While most people believe that South Sudan is a dangerous place to travel, the most helpful way to prevent an accidental injury or illness is by staying informed of the current conditions. If you’re visiting South Sudan for any length of time, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the terrain and environmental conditions before leaving your home country.

7.       Money Matters

If you are planning to move to South Sudan, be sure to exchange enough money for the region that you will be moving into. The country is currently working towards a unified currency, but until then it will still use US dollars in most urban areas whilst rural areas use the Pound Sterling. You can change your money in the country, but the process may take up to two weeks so it is best to bring more than enough before heading out.

8.       South Sudan Has a Number of Joke Names

The name ‘South Sudan’ was almost left out at the last minute, leading many to suggest that South Sudan is one of the worst places on Earth.  Other proposed names for this new country were ‘New Sudan’, ‘Upper Nile’, ‘Nile Republic’, ‘Central Sudan’ and even ‘God’s Own Country’. The latter was proposed by the World Council of Churches who wanted to encourage Christians in Sudan to move to this new country so they could be free of persecution.