South Sudan Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
South Sudan's population growth was 4.28% in 2025, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 9.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's population growth stood at 4.28% in 2025, a rise of +0.36pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.28% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 9th globally.
South Sudan's population growth has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past six and a half decades, with the rate varying between a high of 5.41% in 2011 and a low of -5.42% in 2017. This drastic trough, which represents a decline in population, is a rare occurrence worldwide, especially in a developing country context. Since then, the growth rate has steadily increased, reaching 4.28% in 2025, ranking the country ninth globally. Notably, this rate is comparable to that of Kuwait, which ranked fifth globally with a growth rate of 5.01% in 2025. The all-time peak in 2011 was largely driven by a high total fertility rate and a relatively young population. However, if South Sudan were to experience a significant improvement in healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas, the population growth rate could potentially slow down, potentially mitigating the challenges associated with rapid population expansion.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 5.32% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.80% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.28% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.28% | +0.36pp | #9 |
| 2024 | 3.93% | −0.18pp | #210 |
| 2023 | 4.11% | +2.69pp | #210 |
| 2022 | 1.42% | −0.13pp | #138 |
| 2021 | 1.55% | −1.05pp | #148 |
| 2020 | 2.60% | −0.32pp | #190 |
| 2019 | 2.92% | +4.26pp | #195 |
| 2018 | -1.34% | +4.08pp | #10 |
| 2017 | -5.42% | −2.89pp | #1 |
| 2016 | -2.53% | −1.39pp | #1 |
| 2015 | -1.14% | −1.76pp | #11 |
| 2014 | 0.61% | −3.13pp | #75 |
| 2013 | 3.74% | −0.71pp | #202 |
| 2012 | 4.45% | −0.96pp | #211 |
| 2011 | 5.41% | +0.12pp | #214 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's population growth was 4.28% in 2025. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 9.0% increase from the previous year.
South Sudan's population growth peaked at 5.41% in 2011.
The lowest population growth in South Sudan was -5.42% in 2017.
South Sudan ranks 9th globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's population growth is projected to reach 4.28% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of South Sudan in 2025 was 4.28%. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_population-growth,
title = {South Sudan Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}