South Sudan Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
South Sudan's poverty rate was 76.50% in 2016, ranked 83rd globally. This represents a 70.4% increase from 2015. Data from World Bank, covering 2009–2016.
Overview
South Sudan's poverty rate stood at 76.50% in 2016, a rise of +31.60pp from 2009. South Sudan ranked 83rd globally.
South Sudan recorded a poverty rate of 76.50% in 2016, the highest level observed since data became available in 2009, when the rate stood at 44.90%. This sharp increase over a seven-year span underscores the severe socioeconomic challenges the country has faced, particularly following political instability and conflict after independence in 2011. The 2016 peak places South Sudan among the most impoverished nations globally, surpassing neighboring countries such as Uganda, where 60.10% of the population lived in poverty in the same year. While data coverage remains limited to just two measurement points, the marked deterioration between 2009 and 2016 reflects a reversal of potential early gains. Compared to peer countries like Malawi, which reported a poverty rate of 71.70%, South Sudan's situation is more acute despite shared regional vulnerabilities. Without sustained peace, institutional development, and targeted investment in rural livelihoods and basic services, the trajectory is unlikely to improve significantly in the near term.
Data & projection
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 poverty rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's poverty rate was 76.50% in 2016. Ranked 83rd globally. This represents a 70.4% increase from the previous year.
South Sudan's poverty rate peaked at 76.50% in 2016.
The lowest poverty rate in South Sudan was 44.90% in 2009.
South Sudan ranks 83rd globally in poverty rate as of 2016.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
The poverty rate of South Sudan in 2016 was 76.50%. This ranks 83rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_poverty-rate,
title = {South Sudan Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}