South Sudan Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
South Sudan's urban population was 21.67% in 2025, ranked 209th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's urban population stood at 21.67% in 2025, a rise of +0.29% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 21.67% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 209th globally.
South Sudan's urban population has exhibited a notable expansion, with the proportion of urban dwellers reaching a peak of 21.67% of the total population in 2025, a significant increase from the 8.49% recorded in 1982. This upward trend is evident across the 66-year coverage period, with the urban population growing from 8.66% in 1960. In comparison, Vanuatu, a peer country with a similar ranking, has an urban population of 22.22%. South Sudan's urbanization has been a gradual process, with the country transitioning from a predominantly rural society to a more urbanized one. As the country continues to experience economic growth and development, it is likely that the urban population will continue to increase, potentially reaching new heights. A significant shift in government policies or investments in rural development could, however, alter the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 22.26% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 21.97% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 21.67% | - | - |
| 2025 | 21.67% | +0.29% | #209 |
| 2024 | 21.38% | +0.30% | #8 |
| 2023 | 21.07% | +0.30% | #7 |
| 2022 | 20.78% | +0.29% | #7 |
| 2021 | 20.48% | +0.29% | #7 |
| 2020 | 20.19% | +0.29% | #8 |
| 2019 | 19.91% | +0.28% | #8 |
| 2018 | 19.63% | +0.28% | #8 |
| 2017 | 19.35% | +0.27% | #8 |
| 2016 | 19.08% | +0.27% | #7 |
| 2015 | 18.81% | +0.26% | #8 |
| 2014 | 18.55% | +0.26% | #7 |
| 2013 | 18.29% | +0.25% | #7 |
| 2012 | 18.03% | +0.25% | #7 |
| 2011 | 17.78% | +0.25% | #7 |
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 urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's urban population was 21.67% in 2025. Ranked 209th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from the previous year.
South Sudan's urban population peaked at 21.67% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in South Sudan was 8.49% in 1982.
South Sudan ranks 209th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's urban population is projected to reach 21.67% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of South Sudan in 2025 was 21.67%. This ranks 209th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_urban-population,
title = {South Sudan Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}