10 Things That Prove South Sudan is More Than a War Zone

Let’s be honest, when people hear 'South Sudan,' the first things that come to mind are war, unrest, political instability, and poverty. And it’s not just most people, we’re all guilty of it. While the former narrative is somewhat true, it is far from what truly makes South Sudan a nation with rich history, culture, and creativity. From the native climate-smart wisdom and oral traditions to the stunning fashion and being a country with one of the most youngest population in the world (According to Worldometers, the median age in South Sudan is 18.7 years as of 2025); there’s a lot that goes unseen not because its not there but because no one is really looking.

This article will discuss ten eye-opening, unnoticed, and beautiful facts about South Sudan.

Table of Contents

Introduction

South Sudan Has One of the World’s Youngest Populations

Most Complex Cattle Culture on the Planet

South Sudanese Refugees Are Becoming Global Icons

Oral Tradition in South Sudan Preserves Generations of Climate Science

South Sudan Is Home to More Than 60 Distinct Languages and Ethnic Groups

There’s a Quiet Tech and Creative Scene in Juba

Dinka Poetry Is a Highly Respected Art Form

South Sudanese Traditional Dress and Hairstyles Are Incredibly Sophisticated

South Sudanese Women Are Leading Peace Talks in Rural Villages

Its Struggle Is Also Its Strength

Let’s Set the Record Straight for South Sudan

References

The most powerful story about South Sudan actually lies in its future and not in the past, with more than 75% of its population being dominated by young people under the age of 30, according to the United Nations Development Programme. This makes it one of the youngest countries in the world, not just by independence, but by people, with the youth dominating a large sector of the society. (UNDP, 2022)

The youth demographic in the country gives room for a brighter future and great hope, even though it comes with big challenges. Unlike other countries in Europe and other parts of Asia, South Sudan is filled with a lot of young people in the streets, classrooms, and their leadership spaces.

The young people are the ones driving a new narrative for their beloved nation. One that is shaped by music, digital culture, entrepreneurship, and activism. Thus, in a world where the mention of South Sudan often conjures images of conflict, societal unrest, poverty, and hardship, this generation dares to imagine something different. With little more than a smartphone, a voice, and ‘stubborn’ optimism, they are building something much bigger and better. Only time will tell the outcome.

Cattle are far more than livestock for South Sudanese. They are a central pillar of identity, culture, and economic value. Take, for example, the people of Dinka, Neur, and Mundari, cows represent wealth, status, memory, and spiritual continuity. Their role extends far beyond agriculture into nearly every aspect of communal life, from courtship and conflict resolution to poetry and spiritual practice.

So unlike in most societies where cattle are seen as food or farming assets, South Sudanese communities see them as a sacred status. Among the Dinka, for instance, wealth is traditionally measured by the number of cattle a person owns, and not by money in the bank. Also, dowries are usually paid using cows, and specific cattle breeds, horn shapes, and skin patterns serve as markers of family heritage and social rank.

Moreover, some even believe that cattle possess some form of spiritual power. Rituals involving cattle are often deeply symbolic. Ever so often, horns are used in some ceremonies and songs composed in honour of prized bulls. In many cases, the names of cattle are passed down through generations, just to preserve ancestral memory and lineage. Scholars have described this as a "cattle-based epistemology," where knowledge, history, and identity are passed down through bovine relationships.

More often than not, outsiders find this system quite unusual and difficult to interpret, as it works within a rich framework of values, logic, and cultural rhythm. It bears repeating that for South Sudanese, cattle are not just animals; they are inheritance, memory, love, and language.

Despite decades of displacement and civil unrest, South Sudan has produced a remarkable array of global champions. Individuals who have risen to prominence in sports, fashion, activism, and entertainment. These figures not only challenge the reductive narratives of war and victimhood but also reposition their beloved nation as a home of visionaries, and not just survivors.

One of the earliest icons to emerge from this narrative is Alek Wlek, the South Sudanese-born supermodel whose striking presence redefined global beauty standards in the late 1990s. Her rise to fame, from fleeing conflict to walking high-fashion runways, forced the Western fashion industry to confront and celebrate African beauty in a new light (a massive win for Africa).

Following in her footsteps is Adut Akech, another South Sudanese model raised in a Kenyan refugee camp. Today, she is not only one of the most sought-after faces in global fashion but also serves as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) ambassador. She is actively using her platform and reputation to advocate for displaced people worldwide.

In sports, the late Manute Bol stood as a towering figure, both literally and symbolically. As one of the tallest players in NBA history, Bol used his fame and fortune not for personal gain but to support education and peace-building efforts in his homeland. He donated the majority of his salary to humanitarian work in South Sudan, becoming the face of diaspora responsibility and sacrifice.

While South Sudan continues to produce faces and voices like these, these stories just show that where you start doesn't define where you will go. Sometimes, greatness grows in the most unexpected places (South Sudan).

Long before the era of satellites or climate models, elders across South Sudanese communities have relied on oral traditions to read and respond to their environment. Some of these oral traditions include reading signs from birds, insects, wind, and the behaviour of cattle to predict floods, droughts, or seasonal shifts. These signs weren't just noticed, they were interpreted, debated around fires, remembered through songs, and passed down as living knowledge.

Even among the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk tribes, they saw this method of reading the climate as survival. Elders could literally tell you when a flood was near or when the rains would come. They did this by watching how termites behaved or when migratory birds disappeared. Using these clues, their people knew when to plant, when to move their herds, and when to prepare for hardship. No smartphones. No data maps. Just a quiet, practiced intimacy with the land.

Interestingly, as climate change becomes even more difficult to predict today, scientists and NGOs are going back to this ancestral wisdom. What was once seen as folklore is now seen as insight-hyper local knowledge that even high-tech tools can miss. Some researchers are even documenting these oral systems, seeing them as a kind of community-led early warning network.

It is believed that memories travel through voices and not books in South Sudan. And in a world taken aback by climate extremes, maybe the wisest forecasts are still the ones whispered by the elderly man watching the sky, or the elderly woman listening to voices in the wind.

South Sudan has one of the richest blends of ethnic and cultural diversity in Africa. The nation has over 64 distinct ethnic groups. More so, their identity is shaped not by one dominant voice, but by a chorus of histories, languages, and customs. The Dinka and Nuer are the largest tribes; together, they make up over half of the population.

Each ethnic group operates with its own systems, shaped by its environments and traditions. In the Mundari tribe, for instance, they see cattle as more than just mere animals; they represent currency, a sign of social status, and a key part of marriage and conflict resolution. For the Adio, agriculture forms the backbone of their economy. They rely on farming for both survival and trade.

These local economies often run parallel to national structures. What works for one group may be completely different for another, and that's normal across the country. So, despite the differences in language and customs, communities often live beside each other. In most areas, people trade, intermarry, and attend shared events without conflict.

Most groups also have distinct markings or tattoos that show identity, origin, or family heritage. These symbols carry meaning and are usually passed down through generations. They are not just decorative; they hold history and tell people where someone comes from.

In short, South Sudan is a place where diversity is not only a slogan but a way of life.

Capital city, Juba, is now the focal point for technological innovation and creative expression in Africa. Despite facing economic and infrastructural challenges, the city's youthful population is spearheading a movement towards a more dynamic and forward-thinking society.

70% of South Sudan's population is under the age of 30. This means there's a significant push towards equipping the youth with skills that align with modern economic demands.

Initiatives like the Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, aim to reduce unemployment by promoting vocational skills among young people.

At the forefront of this transformation is Koneta Hub. As a youth-centric hub, Koneta Hub is poised to provide community-driven solutions to the nation's socio-economic challenges. Its major emphasis is gender inclusion, job creation, and technological training.

South Sudan Web Design Agency, Codemate Tech, and Juba Soft are also leading the charge of economic transformation in South Sudan. These agencies are creating more job opportunities and fostering a culture of innovation. Spaces like Baobab Houses have produced artists like Juma Morris. Anataban Campaign uses art forms like graffiti, murals, and sculpture to advocate for social justice and governmental accountability.

Dinka poetry is an important cultural feature of the largest ethnic group in South Sudan. Interestingly, 35% of the population belongs to the Dinka tribe. Across generations, the culture's myth, tradition, and history have been passed down through poetry, and it is one of the most enduring forms of expression in the country. For the people of South Sudan, it's not just art, but how the knowledge has been stored and passed on.

Further, Dinka poetry holds a spiritual weight and is often used to praise God, speak to ancestors, and interpret nature. It also plays a role in events like weddings, funerals, and cattle rituals, and serves as a bridge between daily living and sacredness.

However, in recent years, the growing tech and creative scene in South Sudan has brought this age-old tradition into new spaces. Spoken word artists now perform Dinka poetry on local radio. Cultural festivals feature it on public stages. Social media has even made it more accessible, especially among youth who see poetry as a way to express their traumas, conflicts, and hope.

Places like the Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba have hosted cultural events that highlight poetry as both performance and preservation.

While Dinka poetry does not directly generate large revenue for South Sudan, its value is being noticed. For instance, South Sudan's Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism believes the country's culture, if properly harnessed, could one day rival oil in economic value. Cultural practices like Dinka poetry are part of that vision. They draw interest from journalists, researchers, and travelers looking for more than just headlines about war.

Even Google Arts & Culture now hosts curated stories about Dinka heritage, showing that what was once only shared by word of mouth around the village fires is now being preserved and celebrated on global platforms.

For the people of South Sudan, traditional dresses and hairstyles are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. In communities like the Dinka and Nuer, the traditional attire often includes elaborate beadwork and headdresses adorned with feathers, which symbolize social status, marital status, and age.

Their hairstyle also carries deep cultural significance, with specific styles indicating various life stages and societal roles. For instance, certain scarification patterns and hair designs are unique identifiers within tribes, which is a reflection of a rich blend of cultural narratives.

Economically, the preservation and promotion of these traditional styles have opened avenues for cultural tourism and artisanal markets. Initiatives like the Roots Project in Juba have empowered local craftswomen to produce traditional garments and accessories, which have found markets among high-end collectors internationally, particularly in the United States. This not only provides income for artisans but also puts South Sudan's culture on the global map.

Furthermore, cultural festivals and events, such as those held at the Nyakuron Cultural Center in Juba, showcase traditional dances, music, and fashion, which attract both local and international audiences. These events celebrate the nation's rich, diverse heritage and also contribute to the economy through tourism and cultural exchange.

South Sudanese women have been quietly leading peace efforts in rural communities for years now. For example, in Eastern Equatoria State, women from five villages formed a peacekeeping committee to address local conflicts.

They organized interfaith prayers, cared for orphaned children, and supported war victims. Their grassroots approach has been effective in resolving disputes and promoting harmony among communities.

Another notable figure in the peacekeeping scene is Anna Kima of the New Sudan Council of Churches, who played a key role in the preparation and implementation of the Wunlit peace agreement. Her efforts, along with those of other women leaders, have been beneficial in bridging the divides and encouraging peace efforts.

These women's initiatives have significantly contributed to safety in the land and also pushed for economic stability. By reducing conflicts, they have enabled safer environments for farming and trade, which are vital for South Sudan's economy.

Moreover, their involvement has also brought about international recognition to the Nation's peacebuilding efforts, which invariably highlights the role women play in these things.

It's no longer 'Breaking News' that South Sudan's journey has been marked by immense challenges of civil unrest. However, these very struggles have enabled resilience and innovation among its people.

In Torit County, Eastern Equatoria, the "Building Livelihood Resilience for Income Security and Dignified Life" project, which was implemented from March 2023 to March 2024, has tremendously improved livestock productivity and sustainable livelihoods. This project empowers communities to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Further, community-driven initiatives have also played a key role in promoting resilience. The Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project (ECRP), which was financed by the World Bank, has benefited nearly 740,000 people across South Sudan by improving essential infrastructure and services.

Notably, over half of the beneficiaries were women and girls. This highlights the commitment of the project to an all-inclusive development.

South Sudan's effort to integrate into regional and global trade systems has laid the groundwork for economic diversification and peacebuilding. The "Trade for Peace and Resilience in South Sudan" policy brief talks about the importance of agriculture and local economic development as core focus areas. This aims to strengthen the country's supply capacity and engage the private sector as a driving force for sustainable growth.

As a result, South Sudan’s communities have found ways to work together, respect each other's differences, and preserve their culture. In the aftermath of war and conflict, the people are filled with a newfound hope and optimism as to what the future holds as they work together to achieve national peace.

Just because the Western media keeps telling you there's war in South Sudan doesn't mean that's the whole truth. And it is not your fault or mine, because that's all we've been fed the whole time. South Sudan is not just a war zone. It's a country with people who write poems, design clothes, grow food, build tech, and mediate peace. Sometimes with nothing but their voices, hands, and memory.

But There’s More to the Story

Now does that mean we should completely blacklist the western media? Not entirely (in my opinion). Why? They have also done some incredible reporting and helped the world understand urgent global issues at hand. But it's also true that when it comes to African stories, especially stories of strength, culture, and everyday greatness, there's a kind of silence. Or worse, a habit of zooming in only when things fall apart.

That silence has cost South Sudan visibility and, in some cases, dignity. So if all you've ever seen is dust, guns, and empty villages, then maybe you've just been looking through someone else's lens. because on the ground, South Sudan is raising models who speak at the UN, poets who fill community town halls, women who sit at peace tables, and youths who build startups from shared computers in hubs powered by generators.

So, no, South Sudan is not perfect. But it's not what you think, either. And that alone should be enough for anyone who truly cares to take a second look.

[1] Worldometer, "South Sudan Demographics," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[2] United Nations Development Programme, "South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is at a crossroads," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[3] Vogue UK, "Adut Akech Is The New Face Of Estée Lauder," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[4] Rift Valley Institute, "Traditional Narratives of South Sudanese on Climate Change," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[5] Africa Geographic, "The Mundari of South Sudan," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[6] Scenius Hub, "Home - Scenius Hub South Sudan," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[7] Eye Radio, "Tourism could beat oil if not for insecurity – Wildlife Minister," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].

[8] Chr. Michelsen Institute, "The Role of Women in Informal Peace Efforts in South Sudan," [Accessed: 21-May-2025].