What animals live in South Sudan?

South Sudan is home to some of the most remarkable wildlife on earth! The Nile River and its swamps are full of Nile crocodiles and hippopotamuses. Out on the wide grasslands, called savannas, you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and cape buffalo roaming together. It is one of the few places left where enormous herds of antelope — especially white-eared kob — still migrate across the land in huge numbers. The wetlands of South Sudan, like the famous Sudd swamp, are home to the shoebill stork — a large, unusual bird with a bill shaped almost like a shoe. Wattled cranes and hundreds of other bird species live there too. The people of South Sudan, many of whom herd cattle across these same grasslands, have lived alongside these animals for generations. Even as explorers, Herman and Rusty think it is worth knowing that the people of South Sudan need something far more valuable than wildlife — they need the good news about Jesus, and many are still waiting to hear it clearly.

What do kids eat in South Sudan?

Great question to dig into! In South Sudan, many kids eat a thick porridge called 'asida,' made from sorghum or maize flour. It is filling and warm, and families often eat it together from a shared bowl. A common side dish is a stew made with beans, leafy greens, or sometimes dried fish. Meat like goat or beef is a special treat, usually saved for celebrations. In villages near rivers, fresh fish is easier to find and shows up in many meals. Sadly, food can be hard to get in South Sudan because of years of conflict and drought, and many children do not always have enough to eat. That is something we can bring to God in prayer — that families would have what they need, and that the people sharing the gospel there would show Christ's love in real, practical ways.

How do people say hello in South Sudan?

Great question to start with — greetings matter a lot in South Sudan! The most widely spoken language there is Arabic, so many people say 'Salaam' (sah-LAHM), which means 'peace.' But South Sudan has over 60 different people groups, and each one often has its own language and its own way of saying hello. For example, the Dinka people — one of the largest groups — might greet you with 'Yïn ŋot' in their own language. The Nuer people have their own greetings too. When missionaries go to South Sudan, learning even one word of a local greeting is a powerful way to show respect and open a door to share about Jesus. It tells people, 'I care about you enough to learn your words.'

What sports or games do kids play in South Sudan?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! Kids in South Sudan love football — what you might call soccer — more than almost anything else. You'll find them kicking homemade balls made from tied-up rags and plastic bags on dusty open ground, sometimes barefoot, laughing and competing in the afternoon heat. Rusty wants to add that kids also play traditional running and chasing games, wrestling matches, and games with stones and sticks that have been passed down through families for generations. Many children have grown up through years of hardship and war, so when they get to simply play, it matters a great deal. It's a good reminder to pray that children in South Sudan would know not just joy in games, but the deeper joy that comes from knowing Jesus.

What's the weather like in South Sudan?

South Sudan is one of the hottest places on earth! Most of the country sits on a flat plain near the equator, so temperatures often climb above 100°F (38°C). There are two main seasons: a long rainy season from April to October, and a dry season the rest of the year. During the rainy season, heavy downpours can turn dirt roads into rivers of mud, which makes it very hard for missionaries to travel between villages to share the gospel. The Sudd — a giant swampy area in the middle of the country — floods even larger during those months. People who live there are tough and resilient, and many of them are hearing about Jesus for the very first time.

Tell me a fun fact about South Sudan.

South Sudan is the youngest country in the whole world — it only became its own nation in 2011! That means it is younger than many of the kids reading this very page. South Sudan is home to one of the most remarkable wildlife migrations on Earth, where millions of white-eared kob antelope and other animals cross the vast grassy plains called the Sudd. The Sudd is a giant swamp fed by the Nile River — so large that it is one of the biggest wetlands anywhere. The people of South Sudan, like the Dinka and Nuer, have herded cattle across these lands for generations, and their rich traditions and languages make this young nation a truly one-of-a-kind place.

What is school like for kids in South Sudan?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! School in South Sudan is very different from what most kids in other countries experience. Many children walk an hour or more just to reach a classroom — and that classroom might be outdoors, under a tree, with no chairs, no books, and a teacher writing on a chalkboard propped against a branch. Rusty wants you to know the harder part too: South Sudan has been through years of war, and that has made it really tough to keep schools running. Lots of kids, especially girls, never get the chance to finish school at all. But there are faithful Christians — local teachers, missionaries, and churches — working hard to bring education and the message of Jesus to these children. You can pray that kids in South Sudan would have the chance to learn, and even more, that they would hear about Jesus and know how much He loves them.

Who are the unreached people in South Sudan?

South Sudan is home to hundreds of different people groups, and some of them have never really heard the good news about Jesus. Groups like the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle have large numbers of people who follow traditional beliefs — worshipping spirits and ancestors — and many have never had a chance to hear clearly who Jesus is and why He came. Some of these groups also don't have the Bible translated into their own language yet, which makes it even harder for them to learn about God's Word. Missionaries and local believers are working hard to reach them, but it takes time, courage, and a lot of trust in God. You can pray that someone from each of these people groups would hear about Jesus and become a follower who then tells their whole community.

How can I pray for the people of South Sudan?

South Sudan is one of the youngest countries in the world, and many people there have gone through years of war and hardship. But God has not forgotten them — there are real Christians and churches in South Sudan, and we can ask God to make them strong and bold for Jesus. Here are some good things to bring to God in prayer: Ask Him to send missionaries with safety and open doors to share the gospel in villages that have never heard it. Pray that South Sudanese church leaders grow wise and faithful, and that children and families there come to know Jesus as their Savior. Some believers in South Sudan have suffered greatly for their faith, so ask God to protect them and give them courage that only He can give.

What is a holiday or celebration in South Sudan?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! One of the biggest celebrations in South Sudan is Independence Day on July 9th. That's the day in 2011 when South Sudan became the world's newest country, breaking away from Sudan after many long and painful years of war. People celebrate with singing, dancing, and waving the green, black, red, and blue national flag. Rusty wants to add that many people in South Sudan are Christians, so Christmas is also a very important celebration there. Churches fill up with singing and worship, and families gather to share food like stew and flatbread. It is a reminder that even in a country that has known a lot of suffering, the good news of Jesus brings real joy — the kind that does not depend on everything going perfectly.

What language do people speak in South Sudan?

South Sudan is one of the most language-rich places on earth — over 60 different languages are spoken there! The official language is English, left over from when the British governed the region. But most people in villages and markets speak their own tribal language, like Dinka, Nuer, Bari, or Zande. That mix of languages is one reason Bible translation work in South Sudan is so important. If someone only speaks Nuer or Dinka, they need God's Word in that language to truly understand it in their heart. Missionaries and local believers have worked hard to translate Scripture into some of these languages — but many still do not have a full Bible yet. That is a big reason to pray!

What's a famous place to visit in South Sudan?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! One of the most striking places in South Sudan is the Sudd — a massive swamp along the Nile River that is one of the largest wetlands on earth. It stretches across a huge chunk of the country and is filled with papyrus reeds, strange birds, and winding waterways that can make even a seasoned explorer scratch their head. Rusty wants to add that the city of Juba, South Sudan's capital, sits right along the Nile too and is a busy hub where many different people groups come together. South Sudan is actually home to dozens of distinct ethnic groups, each with their own language and traditions. Missionaries have worked hard in places like Juba to share the gospel and help local churches grow strong — which is the best kind of adventure we know!

South Sudan — Kids Missions Explorer

Shoebill Stork

This prehistoric-looking bird, with a shoe-shaped bill nearly a foot wide, stalks the swamps of South Sudan hunting lungfish with eerie stillness.

Nile Lechwe

This shaggy antelope has specially splayed hooves that act like snowshoes on the floating papyrus mats of the Sudd wetlands.

African Elephant

South Sudan is home to one of the largest elephant migrations on Earth, with herds crossing Boma National Park each year in a river of grey.

Asida

This thick, smooth porridge made from sorghum flour is the everyday staple in South Sudan, eaten by hand and often scooped with a stew of greens or meat.

Ful Medames

Slow-cooked fava beans mashed with oil and spices, this dish fills the air with a earthy, savory smell and is eaten for breakfast across much of the country.

Kisra

A thin, slightly sour flatbread made from fermented sorghum, kisra is baked on a hot iron plate and used to scoop up soups and stews at family meals.

South Sudan

Things you should know about South Sudan

Wildlife you might meet

What’s on the table

Did you know?

Life in South Sudan

Missions in South Sudan

Pray for South Sudan