Culture
South Sudan (officially the Republic of South Sudan) is located in East-Central Africa and is the most formed country in the world. It gained independence from North Sudan in 2011 after more than 50 years of political struggle. As the youngest country in the world, its national identity is still emerging. Most South Sudanese share a cultural connection based on their traditional practice of Christianity and their experience of struggle and liberation from North Sudan. South Sudanese, however, tend to feel more culturally involved and loyal to their indigenous and ethnic groups than to the nation. Moreover, despite its recent isolation, the country is facing deadly civil unrest and local violence. Since the outbreak of the Civil War in 2013 (IDMC, 2011ally), nearly two million people have been internally displaced. The influence of the island has profoundly changed the cultural life of many South Sudanese. As a source of one of the world’s most endangered refugees, the experience of deportation has also changed the practice of human traditions. Nevertheless, South Sudanese have a reputation for being resilient, adaptable and flexible. Many continue to work through difficult situations with very few complaints and become incredibly self-sufficient and wealthy.
Variety of experiences
Most South Sudanese identify with each other on the basis of their African ethnic heritage and Christian beliefs, as these (mainly Arab Muslims) define the reasons for their separation from North Sudanese. However, it is recognized that there is no equal understanding of the experience of ordinary South Sudan. However, people’s experiences vary depending on when they were captured during the war and when they left the country. Each of the armed conflicts and civil wars within the region was different in nature, with fundamentally different experiences. Moreover, not all South Sudanese came from the center of the conflict. Many people in South Sudan who fled their country had no direct contact with the violent behavior
The long experience of displacement may affect the practice of culture and traditions. Some may have spent years in exile, voluntarily displaced in neighboring countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. In this case, many have fallen into the marginalization and uncertainty of refugee camps or joined the urban poor in the big cities. Others were forced to live a nomadic life in order to escape the onslaught of the army. Meanwhile, a large number of Southerners living in Khartoum (the capital of North Sudan) have moved to South Sudan in anticipation of a new life after its independence, and now North Sudan faces a double ecosystem trying to return to their homes where they are no longer. Citizens
Moreover, while most people in South Sudan now have a rural way of life, not all South Sudanese emigrants share this cultural background. In fact, many people identified as South Sudanese are very educated, urbanized and familiar with the industrialized environment. Some have never lived in the actual territory of South Sudan, having previously lived in cities in North Sudan before the two countries split. Most of these individuals have received cultural shocks by adapting to South Sudan’s rural infrastructure and way of life.
In the end, the experience in South Sudan is incredibly diverse and complex. No one in South Sudan can make regular decisions based on their nationality alone. Thus, although the following information will focus on describing the general cultural life of South Sudanese residents today, it is important to understand that this description will not apply to all individuals identified as South Sudanese throughout the diaspora.
Country Demographics
As of 2001, about 45% of South Sudan’s population is under the age of 15 (CIA World Factbook, 2016). Meanwhile, only 5% are over 55 years of age. This age inequality reflects the life-changing and often fatal effects of long-term conflict. The current water shortage, famine and lack of resources have affected the people. Despite its rich natural resources, South Sudan is economically poor. It has limited infrastructure, much of which has been damaged by war. Roads are mostly unoccupied, vehicles are scarce, and many people seize without using coins. It is estimated that more than 80% of the population lives in rural areas (CIA World Factbook, 2015). People in these rural areas may be unfamiliar with modern day utilities and technologies like shopping malls and escalators.
It is normal for people in South Sudan to be bilingual or bilingual. English is the official language