(JUBA) – South Sudan is marked World Population Day on July 11, as government officials and development partners raised concerns over the country’s continued reliance on outdated population data.
The last national census was conducted in 2008, three years before South Sudan gained independence. Since then, no fresh census has been carried out, leaving the country dependent on estimates and limited surveys for critical planning and development efforts.
Speaking during the commemoration, the Director General of the South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics, Augustino Ting Maya, said the absence of updated demographic information has made it difficult for policymakers to plan adequately for services such as health, education, and infrastructure.
“We are currently relying on household surveys to estimate population figures,” Maya said. “This limits the accuracy and depth of information needed for informed decision making.”
Maya added that while various national surveys have been conducted in recent years, they do not provide a complete picture of South Sudan’s population dynamics. He called for renewed political will and international support to enable the country to conduct a comprehensive census.
A monitoring and evaluation specialist with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in South Sudan, Francis Tukwasibwe, echoed the need for a full population census, stating that it remains the only reliable way to obtain accurate data for long-term national development.
“Without a census, it is extremely difficult to design effective policies, allocate resources, and measure progress,” Tukwasibwe said. “We urge the government and partners to prioritise a national census in the near future.”
South Sudan’s estimated population figures vary significantly between sources. While official projections suggest a population of about 12 million people, other organisations estimate the number could be higher or lower due to factors such as displacement, conflict, and migration.
The financial cost of conducting a census is also a challenge. At the current exchange rate of $1 to 4,600 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), the estimated cost of a nationwide census could run into billions of SSP.
Experts believe that in order to conduct a credible census, strong collaboration will be needed between the national government, state institutions, international donors, and civil society organisations. Political stability, access to remote areas, and security guarantees are also seen as essential preconditions for success.
Until such a census is completed, the lack of precise population data will continue to hinder South Sudan’s ability to meet national and global development goals, especially in areas such as healthcare, education, food security, and governance.
