The Economy
The world’s newest country didn’t start independence on the best foot, still recovering from the wars that only ended less than a decade ago. The economy definitely took a hit during this time and needs immediate attention to build it up. The current GDP of South Sudan is at 11.8 billion US dollars and 1,044 US dollars GDP per capita, compared the United States which has a GDP of 16.77 trillion US dollars and 53,041 US dollars GDP per capita. Considering this, the GDP of South Sudan and per capita is extremely low at not even close to half of the United States, which has a booming economy. South Sudan's economy definitely has room to grow, but it needs immediate attention, a efficient leader, and to positively use the much needed foreign aid. They need to focus on the right things including oil exports, as
oil is an extremely valuable resource that can open up many
global doors for the nation.
oil is an extremely valuable resource that can open up many
global doors for the nation.
The Infrastructure
Post war, infrastructure was also way behind where it should be for a modern day nation There was a complete lack of infrastructure before the wars started and a direct correlation of decades of violence and destruction, translated in South Sudan now facing years of building up their country to meet modern day standards. A lack of infrastructure also directly impacts the economy, as global businesses can't open office spaces in the country when there are no buildings for them to consider doing this in. It also affects the tourism industry, as there is great tourist potential due to the breathtaking geography and wildlife reservations, but undeveloped cities with limited to no places to stay.
Education
Another pressing issue, which has become more evident since the grant of independence, is education. If the country wants a brighter future, then the need the future generations to be well educated and capable of taking jobs which required the ability to read or certain math. The current literacy rate for South Sudan is 27% of people age 15 and above, 40% of males are literate and 16% of females. This is awful considering the literacy rate of the United States is 85%. This shows a lack of access to education and a low quality of education. Only 10% of the population is attending school and finishing it, leaving the other 90% uneducated or qualified to do much in the work field. If there is attention directed to providing public education for citizens throughout the country then there will definitely be an increase in these numbers and a brighter generation to come.
Health Services and Disease
Available health services and disease also needs immediate attention. Sudan has a terrible health problem as it suffers from many deadly diseases. There are other countries that suffer from the same diseases, but South Sudan happens to have a combination of almost all the deadliest ones know throughout Africa. About 40% of the entire population are in desperate need of adequate health care but are not receiving it due to the instability of the country and the broken health service systems. Malaria is one of the biggest killers in this area, and people there are at a high risk of obtaining it. Malaria is responsible for about 25% of reported deaths in health facilities throughout the country.
The President
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has been in office since independence. He comes from a powerful military background and people working with him say he has not mad the complete transition from military leader to political leader. He has been no Paul Kagame and has certainly not turned around his struggling country in the short time he has had in office. There is also controversy over the President being a Dinka, as many feel it has given the most populated ethnic group a superior stance over the others, despite the intentions of tolerance and pride for different ethnicities.
The Modern Day Impact
All of these issues have played a role in where South Sudan is as a modern day nation. The economy, infrastructure, the President, education, and health of the people are all set backs for South Sudan, and reasons it is not part of the modern day global community in any significant way. These issues are all a result of colonization, leading to the decades of war, and the differences between the North and South, which prevented them from dealing with the situation in a more efficient way.