South Sudan shares its borders with six neighboring countries, each playing a unique role in the region’s geography and politics. These countries form a diverse ring around South Sudan, ranging from well-known regional powers to more remote and less accessible neighbors. Some borders are long and vital for trade, while others are shorter and present security challenges. Understanding these countries helps highlight South Sudan’s strategic location in East-Central Africa.
Below is a list of the countries that border South Sudan, along with key details about their capitals and the length of their shared borders.
Flag This column shows the national flag of each neighboring country, providing a quick visual reference.
Capital City This column lists the capital city of each country, offering insight into their political centers and hubs.
Border Length (km) This column indicates the length of the border each country shares with South Sudan in kilometers, highlighting the extent of their geographical connection.
countries that border south sudan
| Country | Flag | Capital City | Border Length (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudan | 🇸🇩 | Khartoum | 1,937 |
| Ethiopia | 🇪🇹 | Addis Ababa | 883 |
| Kenya | 🇰🇪 | Nairobi | 317 |
| Uganda | 🇺🇬 | Kampala | 475 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 🇨🇩 | Kinshasa | 714 |
| Central African Republic | 🇨🇫 | Bangui | 1,055 |
Descriptions
Sudan
Sudan, South Sudan’s northern neighbor, shares a complex and often volatile border. Their separation in 2011 left unresolved issues like oil revenue sharing and border demarcation, which remain central to their geopolitical relations and regional stability.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia lies to South Sudan’s east, a major regional power and a critical partner in the IGAD bloc. Their shared border facilitates trade and cultural exchange, but also poses challenges related to refugee movements and cross-border security, especially in Ethiopia’s Gambella region.
Kenya
Kenya, to South Sudan’s southeast, provides vital logistical corridors for trade, including access to the port of Mombasa. The shared border area, particularly the Ilemi Triangle, has historically been disputed, impacting cross-border pastoralism and security in this strategic region.
Uganda
Uganda, South Sudan’s southern neighbor, has strong historical and economic ties. Its border is a key trade route and a major destination for South Sudanese refugees. Bilateral security concerns, including armed groups, occasionally affect stability along this shared frontier.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC, to South Sudan’s southwest, shares a largely remote and permeable border. This frontier is challenging to control, often used by armed groups and for illicit trade, contributing to regional instability and humanitarian concerns in a very sparsely governed area.
Central African Republic
The CAR borders South Sudan to the west, sharing a long, remote, and often insecure frontier. Instability and the presence of armed groups in the CAR, like the LRA, pose significant security challenges for South Sudan, impacting border region governance and humanitarian access.
