South Sudan: housing

How many people in South Sudan have clean water and sanitation?

56% of South Sudan's population had at least basic drinking water services in 2025, 82% in towns and 50% in rural areas, according to the 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey by the National Bureau of Statistics. Only 3% had basic sanitation, and 79% had no sanitation facility at all.

Basic water means an improved source within a 30-minute round trip, including queuing. Only 6% of people had basic hygiene services, meaning a place to wash hands with soap and water. The survey interviewed households across the country in 2025.

Official sources: NBS: MICS 2025 Key Findings Report (PDF)

What is South Sudan's urbanisation rate?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 21.7%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 44.9%, and South Sudan placed 46th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 186th of 193.

What share of South Sudan's city dwellers live in slums?

94.2%: that is the share of city dwellers living in slums in South Sudan for 2022, according to UN-Habitat. No year since 2006 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 48.7%; South Sudan is 1st highest of 48. Of 170 countries with 2022 data, 1st highest.

How many people in South Sudan have electricity?

The World Bank puts the share of people with access to electricity in South Sudan at 5.4% in 2024. Since 2007 it has ranged from 0.8% (2007) to 8.4% (2022). It is 48th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 57.8%. Worldwide: 193rd of 193.

What is access to clean cooking in South Sudan?

The WHO puts the share of people using clean cooking fuels in South Sudan at 0.0% in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 13.0%, and South Sudan placed 47th highest of 48. Of 192 countries with 2024 data, 191st highest.