South Sudan Rate of Natural Increase

South Sudan has one of the highest rates of natural increase (RNI) in the world, estimated at around 3% per year, driven by high birth rates and relatively high, though declining, death rates. This RNI is notably higher than most of its neighboring countries. For example, Uganda and Ethiopia also have high RNIs—approximately 2.7% and 2.5% respectively—but still fall slightly below South Sudan’s rate. In contrast, Sudan’s RNI is lower, around 2.1%, reflecting somewhat lower fertility rates and improvements in health conditions. Meanwhile, Kenya’s RNI is even lower, at about 1.9%, due to greater reductions in both birth and death rates. The high RNI in South Sudan underscores its youthful population and ongoing demographic challenges, particularly in the context of political instability and limited access to health services, which further distinguishes its demographic profile from its neighbors.

Data from US Census International Database