By Deng Ghai Deng
A recent Population Estimation Survey reveals that South Sudan’s population has reached 13 million.
Conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with key government ministries, academic institutions, and international organizations such as UNFPA, the survey provides vital data that could influence policy formulation, decision-making, and development planning in the country.
Dr. Augustino Ting Mayai, Director General of the NBS said the survey offers an unprecedented insight into the country’s demographic landscape, which is essential for informed policy-making and sustainable development.
“This study was launched to achieve two main objectives. Firstly, it aimed to provide updated population estimates, as the last census was conducted in 2008 and the data had become outdated. Secondly, the survey was designed to support planning and development activities by delivering the most current demographic information,” Dr. Mayai explained.
The survey, which comes after the national population and housing census planned during the transitional period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement could not take place, reveals critical employment figures across the country.
The employment landscape in South Sudan remains deeply troubling, with significant disparities in job access and alarming child labor statistics.
Nationally, only 7% of women are employed, while a shocking 93% remain unemployed. Men face similar challenges, with just 10% of males in jobs, leaving 90% out of the workforce. Even among educated groups, employment opportunities remain scarce.
Among those with post-secondary or diploma-level education, only 29% of women and 34% of men are employed. The situation is nearly the same for university graduates, with 25% of females and 29% of males securing jobs.
Disturbingly, child labor remains widespread across the country. The survey highlights that 4% of children aged 10-14 and 5% of boys and 6% of girls aged 15-19 are engaged in labor, robbing them of their childhood and education.
These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address unemployment and child labor, ensuring a brighter future for South Sudan’s population.