Sahan nabad ah! Welcome to the world’s youngest nation—South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011. There are around 11,000,000 people living here, and the capital is Juba, located on the banks of the White Nile. The official language is English, though Juba Arabic and many indigenous languages like Dinka and Nuer are widely spoken.

South Sudan covers about 644,329 square kilometers (248,777 square miles). That’s roughly the same size as France or slightly smaller than the state of Texas. The geography is dominated by the Nile River system and includes vast savannas, swamplands, and tropical rainforests.

The most popular sport is Basketball, and the national team has recently gained international fame for their incredible performance on the world stage. Their national animal is the Shoebill Stork, a prehistoric-looking bird found in the country’s vast wetlands.

The flag consists of horizontal stripes of black, red, and green separated by thin white stripes, with a blue triangle at the hoist containing a gold star, where the black represents the people, the red symbolizes the blood shed for freedom, the green stands for the land’s fertility, the white represents peace, and the blue and gold star signify the Nile and the unity of the states.

The food is hearty and often based on grains and legumes. You must try Asida, a thick dough-like porridge made from sorghum or millet, usually served with a savory stew. Another favorite is Kudra, a green vegetable stew often made with peanut paste. Because of the Nile, Fresh Fish, particularly Nile Perch, is a major part of the diet in many regions.

South Sudan is home to the Sudd, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the world and a haven for migratory birds and aquatic life. The country features the Boma National Park, which hosts one of the largest mammal migrations on Earth, rivaling even the Serengeti. You can visit the White Nile, which flows through the heart of the country, providing life and transportation to countless communities. Interestingly, South Sudan has a very high cattle-to-human ratio, as cattle are central to the culture, wealth, and social status of many ethnic groups.

From the vibrant markets of Konyo Konyo to the vast horizons of the savanna, South Sudan is a land of new beginnings and ancient traditions. Shukran! That means “Thank you!”