South Sudan Capital City, About Juba Tourism and Travel

(South Sudan, SS, North-East Africa)

For most visitors, Juba offers their first glimpse of South Sudan. One thing is clear - it is unlike most capital cities in Africa. Much of the basic infrastructure that you would expect in a country's main city is non-existent. Likewise, compared to other capitals, it is still relatively small.

New roads, hotels and tourist facilities are, however, currently under development, although this inevitably takes time. In the meantime, Juba's role as South Sudan's capital is somewhat shaky. Plans are afoot to move the capital to the more centrally located Ramciel.

A trading post was set up on the side of modern-day Juba back in the 19th century. In 1852, an Austrian missionary also came to Gondokoro, as it was then known, to set up a mission station. The mission lasted only seven years before it was abandoned.

Tourism and General Information

The explorer Sir Samuel Baker established himself at the settlement during his expeditions in the area in the 1860s and 1870s. After the signing of the Addis Ababa Peace Agreement in 1972, Juba was named as the seat of the High Executive Council for Southern Sudan.

Since South Sudan became an independent country, the relatively small town of Juba has expanded considerably. Whilst the number of people currently living in the city seems to be uncertain, its population is certainly in excess of a quarter of a million.

Juba has a central district known as the 'Juba Town'. This is where you will find most of the city's banks. Between this central district and the airport is Wizara Road, which is home to several government ministries, as well as the mausoleum of the former President Dr. John Garang.

Close by is the district of Thong Ping, which is mainly residential and includes the United Nations Mission compound. Many of the city's hotels can be found in the Nile River district. On the outskirts of Juba are numerous small residential neighbourhoods and villages, made up of small hut-style houses.