Statistics: South Sudan has more cows than humans

With a population of 11.1 million people according to a 2019 disputed UN statistic, South Sudan has over 31 million head of cattle, sheep and goats, making it a world-leading nation when the animal wealth is calculated per capita.

South Sudan gained independence from the Republic of the Sudan in 2011, making it the most recent sovereign state or country with widespread recognition as of 2021. It includes the vast swamp region of the Sudd, formed by the White Nile and known locally as the Bahr al Jabal meaning “Mountain River”

The statistics revealed that there are more livestocks than humans living in South Sudan.

Despite its enormous livestock wealth, South Sudan continues to import most of its meat from neighbouring countries, losing hundreds of millions of dollars every year without exports in return.

Keeping livestock alive and healthy is vital in South Sudan, where most of the population depends heavily on cattle, sheep and goats for their livelihood.

“Without livestock in South Sudan, it’s like you’re not a human being. It’s like you’re not South Sudanese,” South Sudanese quote.