South Sudan officially gained independence in 2011. The largest city in South Sudan is Juba, with Nilotic peoples making up a majority of the country’s population. South Sudan became an independent territory on 9 July 2011, following a referendum vote and approval of 98.83%.  The road to being a sovereign nation was a long one, with two civil wars from 1955-1972 and 1983-2005 and a Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005. Christianity is the major religion in the country with a population of over 12 million inhabitants.

South Sudan is a member of the  East African Community, United Nations, African Nations, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

A ratified constitution was created by the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly shortly before it became an independent country in 2011. It came into force after being signed by the  President of South Sudan, superseding the 2005 constitution, making it the Supreme law of the land. The constitution creates a presidential system of government, which is headed by the President serving as head of state , government, and head of the armed forces and commander in chief. The constitution also established a two house  National Legislature. An independent judiciary is also established under the country’s constitution.

The judiciary of South Sudan, or JOSS, is constitutionally mandated. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country, with the Supreme Justice being elected by the President.  There are nine justices total on the Supreme Court, and they are organized into panels of 3.  When the court hears a Constitutional issue, all 9 justices chair the court, and the Chief Justice is in charge.  A complicated system of subordinate courts exists, with a caveat for customary courts and tribunals based on local customs.  This can be difficult to maintain in practice, as two different courts may be applied to a single issue.

The National Law Review has the latest coverage of news, stories, and international affairs as it relates to South Sudan. International sanctions, TPS and immigration news, international affairs, and other topics are covered online regularly.