Juba facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Juba
Capital city
From top, left to right: View of Juba, John Garang Mausoleum Square, aerial view, United Nations (UTair) Boeing 737, White Nile river in Juba
Flag Seal
Juba Location in South Sudan
Country	South Sudan
State	Central Equatoria
County	Juba
Payam	Juba
Founded	1922
Government
• Type	Mayor-council government
Area
• Capital city	52 km2 (20 sq mi)
• Metro	336 km2 (130 sq mi)
Elevation	550 m (1,800 ft)
Population  (2017 estimate)
• Capital city	525,953
• Density	10,110/km2 (26,200/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+02:00 (Central Africa Time)
• Summer (DST)	(Not Observed)
Climate	Aw

Juba, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan in the 1930s

Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan. It is located on the White Nile river. Juba is also the capital of the Central Equatoria State. In 2017, about 525,953 people lived there. The city covers an area of 52 square kilometers (20 sq mi). Its larger metropolitan area is about 336 square kilometers (130 sq mi).

Juba was started in 1920–21 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). It was built in a small village also called Juba. In the late 1920s, it became the capital of Mongalla Province. The city grew much faster after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2005. This agreement made Juba the capital of the Autonomous Government of Southern Sudan. When South Sudan became independent in 2011, Juba became its national capital. However, some leaders wanted to move the capital to Ramciel. The government announced this move, but it has not happened yet.

Discovering Juba's Past

Juba was once a small army outpost for the Khedivate of Egypt. Only a few soldiers lived there. Many soldiers got sick from diseases like malaria. Explorers Samuel Baker and Florence Baker used a nearby island, Gondokoro, as their base. They explored what is now South Sudan and northern Uganda in the 1860s and 1870s.

The city of Juba today was built on the site of a small Bari village. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) had a mission and a school there in 1920–21. In the late 1920s, British and Egyptian officials told the Bari people to move. They wanted to build a new town as the capital of Mongalla Province. The CMS school and the nearby Nile river, which allowed for easy transport, helped them choose the spot.

Major construction of Juba began in 1927. Traders moved to the new city in 1929. The Governor's office moved there in 1930.

Greek merchants helped a lot in building Juba in the early 1920s. They built many buildings in the downtown market area. They also built structures in the area called the Greek Quarter. Many of these buildings are still standing today. Examples include the Ivory Bank and the Juba Hotel.

From 1899, the British managed southern Sudan separately from the north. In 1946, the British decided to unite the north and south. The Juba Conference was held to discuss this.

Juba was part of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan until 1956. This area was ruled by both the United Kingdom and Egypt. In 1955, a soldier uprising started the First Sudanese Civil War. This war ended in 1972. During the Second Sudanese Civil War, Juba was a very important location. There was a lot of fighting there.

In 2005, Juba became the temporary capital of the Autonomous Government of Southern Sudan. This happened after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed. Before this, Rumbek was supposed to be the capital. After peace came, the United Nations increased its presence in Juba. They set up a camp called "OCHA Camp" for many UN groups.

Juba became the newest national capital in the world on July 9, 2011. This was when South Sudan officially became independent from Sudan. However, some people, including the government, felt Juba was not the best capital. They suggested building a new city, probably Ramciel, as the capital.

On September 5, 2011, the government announced the capital would move to Ramciel. Ramciel is about 250 km (155 miles) from Juba. It is in the middle of South Sudan. As of June 2020, the move has not happened yet.

Since the 2023 Sudan Conflict began, about 6,000 refugees have come to Juba. Many settled in an area called Gorom. They have faced challenges due to a lack of help.

How Juba is Governed

Juba is managed by a city council. This council was formed in March 2011. Governor Clement Wani Konga created the council. He appointed Mohammed El Haj Baballa as mayor. David Lokonga Moses was appointed as deputy mayor. A special committee was also made to keep Juba clean.

In 2023, Michael Lado Allah-Jabu became mayor. He was appointed after Kalisto Lado was removed. Then, on June 27, 2023, Allah-Jabu was also removed. Emmanuel Khamis was then appointed as the temporary mayor.

Before March 2011, Juba was divided into three areas: Juba, Kator, and Muniki. Now, Juba City Council is a separate part of Juba County. It is also the main town of the county.

Getting Around Juba

Juba Bridge, a Bailey bridge over the White Nile

Juba is a river port. It is the southernmost point for boats on the Nile river. Before the civil war, Juba was a major transport center. Highways connected it to Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

After the war, Juba has not fully recovered. It is no longer a big trade city. Many roads and the river port are in bad condition. The United Nations and the South Sudanese government are working to fix the roads. However, it will take many years to repair them completely. In 2003, the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) started clearing mines from roads. These roads lead from Juba to Uganda and Kenya.

Rebuilding the roads is hard work. Most roads are unpaved. The long rainy season, from March to October, limits construction time. These roads are important for peace. They help people return home and live normal lives. The road to Uganda was the first to be rebuilt. Many people from Juba fled to Uganda during the war. As of 2009, Juba had three paved roads. One was resurfaced in July. The main one is a concrete road built by the British in the 1950s.

Between 2008 and 2011, Uganda and South Sudan worked together. They planned a railway link between Gulu (Uganda) and Juba. This link would extend to Wau. They signed an agreement in August 2008. This agreement also included plans to improve road networks. Recent news suggests the railway from Juba might connect directly to Kenya. This would bypass Uganda.

Juba International Airport (JUB/HJJJ) has many flights. These flights bring aid from the UN and other groups to South Sudan. They also carry passengers and cargo. A new terminal began construction in late 2007. Its future was uncertain when oil prices dropped. Building on the new terminal restarted in early 2014. As of February 2014, there are daily flights to major cities. These include Nairobi (Kenya), Khartoum (Sudan), Entebbe (Uganda), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has a large base near the airport.

Main Roads in Juba

Juba has important roads that connect to other towns in South Sudan. Some of these roads are:

• Juba–Nimule Road: 192 km (119 miles) long, completed in 2012.
• Gulu–Nimule Road: 105 km (65 miles) long, completed in 2015.
• Kangi-Bar-Urud Road: 28 km (17 miles) long, expected in 2017.
• Aggrey Jaden Road (Juba-Yei-Kaya Road): 243 km (151 miles) long, expected in 2025.
• Juba-Torit-Nadapal Highway: 353 km (219 miles) long.
• Juba-Bor-Malakal Highway: 500 km (311 miles) long, expected in 2025.
• Juba–Terekeka–Rumbek Road: 392 km (244 miles) long, expected in 2025.
• Kajo-keji - Juba Road: 156 km (97 miles) long.

Juba's Population Growth

In 2005, Juba had 163,442 people. By 2006, experts estimated the population was about 250,000. A census in 2008 said Juba County had 372,413 people. Most of these people lived in Juba City. However, the government of Southern Sudan did not accept these results.

Juba is growing very quickly. This is due to oil money and people coming for work. In 2011, the city's population was estimated at 372,410. It might be even higher. As of 2013, the city's population was growing by 4.23% each year. The CEO of Juba City Council, Martin Simon Wani, has said the population is over one million. Many more people live in the surrounding areas. Suburbs near Juba are becoming very crowded. People from the countryside are moving to the city for better jobs.

Juba's Economy

Juba has been experiencing a big economic boom. This is especially true in the last five years and since independence. The chance for economic growth has brought many merchants to Juba. Most of them come from northern Sudan and East Africa. As of October 2010, several regional and international businesses have opened in Juba.

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Kenya Commercial Bank have offices in the city. They also have branches across South Sudan. The three local South Sudanese banks, Buffalo Commercial Bank, Ivory Bank, and Nile Commercial Bank, all have their main offices in Juba. Equity Bank, another financial service provider, also has a branch in Juba. National Insurance Corporation (NIC), a leading Ugandan insurance company, has an office in the city.

Even with economic problems from the South Sudanese Civil War in 2013, Juba has kept growing. Construction is still very active. This is likely because there is a high demand for affordable homes and hotel rooms. Research shows that markets in Juba are often temporary. Many traders come to make quick money. They do not invest in long-term storage or shops.

Foods You Can Eat in Juba

Juba offers a variety of delicious foods. Here are some popular dishes:

• Kisra: This is a main food in South Sudan. It is a flatbread made from sorghum or maize flour. People usually eat it with soup or stew. The flour is mixed with water to make a thick batter. This batter is left to ferment for a few days. Then, it is cooked on a hot griddle.
• Bamia: A popular stew in Juba. It is made with okra, tomatoes, onions, and meat (often beef or goat). The okra is sliced and cooked until it is soft. This makes a thick and tasty stew. It is often served with rice or kisra.
• Ful Medames: This is a traditional breakfast dish. It is made from cooked fava beans. The beans are mashed and seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is usually eaten with flatbread or pita.
• Asida: A type of porridge made from sorghum flour. It is often served with meat or vegetable stew. The sorghum flour is mixed with water to form a thick paste. It is cooked until it becomes smooth and creamy.
• Malakwang: A traditional South Sudanese stew. It is made from leafy greens, peanuts, butter, and meat (usually goat or beef). The greens are cooked with the other ingredients until soft. This creates a rich and flavorful stew. It is often served with rice or Ugali.
• Ugali: A main food in many African countries. It is a type of maize porridge. It is often served with stews or soups. The maize flour is mixed with water to make a thick paste. It is cooked until it becomes smooth and firm. People usually eat it by hand, using it to scoop up stew or soup.

Learning and Education in Juba

Juba has several important educational institutions:

• The University of Juba was started in 1975.
• Upper Nile University in Juba.
• The Juba Public Peace Library opened on October 1, 2019. This library was a gift from The South Sudan Library Foundation. It has over 13,000 books. It was the first public library in South Sudan.
• Kampala International University.
• Catholic University of South Sudan.
• Episcopal University of South Sudan.
• Starford International University.
• Ayii University.

Health Services in Juba

Juba has several hospitals and health centers:

• Juba Teaching Hospital
• Juba Military Referral Hospital
• Al Sabah Children's Hospital
• Nyakurun PHCC (Primary Health Care Center)
• Munuki PHCC
• Gurei PHCC

Places of Worship

In Juba, most places of worship are Christian churches. These include:

• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Juba (Catholic Church)
• Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (Anglican Communion)
• Baptist Convention of South Sudan (Baptist World Alliance)
• Presbyterian Church in Sudan (World Communion of Reformed Churches)

Juba's Climate

Juba has a tropical wet and dry climate. This means it is hot all year round because it is near the equator. From November to March, there is little rain. This is also the hottest time of year, with temperatures reaching 38°C (100°F) in February. From April to October, more than 100 mm (4 inches) of rain falls each month. The total rainfall for the year is almost 1000 mm (39 inches).

Famous People from Juba

• Aheu Deng, a beauty queen and fashion model.
• Bangs, a rapper and YouTube personality.
• Mangok Mathiang (born 1992), an Australian-Sudanese basketball player.
• Independent Moses Nunuh, the first child born in South Sudan after its independence. Sadly, like many children in South Sudan, he passed away before his first birthday.
• Emmanuel Jambo, a photographer.

See also

In Spanish: Yuba (Sudán del Sur) para niños

• Equatoria
  • Eastern Equatoria
  • Central Equatoria
  • Western Equatoria
• Gulu-Nimule Road
• Juba Stadium
• Lainya County
• Railway stations in South Sudan
• Anataban Campaign