List of rivers of South Sudan facts for kids

South Sudan is a country in Africa with many important rivers and streams. These waterways are like the country's veins, carrying water across the land. They are super important for people, animals, and plants.

Most of South Sudan's water ends up in the White Nile. This huge river flows all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, about 90% of South Sudan is part of the White Nile's drainage basin. This means almost all the rain and river water in the country eventually joins the White Nile. The three biggest cities in South Sudan are even built right next to the White Nile or one of its main branches!

One special and very large area in eastern South Sudan is called the Sudd. It's a massive marshland or swamp. Many rivers flow into the Sudd and then seem to disappear! A lot of the water evaporates, but a good amount still makes its way to the White Nile. The Sudd is a unique and important wetland ecosystem.

Rivers that Reach the Sea

Most of South Sudan's rivers are part of the Nile River system, which eventually flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The main river here is the White Nile. Think of it as the main highway, and other rivers are like smaller roads joining it.

Major Branches of the White Nile

• Adar River: This river flows into the Machar Marshes. These marshes are like a big, wet sponge that also collects water from other rivers.
  • Yabus River: A river that helps fill the Machar Marshes.
  • Daga River: Another river contributing to the Machar Marshes.
• Sobat River: This is a very important branch of the White Nile.
  • Baro River: A major part of the Sobat River system.
    • Jikawo River: A smaller river that joins the Baro.
  • Pibor River: Another key river that feeds into the Sobat.
    • Akobo River: Joins the Pibor River.
    • Agwei River: Also flows into the Pibor.
      • Abara River: A smaller stream of the Agwei.
      • Kongkong River: Another stream of the Agwei.
    • Kangen River: A river that joins the Pibor.
    • Lotilla River: Another tributary of the Pibor.
      • Veveno River: A smaller river that flows into the Lotilla.
• Bahr el Zeraf: This river is a branch of the White Nile that helps carry water through the Sudd.
• Bahr el Ghazal: Meaning "River of the Gazelles," this is a large river system in South Sudan.
  • Bahr al-Arab (also known as Kiir River): A significant river that joins the Bahr el Ghazal.
    • Lol River: A major tributary of the Bahr al-Arab.
      • Sopo River: Flows into the Lol River.

* Kuru River: A smaller stream of the Sopo.

• • • • Pongo River: Another river joining the Lol.
    • Adda River: Also flows into the Bahr al-Arab.
  • Jur River: An important river that joins the Bahr el Ghazal.
    • Sue River: A tributary of the Jur River.
    • Waw Nahr: Another river that flows into the Jur.
    • Numatinna River: Also joins the Jur River.
• Aswa River (also called Achwa): This river flows into the White Nile.
• Yei River: An important river in the southern part of the country.
• Kaya River: Another river in the region.

Rivers that Flow into Marshes

Some rivers in South Sudan don't make it all the way to the sea. Instead, they flow into large marshlands or swamps, where their water spreads out and often evaporates. These areas are still very important for wildlife and the environment.

• Koss River
• Kidepo River
• Medikiret River

Rivers in Closed Basins

A few rivers in South Sudan flow into what's called an endorheic basin. This means the water collects in a low area and doesn't flow out to the ocean. It usually evaporates or sinks into the ground.

Lake Turkana Basin

• Kibish River: This river flows towards Lake Turkana, a large lake that doesn't have an outlet to the sea.

See also

• List of rivers of Africa
• List of rivers of Sudan