South Sudan. CultureGrams. Republic of. Flag. National Image. Land and Climate. Kids Edition

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Patricia Pearson
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Kids Edition Republic of 2014 became the world's newest country after seceding (withdrawing) from Sudan in July 2011. Between 60 and 70 languages are spoken in.

The majority of the population lives in tukels. These tall, circular cottages are made of mud and sticks with large grass roofs.

1 Kids Edition Republic of 2014 became the world's newest country after seceding (withdrawing) from Sudan in July Between 60 and 70 languages are spoken in. has only 37 miles (67 km) of paved roads. The government considered several different names for the new country before finally settling on the Republic of. The majority of the population lives in tukels. These tall, circular cottages are made of mud and sticks with large grass roofs. More than one million Mongalla gazelle live in Boma National Park, near 's border with Ethiopia. The park is also home to antelope, African buffalo, African elephants, and cheetahs. Money from oil makes up about 98 percent of 's income. Karkadé is a popular ese drink. The deep red tea gets its color from hibiscus flowers. There are about as many cows as there are people in. People often trade cattle instead of money to buy things. Most importantly, cattle are used as a bride-price (what the groom's family pays the bride's family in exchange for letting the bride marry the groom). Flag The flag of was adopted by the freedom movement in 2005 before independence. The black band represents the people of. The red stands for the blood shed in the fight for freedom. The green band symbolizes the land. The white represents peace. The blue triangle stands for the waters of the Nile, and the golden star symbolizes the unity of the country s 10 states. National Image The African fish eagle is the national bird and is common in most areas of South Sudan. The large eagle is featured on the country's coat of arms. It symbolizes strength, vision, and majesty. Land and Climate Area (sq. mi.): 248,777 Area (sq. km.): 644,329 is a landlocked country located in eastern Africa. Slightly smaller than Afghanistan, or about the same size as the state of Texas, covered a quarter of the area of Sudan before it became a separate nation in The country's main water source is the White Nile River, which flows from south to north. The capital city of Juba sits on its banks. The river widens in the middle of the country into an enormous swampy area called the Sudd. The Sudd is one of the largest wetlands in the world and an important habitat for many wild animals, including the shoebill stork and the Nile lechwe antelope. The vast swamp changes size throughout the year depending on seasonal rainfall and flooding. Savanna grasslands and rain forests cover much of. Mountains stretch around the edges of the country, including the tall 1

Imatong and Dongotona mountains along the border with Uganda. Mount Kinyeti, part of the Imatong range, is the highest peak in the nation. It is always warm in, and the climate is tropical.

Population Population: 11,090,104 The majority of 's population lives in rural (countryside) areas, most of them in villages near the rivers. Together, these areas are known as "the states.

2 Imatong and Dongotona mountains along the border with Uganda. Mount Kinyeti, part of the Imatong range, is the highest peak in the nation. It is always warm in, and the climate is tropical. The average temperature ranges between 71 and 92 F (22-33 C). The rainy season comes every year between April and October. The south receives the most rainfall. Population Population: 11,090,104 The majority of 's population lives in rural (countryside) areas, most of them in villages near the rivers. Together, these areas are known as "the states." The capital city of Juba is the largest city in the country. More than 300,000 people make their homes there. The city is growing fast as more and more ese return home from Sudan and other neighboring countries. The population of is a young one, with the average age just 16 years old. Most ese are native Africans. The largest ethnic group is the Dinka, followed by the Nuer and the Shilluk. Language English is the official language of, but very few people speak it well. For many years, the government of Sudan forced the people to speak Arabic. So when became independent, it dropped Arabic as an official language and adopted English instead. School classes are taught in English, but many people in the north still speak Arabic regularly. In fact, between 60 and 70 languages are spoken in the country. In the south, different ethnic groups communicate using a pidgin language, or combination of local languages, called Juba Arabic. Tribal groups speak their own ethnic languages, such as Dinka, Nuer, and Bari. Because is home to so many languages, most of the population can speak at least three different languages. Can You Say It in Juba Arabic? Hello Kef (KEFF) Good-bye Maá Eselama (MA-ah eh-seh-laa-ma) Please Alek Allah (ALL-eck all-ah) Thank you Shukran (SHUK-ron) Yes Ay (eye) No La (lah) Religion Most ese are Christian, primarily Catholic and Anglican. The cities are home to a smaller Muslim population. There are also groups who follow animist beliefs, meaning they believe all living things have a spirit or life force, and they use rituals like prayers, offerings, and sacrifices to keep the balance between humans, the forces of nature, and the gods. Many animists offer an animal sacrifice at harvest time. Many ese mix their Christian and animist faiths. For example, the Shilluk people hold their weddings in a church, but the wedding is not complete until a witchdoctor blesses the couple by calling on traditional gods. Members of each of these different religions tend to get along well in. 2

Time Line 2000 BC 2000 BC Nubian peoples establish the first cities in what is now 1550 Egypt conquers the Nubians 1000 713 The Kush (a civilization made up of combined Egyptian and Nubian cultures)

3 Time Line 2000 BC 2000 BC Nubian peoples establish the first cities in what is now 1550 Egypt conquers the Nubians The Kush (a civilization made up of combined Egyptian and Nubian cultures) take over Egypt 671 The Assyrians defeat the Kush AD 300 AD 350 The Axumite Empire from Ethiopia conquers the last of the Kush civilization 543 The first Christians arrive from the Roman Empire; many Sudanese adopt Christianity 639 Arab tribes introduce Islam to the area 1600 Islam spreads; mosques and religious schools are built throughout the region Egypt takes control of Sudan, ruling for the next 50 years 3

1877 Britain gains some control over Egypt; General Charles Gordon is appointed governor over Sudan and Ethiopia 1885 Muhammad Ahmad al-mahdi leads a holy war against the British so Sudan can be

own leadership 1899 The Anglo-Egyptian Condominium is signed, defining how Britain and Egypt will rule Sudan 1900 1946 Sudan s northern and southern provinces (similar to states) are combined,

control of the government; the new government attempts to spread Islam and make Arabic the official language 1963 Civil war, led by the southern rebel movement Anya Nya, begins with the north 1969

4 1877 Britain gains some control over Egypt; General Charles Gordon is appointed governor over Sudan and Ethiopia 1885 Muhammad Ahmad al-mahdi leads a holy war against the British so Sudan can be ruled by Islamic law; the British are forced out and General Gordon is killed 1898 British and Egyptian troops defeat al-mahdi s armies; Sudan is divided into the north and the south, each with its own leadership 1899 The Anglo-Egyptian Condominium is signed, defining how Britain and Egypt will rule Sudan Sudan s northern and southern provinces (similar to states) are combined, unifying the nation 1950 A Sudanese legislature (lawmaking body) is formed; the legislature votes for independence from Egypt and Britain 1956 Sudan gains independence 1958 The military takes control of the government; the new government attempts to spread Islam and make Arabic the official language 1963 Civil war, led by the southern rebel movement Anya Nya, begins with the north 1969 A group of Sudanese military officers seize power and outline a policy of freedom for the south 1972 A peace agreement is signed allowing some freedoms for southern Sudan 1978 Oil is discovered in southern Sudan 4

1983 Fighting breaks out between north and south Sudan after President Numeiri establishes Islamic law, does away with south Sudan s freedoms, and breaks the south into three provinces 1989 The

5 1983 Fighting breaks out between north and south Sudan after President Numeiri establishes Islamic law, does away with south Sudan s freedoms, and breaks the south into three provinces 1989 The military seizes power in Sudan Southern rebels and the government come to an agreement to end the civil war 2005 The North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement ends the war; a new constitution gives the south a large degree of freedom; south Sudanese leader John Garang is killed in a plane crash, setting off deadly clashes in the capital between southern Sudanese and northern Arabs 2006 Hundreds die in fighting between former rebels and northern Sudanese forces in the southern town of Malakal 2008 Fighting breaks out between northern and southern forces in the oil-rich Abyei area on the north-south divide; both sides claim the area 2011 The people of south Sudan vote for full independence from Sudan; the governments of north and south Sudan sign an agreement to take military forces out of the Abyei region and let in an Ethiopian peacekeeping force 2012 Sudan shuts down s oil-export pipelines; hundreds of thousands of refugees (people forced to leave their homes by war) flee into to escape fighting between the Sudanese army and rebels in Sudan s southern border states 2013 Sudan and agree to pump oil once more and to withdraw troops from the border area PRESENT Early Inhabitants Archaeological remains show that humans inhabited the land that is now thousands of years ago. These early peoples lived as part of several kingdoms. They raised cattle and lived in dome-shaped homes. Many of them made their homes in the marshlands of the vast swampland now known as the Sudd, including the Dinka, Shilluk, and Luo peoples. Around 2000 BC, Egyptian traders made their way to the region. They called it Kush and built forts to protect their trade, which included gold, jewels, ivory, and slaves. The Egyptians controlled the region until the native peoples (known as the Nubians) drove them out in the eighth century BC. After achieving independence, the Nubians built temples and pyramids, where they buried their kings and queens. Most Nubians raised cattle and sheep and grew cotton, olives, and a grain called millet. Nubia traded with neighboring civilizations, including Turkey, Greece, and India. String of Conquerors 5

Around 23 BC, the Romans invaded and ruled the Nubians for the next four centuries. The Romans brought with them Christianity and advanced methods of building and plumbing.

6 Around 23 BC, the Romans invaded and ruled the Nubians for the next four centuries. The Romans brought with them Christianity and advanced methods of building and plumbing. In the years after Rome lost power, several groups of nomads (people who move from place to place) attacked the area. Finally, the Axumite Empire from Abyssinia (what is now Ethiopia) took over. This string of conquerors brought different religions and cultures with them. In the sixth century AD, several smaller Sudanese kings converted to Christianity, and much of the population followed. But as Arab traders and settlers also came to the land, they introduced more and more people to Islam. By the time the powerful Ottoman Empire took control, most of the population was Muslim. The remaining Christians lived mainly in what is now. Egypt invaded the area in 1821, looking for gold and slaves. The Egyptians built railroads and irrigation systems. They also made the Sudanese pay high taxes. The British The opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, brought with it the attention of the British. In 1882, Britain occupied Egypt and took an interest in Sudan. Together, Britain and Egypt divided Sudan into a northern province (similar to a state) and a southern province. The British treated the two provinces very differently. They invested money in the north, building schools, farms, hospitals, and telegraph systems. But they decided the south was not ready for modernization and closed it off to outsiders. Northerners were not allowed to travel or work in the south. The British also wanted to stop the spread of Islam from the north into the other territories they controlled in southern Africa. They decided to use the southern province as a barrier and encouraged the south to remain Christian and speak English instead of Arabic. Christian missionaries were allowed into the south, and southerners were given some freedom to make their own decisions. This situation continued until World War II. Civil Wars In 1946, Britain and Egypt combined the northern and southern provinces (similar to states) and began discussing the future of Sudan. Northerners were put in leadership positions in the south, and Arabic became the official language of the whole country. People in the south were not happy with northern leaders. Britain and Egypt decided to let the Sudanese people decide whether they wanted to unite with Egypt or become independent. The Sudanese set up a legislature (lawmaking body) and formally asked for independence. The first elections were held in 1953, and Sudan became fully independent three years later. The new country did not enjoy peace for long. Southern rebels led by the group Anya Nya began warring against government forces. Many southerners were afraid the north would completely dominate the government. Before long, civil war broke out, and it continued off and on for the next 17 years. By the time military leader Jaafar al-nimeri took control of northern Sudan in 1969, about 500,000 people had been killed in the civil war. Around the same time, rebel leader Joseph Lagu became the head of the southern resistance. Lagu and al-nimeri met in 1972 and signed the Addis Ababa Agreement, ending the fighting and giving the south some independence while keeping Sudan one country. Ten years of peace followed. In 1983, al-nimeri shocked the south by making shariˋah (Islamic law) the official law of all of Sudan. Many of the people living in the south were Christian or followed native beliefs and did not want to be forced to follow shariˋah. As a result, a second civil war began. It lasted for about 20 years. During that time, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese from the south became refugees (people forced to leave their homes by war). Eventually, the government and the rebels signed a peace agreement in 2005, dividing power between the north and the south and setting up a separate branch of the government in the south. More than two million people lost their lives in the course of Sudan's two civil wars. 6

Independence The 2005 peace agreement stated that the government would hold a vote on southern independence in six years.

The people of South Sudan face an uphill battle as they work to build and organize their country. Food shortages and diseases such as malaria and cholera are important problems.

Revenue from the sale of oil makes up the vast majority of 's economy. Games and Sports After many years of war, the ese people are finding time for games and sports again.

Wrestling matches are traditionally held at the end of the harvest season. Wrestlers spread ash over their heads and bodies.

7 Independence The 2005 peace agreement stated that the government would hold a vote on southern independence in six years. The vote was held in January 2011, and the south Sudanese voted overwhelmingly for independence. The new nation of was formed in July of that year, with Juba as the capital city. The people of South Sudan face an uphill battle as they work to build and organize their country. Food shortages and diseases such as malaria and cholera are important problems. The government is also working to control rebel fighting along the border with Sudan. The two nations sometimes disagree over how to divide up oil revenue (money). Revenue from the sale of oil makes up the vast majority of 's economy. Games and Sports After many years of war, the ese people are finding time for games and sports again. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in, and a few ese basketball players are internationally famous. Soccer and wrestling are other favorite sports. Wrestling matches are traditionally held at the end of the harvest season. Wrestlers spread ash over their heads and bodies. The matches are festive events, complete with singing, dancing, and drums, as people cheer on their favorite wrestlers. In their free time, kids love to swim in the rivers or play outside with their friends. They also make clay or mud toy figurines to play with. Anywhere from five to ten inches long, these figurines range from cows to cars and planes. Holidays Independence Day on 9 July is one of the newest holidays in, and people are still forming their traditions for the celebration. People enjoy the day off by gathering to hear speeches and watch marching bands. Later in the month, on 30 July, people light candles to remember those who died fighting for their country. ese Christians celebrate Christmas (25 December) by cleaning their homes and painting them with detailed patterns. Women bake cookies in the days leading up to the holiday, while the day itself is spent at church and then relaxing at home, eating a large feast, and listening to music with family members. The 10 days after Christmas are a time when people travel to visit family and friends who live far away. Easter is another big celebration time in. Schools and offices close, and families go to church together. People decorate their homes and cars with palm leaves, crosses, and other figurines. Food The food people eat in depends on the region where they live. People from river villages tend to eat a lot of fish, while those on farms eat more beef and lamb. Kisra (thin flatbread) is eaten all across the country, along with khudra (a stew made from onions, meat, and a leafy plant similar to spinach) and ful (a stew made from mashed fava beans and spices). Peanut butter and sesame seed sauces are common, as is lentil soup served over rice. Common fruits include mangoes, papaya, bananas, pineapples, and guavas. Carrots, onions, okra, beets, cucumbers, and eggplant are popular vegetables. 7

Most ese eat two meals a day. Wealthier city inhabitants can afford to eat three meals a day. Bread and tea make up a typical breakfast, and dinner is the main meal. Women and men eat separately.

Schools During the war, it was too dangerous for many children to go to school. Today, about half the children in go to primary (elementary) school.

8 Most ese eat two meals a day. Wealthier city inhabitants can afford to eat three meals a day. Bread and tea make up a typical breakfast, and dinner is the main meal. Women and men eat separately. Fathers are usually served first, with the rest of the family eating after. However, in the countryside, children are served first so that they can get to bed early. Schools During the war, it was too dangerous for many children to go to school. Today, about half the children in go to primary (elementary) school. They start at age six and attend for eight years before moving on to three years of secondary (high) school, although not very many students move on. Classes are taught in English, and most schools meet outside under a tree because there are not enough school buildings. Often, there are also not enough teachers or textbooks, and some schools ask students to bring their own chairs to sit in. In the countryside, girls are often expected to stay home and help take care of their families and get married early instead of going to school. Boys are sent to school because they are expected to get jobs to support their families. Students must get their homework done early, before it gets dark, because many do not have electricity at home. Life as a Kid From a young age (around six years old), almost all ese children have chores to complete around the house. Boys and girls are usually assigned different chores. Girls do most of the housework, while boys work outside with their fathers. ese families are very close and connected. In rural (countryside) areas, children grow up with several cousins (first and second) living in the same household or group of tukels (thatched huts). It is also common for husbands to have several wives, so many children have half siblings to play with. On a regular day in the countryside, the family gets up when the rooster crows at dawn, and children begin their chores by fetching water for the morning tea or sweeping the floor and cleaning the compound. They then walk to school. As they get older, girls begin cooking for their families and tending younger children, while boys take care of the family's animals and work in the fields. Afternoons are free time for kids in both the cities and the countryside. Children love to climb trees and swim in the river. They do their homework and studying before the evening meal. Mangoes and guavas are favorite snacks. Government Capital: Juba Head of State: Pres. Salva Kiir Head of Government: Pres. Salva Kiir has a president who leads the country and is commander in chief of the armed forces. The president is elected to serve a four-year term. The legislature (lawmaking body) is made up of two houses: the 332-seat National Legislative Assembly and the 50-seat Council of States. Members of the National Legislative Assembly are elected, while the members of the Council of States are appointed by the president. Local chiefs and leaders have a lot of say in local government matters. is divided up into 10 states. The voting age is 18. 8

Money and Economy Currency: ese pound is one of the poorest countries in the world. In the countryside, most people are only able to farm barely enough food to feed their own families.

The country has to buy and bring in much of its food and goods from other countries such as nearby Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. is rich in oil, and oil makes up the vast majority of the economy.

9 Money and Economy Currency: ese pound is one of the poorest countries in the world. In the countryside, most people are only able to farm barely enough food to feed their own families. They grow sorghum (a kind of grain that can be eaten or used as animal feed), corn, and rice. Some raise cattle, goats, and sheep. The country has to buy and bring in much of its food and goods from other countries such as nearby Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. is rich in oil, and oil makes up the vast majority of the economy. But the nation needs Sudan's help to process and transport that oil, so much of the money is used to pay Sudan to help and everyday people do not get to benefit from the profits. Many people work for the government, and the government is developing South Sudan's tourism and farming industries. Getting Around Most ese walk to get from place to place. In cities, people ride bikes and boda boda (motorbikes) or take a matatu (minibus). Wealthier people have their own cars. There are only a few miles of paved roads in the entire country, so driving between cities is not very easy and can take a long time. It is often easier to take an airline flight from one state to another than to try driving the same distance. To cross rivers and other bodies of water, many people paddle canoes. Naming Ceremonies ese traditions include a ceremony for a new baby. Called the Simaya, this ceremony was adopted from the north and means "the naming" in Arabic. Since adopting the Simaya, ese people have blended it with southern tribal culture. The Simaya usually takes place on the seventh day after the baby is born and includes slaughtering an animal (often a sheep or goat). Friends and family members visit the household and feast on a variety of foods as well as home-brewed alcohol. Older female members of the extended family compose and sing songs to celebrate the birth. The baby is then given a name related to the circumstances of its birth. For example, if it was born during a time of flooding, it might be named something that means "flood" or "high waters." If the baby was born during a time of grieving after a loved one died, then the baby is given the loved one's name or a name that is associated with sadness. The name Piwang, for example, means "water of the eye," or "tears." It is very common for a witch doctor to bless the child and conduct his own rituals of protection. Learn More Contact the Embassy of, th Street NW, Suite 602, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) ; web site 9

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All of this week s homework is intended to help you get to know more about the country of Sudan, where Kek is from in Home of the Brave.

Name: Week 7 Homework All of this week s homework is intended to help you get to know more about the country of Sudan, where Kek is from in Home of the Brave. On the map above, do the following things: