As of 2024, the top 1% in South Sudan earned 15.52% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 11.91%. South Sudan’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 14.21%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for South Sudan in 2024
In 2024, income in South Sudan was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 15.52% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 11.91% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | South Sudan | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 15.52% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 50.01% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 11.91% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in South Sudan?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to South Sudan’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 14.21% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 1.31 percentage points to 15.52%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in South Sudan has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 49.39% while the bottom 50% received 10.97%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 50.01% and 11.91% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 14.21% | 49.39% | 10.97% | 38.42 pp |
| 1986 | 14.21% | 49.39% | 10.97% | 38.42 pp |
| 1992 | 14.21% | 49.39% | 10.97% | 38.42 pp |
| 1998 | 14.21% | 49.39% | 10.97% | 38.42 pp |
| 2004 | 14.21% | 49.39% | 10.97% | 38.42 pp |
| 2010 | 14.39% | 49.48% | 11.10% | 38.38 pp |
| 2016 | 15.52% | 50.01% | 11.91% | 38.10 pp |
| 2022 | 15.52% | 50.01% | 11.91% | 38.10 pp |
How South Sudan Compares Globally
South Sudan vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, South Sudan’s top 1% income share of 15.52% is roughly on par with the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in South Sudan receives 11.91% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where South Sudan Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: South Sudan ranks 100th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: South Sudan ranks 141st out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to South Sudan include Somalia's income inequality, Central African Republic, Sudan's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in South Sudan?
As of 2024, the top 1% in South Sudan earned 15.52% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in South Sudan?
Income inequality in South Sudan has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 14.21% in 1980 to 15.52% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in South Sudan?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in South Sudan received 11.91% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 50.01%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.