Flying Together 8-South Sudan

SOUTH SUDAN - THE LAND OF RUSTLING OF WINGS AND PEOPLE TALL AND SMOOTH
M.M.NINAN
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Ethnic Groups
South Sudan is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the African continent. The
country has over 60 major ethnic groups, and despite the presence of the many commonalities
between them, each one has many unique systems of social structure, livelihoods, cultural traditions
and a sense of identity. This diversity has at once presented both a unique opportunity for the country
to enjoy the colorful richness of these traditions and unfortunately also as a threat to national unity and
a collective sense of national identity.
Indigenous people of South Sudan can be broadly categorized into the Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic and the
South Western Sudanic groups.
Nilotic people include the Dinka, Nuer, Shiluk (Collo), Murle, Kachiopo, Jie, Anyuak, Acholi, Maban,
Kuma, Lou (Jur), Bango, Bai, Gollo, Endri, Forgee, Chod (Jur), Khara, Ngorgule, Forugi, Siri, Benga,
Agar, Pakam, Gok, Ciec, Aliap, Hopi, Guere, Atuot, Appak, Lango, Pari, Otuho and Ajaa.
Nilo-Hamitic groups include the Bari, Mundari, Kakwa, Pojula, Nyangwara, Kuku, Latuko, Lokoya,
Toposa, Buya, Lopit, Tennet and Diginga.
The Southwestern Sudanic groups include Kresh, Balanda, Banda, Ndogo, Zande, Madi, Olubo,
murals, Mundu, Baku, Avukaya, and Makaraka.
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