15. INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
Hello viewers, welcome back to another episode from Walk Africa Fun Facts. Today’s video is focused on Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, the newest country of Eastern Africa .If you are new here, welcome to this family. Join us today by making your absolutely free subscription. Let us sample 15 interesting facts about Juba City.
First and foremost, geographically, Juba is located in the southern area of South Sudan,in the Central Equatoria State, a short distance from the border with Uganda.
Juba City started as a small town in early 1920s, being built by Christians of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Over the next 2 decades, the town grew in the hands of Greek merchants, who went as far as building public buildings such as the Ivory Bank, Paradise Hotel, the Nile and Buffalo Commercial Banks.
Greeks still dwell in this city in the small suburb of Hai Jalaba.
Juba is home to about 400,000 inhabitants, with an average population growth rate of 4.6% per annum.
Most Jubans are Christians, with leading denominations being the Roman Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church of Sudan.
Juba has had a relatively violent history, which can be assessed from the Sudanese Civil War point of view. This traversed the whole period from mid 1950s to around 2005, when the Autonomous Government of South Sudan was realized. Peace that ensued has witnessed rapid construction of this city.
Juba is the administrative capital of South Sudan. She houses, notably the Statehouse of South Sudan as well as other important government agencies.
In terms of transport, Juba City is a River Port along the Bahr Al Jabar section of the White River Nile.
Juba International Airport situated in this city is one of the busiest airports in Eastern Africa, particularly with fleets of humanitarian and cargo planes from the UN and other non-governmental organizations.
Juba has experienced an economic boom since 2005, and most visible infrastructural development can be attributed to South Sudan’s massive national oil wealth. There are also direct foreign investments from neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda. With greater clarity, the Equity Bank of Kenya and the Commercial bank of Kenya, as well as the National Insurance Corporation of Uganda are examples of foreign firms with branches here.
Juba is also home to the University of Juba, which was set up in 1975 to respond to the need for higher learning in the country.
Juba has been debated for replacement as capital city of South Sudan with Ramciel, a location which is more centrally located, adding to the possibility of expansion of this region. Juba has been tarnished with violence and instability over the years and this has led to efforts to relocate the capital to Ramciel.
South Sudan has been previously devastated by war, with a remarkable sense of insecurity. However, this country is slowly reconstructing, recording an influx of opportunity seekers from Kenya and Uganda, who go there in search for quick profits.
Any sky scrappers in Juba? No, not yet. The skyline of Juba can only be defined by one building, the Equatoria Towers of the UAP group.
Lastly, you might need hotel services. Crown Hotel, a five star hotel in Juba, has the following to offer:
Restaurant services
Free private parking
A fitness center and a bar
Free WI-FI
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