Where is South Sudan? African nation in spotlight after Team USA basketball scare in Olympics exhibition game

The South Sudan men's basketball team debuted on the international stage in 2023 and has already challenged Team USA ahead of the Paris Olympics.

In the first half of Saturday's exhibition game Saturday, South Sudan outscored the United States by 14 points and shot a whopping 61.1% from the field. And the up-and-coming program hung close in the second half, with a LeBron James layup in the final seconds providing the difference for Team USA in the 101-100 win.

South Sudan's rise on the world stage is especially impressive considering the country only gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The team qualified for the 2024 Olympics after finishing 3-2 in the 2023 World Cup, good for 17th place and an automatic bid to the Games from Africa.

With just a few players on the roster harboring NBA experience, South Sudan shouldn't have been a problem for talent-laden Team USA. But the up-and-coming program made sure everyone watching the exhibition knew its very real credentials.

Here's everything you need to know about the African nation, including its location, population and language.

MORE: USA vs. South Sudan results

Where is South Sudan?

South Sudan is a landlocked country in northeastern Africa. It is bordered on the north by Sudan; on the east by Ethiopia; on the south by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Kenya; and on the west by Central African Republic.

Its area covers 248,775 square miles, a bit smaller than state of Texas (268,596 square miles).

South Sudan population

As of 2020, the population of South Sudan is estimated to be around 13.3 million according to the country's National Bureau of Statistics . Its capital, Juba, is its largest city at around 500,000 people.

MORE: Meet the 17-year-old Duke commit who is playing for South Sudan at 2024 Paris Olympics

South Sudan language

The official language of South Sudan is English, but both English and Juba Arabic — an Arabic pidgin used primarily in the capital city — act as lingua francas. There are also over 60 indigenous languages spoken, including Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Bari and Zande.

South Sudan Olympic basketball roster