Rumbek


Rumbek is the capital of Lakes State, central South Sudan, and the former capital of the country.

Location

Rumbek is approximately by road northwest of Juba, the capital and largest city in the country. Its coordinates are and its elevation is above sea level.

Overview

Rumbek is the headquarters of Rumbek Central County and is the capital of Western Lakes State, one of the twenty eight states of South Sudan. Following the peace agreement ending the Second Sudanese Civil War, the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement chose Rumbek to serve as the temporary administrative center of the Government of Southern Sudan. Later, Juba was selected to become the permanent capital. Like most South Sudanese towns, Rumbek suffered significant infrastructural damage during the civil war, in which an estimated 2 million people perished.

Population

In 2004, the United Nations estimated the population of "Rumbek County" at about 82,500. At that time, the Dinka Agar constituted about 60% of the population, 30% were Dinka Gok, 6% were Bongo and 4% were Jur-Bel. In 2011, the population of the town of Rumbek is estimated at about 32,100.

Transportation

The town of Rumbek is situated on the main road from Juba to the southeast to Wau to the northwest. There are two smaller roads out of town; one to Yirol to the east and another to Durbuoni to the north. Since 2005, some of the roads have undergone repairs. Rumbek is also served by Rumbek Airport. The main construction contractor in Rumbek, working on both the roads and the airport is Civicon Limited.

Climate


Points of interest

The following points of interest are found in or near Rumbek: