Country South Sudan Population 364,272 (2008) | Number of Counties 13 Capital Yambio | |
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Gbudwe State is one of the 28 states of South Sudan created on 2 October 2015. It is located in the Equatoria region and it is part of the former state of Western Equatoria. Gbudwe borders the states of Maridi, Tonj, Wau, and Western Lakes, and also the countries of Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The state had a population of 364,272 in 2008.
Contents
History
Before the creation of the state, Gbudwe State was part of Western Equatoria. On 2 October 2015, President Salva Kiir issued a decree establishing 28 states in place of the 10 constitutionally established states. The decree established the new states largely along ethnic lines. A number of opposition parties and civil society groups challenged the constitutionality of the decree. Kiir later resolved to take it to parliament for approval as a constitutional amendment. In November the South Sudanese parliament empowered President Kiir to create new states.
Patrick Raphael was appointed Governor on 24 December 2015.
Geography
Gbudwe State is located in the Equatoria region and the state borders the states of Wau State to the north, Tonj State to the northeast, the country of Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, Maridi State to the southeast, the country of Central African Republic to the west, and Western Lakes State to the east.
Administrative divisions
After the original states split up, the state broke even further down into 13 counties. These counties are Mopoi County, Ri-Yubu County, Naandi County, Bangazagino County, Basukangbi County, Sakure County, Bangasu County, Nzara County, Ezo County, Tombura County, Nagero County, and Yambio County. Also, each county receives a county commissioner.
Towns and cities
The capital of Gbudwe State is Yambio, located in Yambio County. The town had an estimated population of around 31,700 in 2011. Other towns and villages in the state include Ezo, Nzara, and Tumbura.