South Sudan is the world's newest country having achieved independence from Sudan in July 2011. It was a long, hard struggle - about twenty years of civil war.
The war meant that South Sudan is, essentially, about 20 years behind the rest of East Africa in terms of development and economy. It's either the world's poorest country, or pretty close to the bottom. It has the world's highest maternal mortality rates.
Juba is a busy, busy, place. People are flooding in from the countryside in search of a better life; the UN and NGOs are here to help.
You might have heard of the attack on a UN peacekeeping convoy last week, which killed a substantial number of UN soldiers and civilian staff. But that was in the countryside, far to the north. We're pretty safe here in Juba.
There have been some changes since I was here last. Buildings are under construction. I think in 2011 there wasn't one building over two stories tall. Now there are some of five or six stories.
The potholes in the road are now trenches, and there is more garbage. Largely because the governmen tran out of money. Because of conflict with Sudan, the oil fields were shut down for several months. The oil is in the South, and the pipelines go through the north to the sea.
Just this month the oil was turned back on, and everyone is hopeful it will stay on!
Today, I snuck out with my little camera and tried to act nonchalant. Here are my results.
These pictures were all taken on the street where my daughter lives. So, if you think diplomats live a life of luxury - think again.
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