Tonj
Tonj
Toch | |
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 A Catholic church in Tonj | |
  Tonj Location in South Sudan | |
| Coordinates: 07°16′48″N 28°40′48″E / 7.28000°N 28.68000°ECoordinates: 07°16′48″N 28°40′48″E / 7.28000°N 28.68000°E | |
| Country |  South Sudan |
| State | Warrap State |
| County | Tonj South County |
| Elevation | 1,404 ft (427 m) |
| Population (2010 Estimate) | |
| • Total | 17,340 |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
Tonj is a city in South Sudan.
Location[]
The city is located in Tonj South County, Warrap State,[1] in northwest South Sudan. Its location lies approximately 525 kilometres (326 mi), by road, northwest of Juba, the capital and largest city in the country.[2] It lies on the northwest bank of the Tonj River (or Ibba River).
Tonj lies between Rumbek, approximately 153 kilometres (95 mi) by road to the southeast,[3] and Wau, approximately 108 kilometres (67 mi) by road to the northwest.[4] The coordinates of Tonj are: 7° 16' 48.00"N, 28° 40' 48.00"E (Latitude: 7.2800; Longitude: 28.6800). The average elevation of the town is approximately 427 metres (1,401 ft) above sea level.[5]
Overview[]
Tonj is a small but growing town in South Sudan's vast interior. Situated between two larger urban centers of Rumbek and Wau, the town is a significant transit point for road travellers. The town's airport has not yet attracted regular airline service.
Tonj is the largest city in Warrap State, one of the ten (10) states that constitute South Sudan. The town and the county where it lies (Tonj County), are the ancestral home to the Dinka along with the Bongo ethnic groups, along with several smaller tribal groups. South Sudanese leader William Deng Nhial was buried in Tonj.
Population[]
In 2010, it was estimated that the population of Tonj, South Sudan, was approximately 17,340.[6]
Lee Tae-seok[]
South Korean Fr. worked as a Catholic missionary, priest, doctor, teacher and mentor to the people of Tonj. He worked at the leper colony. Lee Tae-seok was responsible for the introduction of a school, the Don Bosco hospital as well as forming the nation's first brass band which brought fame to the town. In memory of Lee Tae-seok, who died of cancer in 2010, the Korean TV network KBS and the South Sudanese government are working on a joint project called “Smile, Tonj” to rebuild Tonj.[7]
Transport[]
Three main roads lead out of Tonj:
- A43-North leads northwest to Wau, South Sudan
- A43-South leads southeast to Rumbek
- A smaller road leads directly north to merge with the Yirol- Road at Thar Jath
- The town is also served by Tonj Airport
See also[]
Tonj is known for 4 other nicknames including: Kalkuel, Gen-ngeu, Jurkatac and Genanyuon. Tonj is also considered as a community name for the people of the Former Tonj District during the colonial period. The Communities in Tonj are divided into the chieftainships. These chieftainships include the following:
In Tonj East (Riangnhom Rural Council):
1. Luanyjang Aguer Adel
2. Akook Tek
3. Thiik
4. Luanykoth
5. Ador
6. Kongor
In Tonj South (Thiet Rural Council):
1. Bongo
2. Muok Akot Wut
3. Yar Ayiei
4. Thony Akol Aduol
5. Apuk Jurwiir
6. Malual Karthiith
In Tonj North (Lil Rural Council):
1. Lou Ariik
2. Apuk Padoc
3. Konggor Arop Akol
4. Awan Parek
5. Lou Paher
6. Jur Mananger
7. Noi Ayii Kuot
8. Atok Buk
9. Abiem Mayar Mareng
10. Abuok Ayom
11. Leer Mayom Aken
12. Nyang Akoc Majok
References[]
- ^ Atekdit, Ariik (17 June 2016). "Tonj Municipality Names Main Roundabout After William Deng Nhial". Gurtong. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ Nautical Distance Between Juba And Tonj With Map & Distance Marker
- ^ Map Showing Tonj And Rumbek With Distance Marker
- ^ Road Distance Between Tonj And Wau
- ^ Average Elevation of Tonj, South Sudan
- ^ Estimated Population In 2010
- ^ "Eximbank sponsors teenage brass band from South Sudan". 17 October 2012.
External links[]
Authority control  |
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- Populated places in Warrap (state)
- Bahr el Ghazal