Overview of Sudan

Profile

Africa's third-largest country by land area features diverse landscapes from the Nubian Desert in the north to Sahel grasslands in the southwest and Red Sea coast in the east. With a long history spanning ancient Kush-Meroë kingdoms, Islamic dynasties, and Anglo-Egyptian condominium to independence, pyramids and temples still dot the landscape. While an oil-producing nation, politics remain fluid due to repeated civil wars, coups, and ongoing armed conflict between the military and RSF since 2023, yet archaeological heritage and untouched nature remain significant tourism resources.

Official name: Republic of the Sudan
Common name: Sudan
Numeric code: 729
Alpha-3 code: SDN
Alpha-2 code: SD
Population: 47 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 25 people/km2
Primary languages: Arabic, English
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: النشيد الوطني السوداني (Our Sudan)
Calling code: +249
Internet TLD: .sd

History

The land of ancient civilization beginning with the Kingdom of Kush, gained independence in 1956. After experiencing North-South civil wars and the Darfur conflict, South Sudan separated in 2011.

The Kush-Meroë civilization flourished in the Nile Valley from ancient times, with Islamic kingdoms dominating from the medieval period onward. The 19th century saw rivalry between Muhammad Ali's dynasty and Britain, becoming 'Anglo-Egyptian Sudan' under joint rule from 1899. After 1956 independence, ethnic and religious conflicts persisted, with President Bashir establishing an Islamic government in 1989 and ruling long-term. Following Darfur in 2003, South Sudan's independence in 2011, and popular uprising in 2019 that toppled the regime, since 2023 the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have clashed, with unstable transitional governance continuing.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain: northern rocky desert and sand dunes, central Nile Valley alluvial plains, southwestern Sahel scrubland savanna, with isolated mountain massifs scattered across highland areas.

Tropical dry zone ranging from desert climate to savanna climate

Area: Africa / 1886068 km²
Capital: Khartoum
Largest city: Khartoum
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Nubia (southern part of Lake Nasser)
Bordering countries: Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea

Natural resources

Petroleum, Gold, Chromium, Copper, Iron ore, Manganese, Mica, Uranium, Gum arabic, Fertile alluvial soil, Seafood (Red Sea), Wind power, Solar power, Underground aquifer, Livestock resources

Politics

Government: Republic under transitional military-civilian coordination

Economy

Currency: Sudanese Pound (SDG)

GDP (nominal): 343 hundred million USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 1870 hundred million USD (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic, English

Time zone: Central Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arab Sudanese, Nubians, Beja, Fur, Zaghawa, Nuba peoples, Baggara nomads, Other minorities

Life expectancy

Approximately 65 years

National sports

Soccer, Wrestling, Basketball, Camel racing, Athletics, Traditional Nuba martial arts