Sudan

About Sudan

Capital

Khartoum

Continent

Independence Date

1 January 1956

Official Language	Afrikaans
Second Language	Nubian, Beja
Population	~49 million
Passport Color	Green
Passport Rank	#99
Dialing Code	249
Country TLD	.sd

Sudan Overview

Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan (Arabic: جمهورية السودان), is a country located in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, and Eritrea to the east, with the Red Sea to its northeast. The capital and largest city is Khartoum, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers.

Sudan has a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Kingdom of Kush, one of Africa’s earliest civilizations. It gained independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule in 1956. The country has experienced significant political and social transformations, including the secession of South Sudan in 2011. Despite challenges, Sudan remains an important cultural and geographic hub in Africa and the Arab world.

The economy of Sudan is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and natural resources such as gold and oil. The Nile River plays a crucial role in sustaining agriculture and trade. Sudan’s cultural diversity includes over 500 ethnic groups and numerous languages, with Arabic being the official language and Islam the dominant religion.

Major attractions include the Pyramids of Meroë, Jebel Barkal, Suakin Island, and the Nubian Desert. The country’s heritage and natural beauty make it a unique destination for history and adventure enthusiasts.

Quick Facts About Sudan

Coordinates	15.5007° N, 32.5599° E
Bordering Countries	Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea
Region / Continent	Africa (North-East Africa)
Total Area	1,886,068 sq km
Population Density	~25 people per sq km
Highest Point	Deriba Caldera – 3,042 m
Major Rivers	White Nile, Blue Nile, Atbara River
Climate Type	Arid to tropical; desert in the north, savanna in the south
Famous For	Pyramids of Meroë, Nubian heritage, Nile River, gold
Major Landmarks	Jebel Barkal, Suakin Island, Nubian Desert, Khartoum
Official Language	Arabic
Currency	Sudanese Pound (SDG)
Government Type	Transitional sovereign state
Time Zone	UTC+2 (CAT)
Major Exports	Gold, oil, livestock, sesame, gum arabic
Visitor Entry	Visa required for most nationalities