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Sudan

As-Sudan

Capital:Khartoum
Population:42.0M
Currency:Sudanese Point (SDG)
Language:Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English
Gathering firewood in camp, Darfur, southern Sudan

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Sudan.

Sudan Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Sudanese from the north are inclined to be polite, reserved, and cautious. They view whatever happens as the will of God presenting challenges. Sudanese value good humor, courtesy and strong family ties. The society is highly stratified , with respect given to those with wealth and status.

Power may be reflected in having a government position, coming from a respected family, being a religious leader or being a chief (in the south). Educated people earn respect as they are likely to obtain good positions in society.

Cultural Attributes

Sudanese from the north are inclined to be polite, reserved, and cautious. They view whatever happens as the will of God presenting challenges. Sudanese value good humor, courtesy, and strong family ties. Society is highly stratified, with respect given to those with wealth and status.

Power may be reflected in having a government position, coming from a respected family, being a religious leader, or being a chief (in the south). Educated people earn respect as they are likely to obtain good positions in society.

Gathering firewood in camp, Darfur, southern Sudan

Land of the Two Niles and Ancient Kingdoms

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

The common greeting is "salaam aleykom" (Peace be with you). Good friends sometimes exchange a casual Salaam. Friends or relatives typically shake hands when greeting. Generally, a verbal greeting is used. However, both men and women shake hands. Locally used phrases are "do pure" (good morning) or "do parana" (good afternoon).

Nodding one's head downward means 'yes', and nodding up means 'no'. The left hand is never used for eating, and both hands should be used for passing items between people. Pointing with a finger is not polite. Pointing the sole of one's feet toward someone is considered offensive.

Visiting usually takes place in the home, with close friends and family visiting spontaneously. Arrangements are made if the person is less known. Religious holidays and special events offer the best opportunity for relaxed gatherings. It is considered best to visit mid-morning or evening, because at other times people may be sleeping or eating.

Men and women generally socialize separately. Children are requested to play away from the adults to enable conversation. Guests are served coffee, tea, coffee, water, or soft drinks. When visiting for the first time, short stays are best.

Southern men and women usually wear Western attire, and jewelry is a sign of affluence. Women frequently wear attractive beads and earrings

Western clothing is typically worn by men in the north, but traditional "jalabia" (white robes) and "imma" (turbans) are worn in the towns as well as rural areas. Women need to cover themselves from head to ankle when in public (hijab).

Diet

Where possible, Sudanese people like to eat beef, chicken, goat or mutton to supplement the staples of millet, sorghum, and maize. In higher rainfall areas, cassava, potatoes, peanuts, mangoes and papaya are eaten. Other locally grown foods include guavas, grapes, bananas, okra, carrots, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, citrus and pineapples. A thinly layered food made from flour paste (kisra) and thin bread with lentils, peas, tomatoes and cheese is called fatta. Although alcohol is officially prohibited, southern Sudanese often drink a sorghum beer called marisa. Many families suffer from malnutrition in some regions.

Two meals a day is the norm in Sudan. Dinner (evening) is the main meal, and it is shared by the family. People wash their hands before and after a meal, and only the right hand is used for eating. Families do not often eat out of the home at restaurants.

Where possible, Sudanese people like to eat chicken, goat, beef, or mutton to supplement the staples of millet, sorghum, and maize. In higher rainfall areas, cassava, potatoes, peanuts, mangoes and papaya are eaten.

Other locally grown foods include guavas, grapes, bananas, okra, carrots, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, citrus and pineapples. A thinly layered food made from flour paste (kisra) and thin bread with lentils, peas, tomatoes and cheese is called fatta. Although alcohol is officially prohibited, but Sudanese often drink a sorghum beer called "marisa". Many families suffer from malnutrition in some regions.

Busy road in Khartoum, Sudan

Family

The Sudanese family is based around the extended family and is headed by males. Men are responsible for the herd, earning an income, and leading the family in discipline. Children are punished harshly if they shame the family. Women clean and cook, look after young children, and help with the farm and garden. Women do not leave the house for 40 days after giving birth. Southern women in general have more equality with men than women in the North.

Dating Customs

Northern marriages are still arranged between cousins within families. A couple may usually, however, refuse the match. The groom's family must pay a dowry to the bride's family, preferably in cash. Both families host wedding feasts and parties which may last for days.

Young people meet at school, shopping places, local dances, and at church. They are often permitted to go out together, but parents become involved when engagement takes place. Grooms also pay a dowry, often cattle or cash. The divorce rate is very low in Sudan.

Recreation

Soccer is popular in Sudan. Volleyball and basketball are also played. Popular traditional sports are wrestling and a kind of martial art performed with long sticks and shields. Women and men enjoy traditional dancing together.

The Sudanese have a game they play at night or at "moon time", called "shelel", which involves stones, sticks, and holes made in a wooden board or in the earth.

Young Sudanese girls enjoy playing with dolls, jump rope and arika (hopscotch). Tawal (backgammon), and a board game called mangala using stones are also played. Men and women have different ways of socializing in urban Sudan. Women entertain friends at home and men socialize with friends elsewhere. In rural areas, men socialize in a diwanya, a hut used as a meeting place.

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    1/1

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • January 7th

    This is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. People in Sudan celebrate Eid al-Fitr with prayers, feasting, and exchanging gifts.

How do people greet each other in Sudan?

The common greeting is "salaam aleykom" (Peace be with you), and both men and women typically shake hands when meeting friends or relatives.

Do

  • Use "salaam aleykom" as a general greeting
  • Shake hands with friends and relatives
  • Try local phrases like "do pure" (good morning) or "do parana" (good afternoon)

Good to know

  • Good friends may exchange a casual Salaam

What are the dining customs in Sudan?

Two meals a day is the norm, with dinner in the evening being the main meal shared by the family; only the right hand is used for eating and families rarely eat out at restaurants.

Do

  • Wash your hands before and after a meal
  • Eat only with your right hand

Don’t

  • Don't use your left hand for eating
  • Don't expect families to dine out at restaurants often

Good to know

  • Staples include millet, sorghum, and maize, often supplemented with beef, chicken, goat, or mutton
  • Kisra (flour paste) and fatta are traditional foods
  • Alcohol is officially prohibited, though a sorghum beer called marisa is drunk

What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Sudan?

Visiting usually takes place in the home, and guests are served coffee, tea, water, or soft drinks; men and women generally socialize separately.

Do

  • Visit mid-morning or evening
  • Keep first visits short
  • Make arrangements in advance if you are less known

Don’t

  • Don't visit at times when people may be sleeping or eating

Good to know

  • Close friends and family may visit spontaneously
  • Religious holidays and special events are the best occasions for relaxed gatherings
  • Children are asked to play away from adults to allow conversation

How should I dress in Sudan?

Western clothing is common, though northern men also wear traditional "jalabia" (white robes) and "imma" (turbans), and women must cover from head to ankle in public (hijab).

Do

  • Women should cover from head to ankle in public (hijab)

Good to know

  • Southern men and women usually wear Western attire
  • In the south, jewelry and beads signal affluence

Which gestures are important in Sudan?

Nodding the head downward means 'yes' and nodding up means 'no'; the left hand and foot soles carry offensive meanings.

Don’t

  • Don't use the left hand for eating
  • Don't point with a finger
  • Don't point the sole of your feet toward someone

Good to know

  • Use both hands when passing items between people

What is family life like in Sudan?

The Sudanese family centers on the extended family and is headed by males, with clearly divided roles for men and women.

Good to know

  • Men earn income, manage the herd, and lead family discipline
  • Women clean, cook, care for children, and help with the farm and garden
  • Women do not leave the house for 40 days after giving birth
  • Southern women generally have more equality than women in the north

What do people do for recreation in Sudan?

Soccer is popular, along with volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and a stick-and-shield martial art, while board games and traditional dancing are also enjoyed.

Good to know

  • Traditional sports include wrestling and a stick-and-shield martial art
  • Games include shelel, tawal (backgammon), and mangala
  • Girls enjoy dolls, jump rope, and arika (hopscotch)
  • In rural areas men socialize in a diwanya, a meeting hut

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Sudan

View all 27 photos

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
Sudanese dinar (SDD)
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Khartoum is usually hot and dusty. During May, June, and July, daily high temperatures average around 100 F or higher, with frequent dust storms called "haboobs." July, August, and part of September are not as hot, with rare but heavy rainstorms (average 8 inches yearly) and continuing haboobs. From November until April, daily temperatures range around 95 F; nights, around 70 F, are pleasant. Cool weather at night and in the early mornings sometimes requires light sweaters or blankets.
Airports
63
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Sudanese Meat Sauce

Main Dish

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Nubia & Kush

    8000 BCE – 1820

    From early Neolithic contact with Egypt through the powerful Kushite kingdoms of Kerma, Napata, and Meroë, the Nile Valley of present-day Sudan sustained sophisticated civilizations that at times ruled Egypt itself. The Christian Nubian kingdoms of Makuria and Alodia later flourished before gradual Islamization transformed the region between roughly the 14th and 16th centuries, laying the cultural and religious foundations of northern Sudanese identity.

  2. Turco-Egyptian Rule

    1820 – 1885

    In 1820 an Ottoman-commanded Egyptian army under Muhammad Ali's son Ismail invaded and conquered Sudan, establishing a sixty-year period of Turco-Egyptian administration centered in Khartoum. The regime exploited Sudan's resources, particularly through the slave trade, and fueled deep resentment that culminated in the Mahdist uprising of 1881, when Muhammad Ahmad declared himself the Mahdi and led a successful revolt that drove out Egyptian forces and resulted in the fall of Khartoum in 1885.

  3. Mahdist State

    1885 – 1899

    Following the death of the Mahdi in 1885, his successor the Khalifa Abdallahi ibn Muhammad ruled an independent Islamic theocratic state from Omdurman. The Mahdist state maintained independence against Egyptian and Ethiopian pressures but was ultimately crushed by a British-Egyptian expeditionary force under General Kitchener at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, ending the only period of fully indigenous Sudanese self-rule in the modern era.

  4. Anglo-Egyptian Condominium

    1899 – 1956

    Britain and Egypt jointly administered Sudan under a condominium arrangement from 1899, though British authority was effectively dominant. Britain governed the Muslim Arab north and the African south under separate administrative policies, entrenching a regional division that would define Sudan's postcolonial conflicts. Nationalist pressure and the 1952 Egyptian Revolution accelerated Sudanese self-determination, and Sudan achieved full independence on January 1, 1956.

  5. Independence & Civil War

    1956 – 1989

    Independent Sudan was almost immediately destabilized by a southern mutiny in 1955 and chronic civil war rooted in northern political, economic, and religious domination over non-Arab, non-Muslim southerners. Military coups in 1958 and 1969 brought authoritarian regimes, including Jaafar Numeiri's government, which signed the Addis Ababa peace agreement in 1972 but reignited conflict in 1983 by imposing Islamic law nationwide and repartitioning the south, spawning the Sudan People's Liberation Army rebellion and catastrophic famine.

  6. Islamist Military Rule

    1989 – present

    A 1989 coup led by General Omar al-Bashir, backed by Hassan al-Turabi's National Islamic Front, installed an Islamist military government that deepened the civil war, drew international isolation, and was accused of harboring global militants including Osama bin Laden in the 1990s. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 eventually led to South Sudan's independence in 2011, while successive crises including the Darfur genocide, al-Bashir's indictment by the International Criminal Court, and a 2019 popular uprising followed by renewed military conflict have kept Sudan in prolonged instability.

Overview

Tomb of the Mahdi in Omdurman THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY SUDAN has been divided between its Arab heritage, identified with northern Sudan, and its African heritages to the south. The two groups are divided along linguistic, religious, racial, and economic lines, and the cleavage has generated ethnic tensions and clashes. Moreover, the geographical isolation of Sudan’s southern African peoples has prevented them from participating fully in the country’s political, economic, and social life. Imperial Britain acknowledged the north-south division by establishing separate administrations for the two regions. Independent Sudan further reinforced this cleavage by treating African southerners as a minority group. Another major factor that has affected Sudan’s evolution is the country’s relationship with Egypt. As early as the eighth millennium B.C., there was contact between Sudan and Egypt. Modern relations between the two countries began in 1820, when an Egyptian army under Ottoman command invaded Sudan. In the years following this invasion, Egypt expanded its area of control in Sudan down the Red Sea coast and toward East Africa’s Great Lakes region. The sixty-four-year period of Egyptian rule, which ended in 1885, left a deep mark on Sudan’s political and economic systems. The emergence of the Anglo-Egyptian condominium in 1899 reinforced the links between Cairo and Khartoum. After Sudan gained independence in 1956, Egypt continued to exert influence over developments in Sudan. Similarly, the period of British control (1899-1955) has had a lasting impact on Sudan. In addition to pacifying and uniting the country, Britain sought to modernize Sudan by using technology to facilitate economic development and by establishing democratic institutions to end authoritarian rule. Even in 1991, many of Sudan’s political and economic institutions owed their existence to the British. Lastly, Sudan’s postindependence history has been shaped largely by the southern civil war. This conflict has retarded the country’s social and economic development, encouraged political instability, and led to an endless cycle of weak and ineffective military and civilian governments. The conflict appeared likely to continue to affect Sudan’s people and institutions for the rest of the twentieth century.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1820

    Sudan is conquered by Turkey and Egypt.

    Sudan is conquered by Turkey and Egypt.

  2. 1881

    Revolt against the Turco-Egyptian administration.

    Revolt against the Turco-Egyptian administration.

  3. 1882

    The British invade Sudan.

    The British invade Sudan.

  4. 1899 – 1955

    Sudan is governed by British-Egyptian rule.

    Sudan is governed by British-Egyptian rule.

  5. 1955

    Revolt and start of the civil war.

    Revolt and start of the civil war.

  6. 1956

    Sudan becomes independent.

    Sudan becomes independent.

  7. 1958

    A military coup takes place in Sudan.

    A military coup takes place in Sudan. The civilian government is removed.

View full timeline (27 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Cushite civilization, which reached its peak between 1750 and 1500 B.C., is thought to be the oldest Black civilization in the world. Its capital was Meroe on the Nile.

  • Cushite civilization, which reached its peak between 1750 and 1500 B.C., is thought to be the oldest Black civilization in the world. Its capital was Meroe on the Nile.

  • 80% percent of the world's gum arabic, or gum acacia, is produced in Sudan. Harvested from acacia trees, it is used in inks, adhesives, certain types of candy and soft drinks.

  • Sudan exports many camels and sheep to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

  • The longest river in the world, the Nile runs from south to north in Sudan. Since ancient times the historic Nile River has been the main route of travel and communication for Sudanese people to the Mediterranean Sea.

  • For pre-natal care and giving birth, Sudanese women have traditionally relied on midwives, or geem, a Dinka word, which means literally the “receivers of God's gifts”. Sudanese believe children are gifts from God.

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Geography and Environment

Sudan, a vast, sun-baked land, gained independence in 1956, following the end of the Anglo-Egyptian condominium. It is the largest country in all Africa, stretching almost one million square miles. To the north are the Libyan and Nubian Deserts. In mid-country, a band of rocky semi-desert reaches from the Chad border eastward to encompass the range of arid mountains along the Red Sea coast and the Ethiopian border. The southern half consists of savanna and swampland grading into semitropical forests along the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda borders. Although arable, fertile land is available (37 %), but little (1.5 %) is cultivated because of inadequate irrigation. Through these diverse regions flow the White and Blue Niles, which converge at Khartoum. The Nile system, with its major tributaries-the Bahr al Ghazal, Sobat, and Atbara-is the primary water supply for northeastern Africa. Most cultivation in the north of Sudan depends on these rivers, but farther south, rainfall is sufficient for cultivation and grazing. The river is navigable only in certain areas. The Bahr al-Arab, flowing west to east, forms a natural frontier. Another, more formidable obstacle to the south is the Sudd, an immense 12,000 square miles of swamp floating vegetation into which the White Nile expands before reverting to river again.
Terrain
generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south, northeast and west; desert dominates the north
Climate
Khartoum is usually hot and dusty. During May, June, and July, daily high temperatures average around 100 F or higher, with frequent dust storms called "haboobs." July, August, and part of September are not as hot, with rare but heavy rainstorms (average 8 inches yearly) and continuing haboobs. From November until April, daily temperatures range around 95 F; nights, around 70 F, are pleasant. Cool weather at night and in the early mornings sometimes requires light sweaters or blankets.
Natural Hazards
dust storms and periodic persistent droughts
Current Environmental Issues
inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification; periodic drought
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English

  • Arabic

Population

Population
41,980,182
Population in Major Urban Areas
KHARTOUM (capital) 4.632 million
Nationality Noun
Sudanese (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%
Language Note
Arabic is spoken by about half the people, but it is the official language. Many dialects are spoken throughout the country. Arabic Juba is a unique dialect used in southern urban areas for communicating between different ethnic groups. Other languages spoken are Nubian, Dinka, Azanda, Bari, Nuer and Shilluk. Those with education speak good English.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
very high
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Sudan
Full Country Name
Republic of the Sudan
Local - Long
Jumhuriyat as-Sudan
Local - Short
As-Sudan
Former Name
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Government Structure

Government Type
authoritarian regime - ruling military junta took power in 1989; government is run by an alliance of the military and the National Congress Party (NCP), formerly the National Islamic Front (NIF), which espouses an Islamist platform
Legal System
based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January 1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic law in the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of the northern states regardless of their religion; some separate religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive Branch
chief of state: Chairman of the Sovereignty Council General Abdel Fattah al-BURHAN (since 11 November 2019); note - following the military coup of October 25, 2021, al-BURHAN dissolved the Sovereignty Council and the transitional government, though he subsequently reconstituted the Sovereignty Council under his leadership; the position of prime minister has been contested and largely nonfunctional since the coup head of government: Chairman of the Sovereignty Council General Abdel Fattah al-BURHAN serves as de facto head of government; a civilian prime minister role was established under the 2019 transitional framework but has remained unstable; following the April 2023 outbreak of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), effective governance has been severely disrupted across much of the country cabinet: Council of Ministers; the transitional framework established in 2019 envisioned a civilian-led cabinet, but military influence has dominated governance, particularly following the October 2021 coup; the ongoing civil war beginning in April 2023 has further undermined functioning government institutions elections: no direct presidential elections have been held since April 2010, when Omar al-BASHIR was reelected in a vote criticized as neither free nor fair; transitional governance arrangements have been in place since al-BASHIR was ousted in April 2019; elections under a permanent constitutional framework have not yet been held election results: not applicable under current transitional and conflict conditions note: Omar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR, who had ruled Sudan since seizing power in a military coup in June 1989, was removed from office by the Sudanese military on April 11, 2019, following months of widespread popular protests; he was subsequently arrested and faced charges including corruption and crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court; a Sovereignty Council composed of military and civilian representatives was established in August 2019 to oversee a transitional period, but a military coup in October 2021 reasserted armed forces dominance; in April 2023, fighting erupted between the SAF and the RSF, plunging the country into a severe humanitarian and governance crisis
Legislative Branch
bi-cameral body comprising the National Assembly and Council of States (replaced unicameral National Assembly of 360 seats); pending elections and National Election Law, the Presidency appointed 450 members to the National Assembly according to the provisions of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement: 52% NCP; 28% SPLM; 14% other Northerners; 6% other Southerners; 2 representatives from every state constitute the Council of States; terms in each chamber are five years following the first elections elections: last held 13-22 December 2000 (next to be held 2008-2009 timeframe) election results: NCP 355, others 5; note - replaced by appointments under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement
Judicial Branch
Constitutional Court of nine justices; National Supreme Court; National Courts of Appeal; other national courts; National Judicial Service Commission will undertake overall management of the National Judiciary
Suffrage
17 years of age; universal, but noncompulsory
Constitution
12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985; interim constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of 30 June 1989; new constitution implemented on 30 June 1998 partially suspended 12 December 1999 by President BASHIR
Independence
1 January 1956 (from Egypt and UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Capital City

Capital Name
Khartoum
Capital - geographic coordinate
15 36 N, 32 32 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

several explanations of the name exist; two of the more plausible are that it is derived from Arabic "al-jartum" meaning "elephant's trunk" or "hose," and likely referring to the narrow strip of land extending between the Blue and White Niles; alternatively, the name could derive from the Dinka words "khar-tuom," indicating a "place where rivers meet"

Military

Branches: Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Land Forces, Navy (includes Marines), Sudanese Air Force (Sikakh al-Jawwiya as-Sudaniya), Popular Defense Forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Sudan

Kilo 10 - Soba, Khartoum

Telephone: (249) 1-870-22000 (from outside Sudan)

0-187-022000 (from inside Sudan)

ACSKhartoum@state.gov

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Economy

Sudan's economy has been in severe distress since the outbreak of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, which has devastated infrastructure, displaced millions, and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. GDP is estimated to have contracted by more than 20% in 2023 and continued to shrink sharply in 2024, while inflation has surged to triple digits and the Sudanese pound has lost much of its value against the dollar.

Long before the current war, Sudan faced deep structural challenges. The 2011 secession of South Sudan stripped Khartoum of roughly three-quarters of its oil reserves, eliminating its main source of foreign exchange and government revenue. The transitional government that followed the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir pursued reforms with the IMF and World Bank, secured debt relief under the HIPC initiative in 2021, and removed costly fuel and wheat subsidies. These gains were largely reversed after the October 2021 military coup, which prompted international donors to suspend assistance, and they have been further undone by the ongoing war.

Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing the majority of the workforce and accounting for roughly a third of GDP, though most farming is rain-fed and vulnerable to drought, locust outbreaks, and climate shocks. Gold has become Sudan's most important export, but much of the trade is informal and smuggled abroad. With fighting disrupting harvests, markets, banking, and trade routes, the United Nations warns that famine conditions are spreading and that the majority of Sudan's population requires humanitarian assistance. Recovery prospects depend heavily on a cessation of hostilities, restoration of basic services, and renewed international engagement.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Sudanese Point (SDG)
GDP — official exchange rate
$22,750,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
7%

Banknotes

Sudan Money - Front
Sudan Money - Front
Sudan Money - Back
Sudan Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$5,753,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
79%
External Debt
$18,150,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
15.4%
Economic Aid
$172,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance
-$658,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 80%; industry and commerce 7%; government 13%
Industries
oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly
Agriculture Products
cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock
Export Commodities
oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock, groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar
Export Partners
China 53.3%, Japan 13.4%, South Africa 4.9%, Saudi Arabia 4.7%
Import Commodities
foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat
Import Partners
China 20.1%, Saudi Arabia 7.5%, India 5.6%, UK 5.4%, Germany 5.4%, Indonesia 4.7%, Australia 4%

Energy

Oil Production
401,300 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
70,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
1,600,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
84,950,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: well-equipped system by regional standards and being upgraded; cellular communications started in 1996 and have expanded substantially with wide coverage of most major cities domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, fiber optic, radiotelephone communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations international: country code - 249; linked to the EASSy and FLAG fiber-optic submarine cable systems; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Arabsat
Internet Country Code
.sd

News & Weather

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Climate Overview

Khartoum is usually hot and dusty. During May, June, and July, daily high temperatures average around 100 F or higher, with frequent dust storms called "haboobs." July, August, and part of September are not as hot, with rare but heavy rainstorms (average 8 inches yearly) and continuing haboobs. From November until April, daily temperatures range around 95 F; nights, around 70 F, are pleasant. Cool weather at night and in the early mornings sometimes requires light sweaters or blankets.

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Sudan?
The population of Sudan is approximately 42.0M.
How do people greet each other in Sudan?
The common greeting is "salaam aleykom" (Peace be with you), and both men and women typically shake hands when meeting friends or relatives. Do: Use "salaam aleykom" as a general greeting Shake hands with friends and relatives Try local phrases like "do pure" (good morning) or "do parana" (good afternoon) Good friends may exchange a casual Salaam
What are the dining customs in Sudan?
Two meals a day is the norm, with dinner in the evening being the main meal shared by the family; only the right hand is used for eating and families rarely eat out at restaurants. Do: Wash your hands before and after a meal Eat only with your right hand Don't: Don't use your left hand for eating Don't expect families to dine out at restaurants often Staples include millet, sorghum, and maize, often supplemented with beef, chicken, goat, or mutton Kisra (flour paste) and fatta are traditional foods Alcohol is officially prohibited, though a sorghum beer called marisa is drunk
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Sudan?
Visiting usually takes place in the home, and guests are served coffee, tea, water, or soft drinks; men and women generally socialize separately. Do: Visit mid-morning or evening Keep first visits short Make arrangements in advance if you are less known Don't: Don't visit at times when people may be sleeping or eating Close friends and family may visit spontaneously Religious holidays and special events are the best occasions for relaxed gatherings Children are asked to play away from adults to allow conversation
How should I dress in Sudan?
Western clothing is common, though northern men also wear traditional "jalabia" (white robes) and "imma" (turbans), and women must cover from head to ankle in public (hijab). Do: Women should cover from head to ankle in public (hijab) Southern men and women usually wear Western attire In the south, jewelry and beads signal affluence
Which gestures are important in Sudan?
Nodding the head downward means 'yes' and nodding up means 'no'; the left hand and foot soles carry offensive meanings. Don't: Don't use the left hand for eating Don't point with a finger Don't point the sole of your feet toward someone Use both hands when passing items between people
What is family life like in Sudan?
The Sudanese family centers on the extended family and is headed by males, with clearly divided roles for men and women. Men earn income, manage the herd, and lead family discipline Women clean, cook, care for children, and help with the farm and garden Women do not leave the house for 40 days after giving birth Southern women generally have more equality than women in the north
What do people do for recreation in Sudan?
Soccer is popular, along with volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and a stick-and-shield martial art, while board games and traditional dancing are also enjoyed. Traditional sports include wrestling and a stick-and-shield martial art Games include shelel, tawal (backgammon), and mangala Girls enjoy dolls, jump rope, and arika (hopscotch) In rural areas men socialize in a diwanya, a meeting hut
What is the capital of Sudan?
Khartoum is the capital of Sudan and serves as the country's political, administrative, and economic hub. Situated at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers, the city has long been a strategic crossroads of northeastern Africa. It is home to the national government and its central institutions. Khartoum's location along the Nile has shaped its history from the era of ancient civilizations through British colonial rule and into the present day.
Where is Sudan located?
Sudan is located in northeastern Africa, occupying a vast stretch of territory between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa to the south. It sits along the eastern reaches of the Nile River valley, a corridor that has been central to some of the world's oldest civilizations. The country connects the Arab world of North Africa with the diverse cultures of East and Central Africa, giving it a uniquely transitional geographic and cultural character.
What countries border Sudan?
Sudan shares borders with seven countries. To the north it borders Egypt and Libya; to the east, Eritrea and Ethiopia; to the south, South Sudan (which separated in 2011); and to the west, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya. This broad network of borders reflects Sudan's position as one of Africa's most geographically central states. The country also has a northeastern coastline along the Red Sea, providing an important maritime outlet for trade.
What is the predominant religion in Sudan?
Sunni Islam is the dominant religion in Sudan, practiced by approximately 70 percent of the population, and it plays a central role in law, governance, and daily life. Indigenous traditional beliefs account for roughly 25 percent of religious practice, particularly among communities in southern and rural regions. Christians make up approximately 5 percent of the population. Since independence in 1956, military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governance have shaped national policy, embedding Islam deeply into the country's political and legal frameworks.
What currency is used in Sudan?
The official currency of Sudan is the Sudanese Pound, with the ISO code SDG. The currency has undergone several changes and redenominations over the decades, reflecting the country's periods of economic instability, prolonged civil conflict, and international sanctions. The loss of significant oil revenues following the secession of South Sudan in 2011 placed additional pressure on the Sudanese economy and the value of the pound. Foreign currency exchange is typically handled through official banks and licensed exchange bureaus.
What languages are spoken in Sudan?
Arabic is the official language of Sudan and serves as the primary medium of government, education, and commerce across the country. English also holds official status and is used in certain administrative and educational contexts. Beyond these, Sudan is home to remarkable linguistic diversity, with communities speaking Nubian, Ta Bedawie, and a wide range of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, and Sudanic languages and dialects. This multilingual landscape reflects the country's ethnic complexity and the cultural divide that has historically existed between the Arab-influenced north and the non-Arab south.
What is Sudan known for?
Sudan is known for several historically and economically significant distinctions. It is home to the ancient Kushite civilization, centered at Meroe on the Nile, which is considered one of the oldest Black civilizations in the world, reaching its peak between 1750 and 1500 B.C. Sudan also produces approximately 80 percent of the world's gum arabic, a resin harvested from acacia trees and used globally in inks, adhesives, candies, and soft drinks. The country's Nile-fed pyramids at Meroe rival those of Egypt in number, and Sudanese culture is noted for its deeply rooted traditions of hospitality, family loyalty, and Islamic scholarship.

Last reviewed 2026

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