Sudan is a country located in North Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, and Eritrea to the east.

Sudan has a population of around 45 million people, with Khartoum being the capital and largest city. The official languages are Arabic and English, and the majority of the population practices Islam.

Sudan has a diverse economy, with agriculture, mining, and oil being the main sectors. Sudan is the third-largest producer of oil in Sub-Saharan Africa and has significant reserves of gold, copper, and other minerals. The agriculture sector is the largest employer, with cotton, sesame, peanuts, and gum Arabic being the main exports.

Sudan has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient Nubian civilizations and a unique blend of Arab and African influences. The country has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Meroe and the Sanganeb Marine National Park.

Sudan has faced several challenges in recent years, including political instability, conflict, and economic difficulties. However, in 2019, a transitional government was established, and the country is working towards addressing these issues and building a more stable and prosperous future.

Telephone Code
249

Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission or cholera and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or cholera. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Hot and dry; arid desert; rainy season varies by region (April to November)

Currency (Code)
Sudanese pounds (SDG)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D

Major Languages
Arabic, English, Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur

Major Religions
Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Gebel Barkal & Napata; Archaeological Sites of the “Island of Meroe”; Sanganeb Marine National Park & Dungonalo Bay on Mukkawar Island

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, track and field

Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to not remove one's shoes before entering a household.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not customary.

Souvenirs
Ebony carved items, basketwork, tribal art, gold and silver jewelry, spices

Traditional Cuisine
Ful Medames — a vegetarian dish typically made with fava beans and served with toppings such as tomatoes, greens, feta, red onions, hard-boiled eggs, or shata (hot sauce)

Geography
Area
total: 1,861,484 sq km
land: 1,731,671 sq km
water: 129,813 sq km

Climate
hot and dry; arid desert; rainy season varies by region (April to November)

Natural resources
petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold; hydropower

People and Society
Population
49,197,555 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Sudanese Arab (approximately 70%), Fur, Beja, Nuba, Ingessana, Uduk, Fallata, Masalit, Dajo, Gimir, Tunjur, Berti; there are over 500 ethnic groups

Languages
Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur

Religions
Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority

Population growth rate
2.55% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Khartoum

Economy
Economic overview
low-income Sahel economy; one of the world’s major agricultural exporters; shared oil pipeline exports with South Sudan; transitional government increasing human capital investment; food prices hit hard by COVID-19; ongoing Gezira Scheme irrigation project

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$168.98 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$3,700 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, sorghum, milk, groundnuts, onions, sesame seed, goat milk, millet, bananas, wheat

Industries
oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly, milling

Exports
$5.916 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United Arab Emirates 31%, China 19%, Saudi Arabia 14%, India 12%, Egypt 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
gold, crude petroleum, sesame seeds, sheep, goats, cotton, ground nuts (2019)

Imports
$9.788 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 31%, India 14%, United Arab Emirates 11%, Egypt 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
raw sugar, wheat, packaged medicines, jewelry, tires, cars and vehicle parts (2019)