Official name: Republic of Sudan
Capital: Khartoum
Area: Approximately 1,861,484 square kilometers (720,000 sq mi)
Population: Approximately 44 million (as of 2021)
Official languages: Arabic and English
Currency: Sudanese pound (SDG)
Time zone: East Africa Time (EAT; GMT+2)
Climate: Sudan has a diverse climate ranging from arid in the north to tropical in the south. It experiences significant seasonal variations, with a rainy season and a dry season.
Geography:
- Location: Northeastern Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea to the east, Ethiopia to the southeast, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, and Libya to the northwest.
- Major rivers: The Nile River runs through Sudan, splitting the country into eastern and western regions.
History:
- Ancient Sudan was the center of several powerful kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Kush.
- The region was impacted by various trade routes and empires over centuries, including Ottoman and Egyptian influences.
- Sudan gained independence from British-Egyptian rule on January 1, 1956.
- The country has experienced civil wars, including the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), which ultimately led to the secession of South Sudan in 2011.
Politics:
- Sudan has undergone significant political transitions, including the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 after months of protests against his rule.
- A transitional government was established, aiming to lead the country towards democratic governance, but political instability and military influence remain challenges.
Economy:
- The economy is primarily based on agriculture, which employs a large portion of the population. Key crops include sorghum, millet, and wheat, along with livestock.
- Sudan also has some oil reserves, but the loss of production from South Sudan has impacted the economy.
- The economy faces challenges such as sanctions, inflation, and the need for structural reforms.
Culture:
- Sudan has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Arab, African, and indigenous traditions.
- Traditional music, dance, and art play significant roles in Sudanese culture.
- The country is home to various ethnic groups and languages, leading to a diverse cultural mosaic.
Challenges:
- Sudan faces a range of challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, humanitarian crises (particularly in conflict-affected regions like Darfur), and issues related to governance and human rights.
International Relations:
- Sudan’s international relations have evolved, particularly following the normalization of ties with several Western countries and efforts to remove it from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism in recent years.