Sudan

Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in Northeast Africa. It borders the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, Libya to the northwest, Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the east, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the southeast, and South Sudan to the south. With a population of 51.8 million people and an area of 1,886,068 square kilometres (728,215 square miles), Sudan is Africa's third-largest country by area. Its capital and largest city is Khartoum.

The land now known as Sudan has a long history, with ancient cultures and kingdoms such as the Khormusan, Kingdom of Kerma, and Kingdom of Kush thriving thousands of years ago. In more recent times, Sudan gained independence from British and Egyptian rule on 1 January 1956. Since then, the country has faced many challenges, including civil wars and political changes. Despite these difficulties, Sudan remains an important part of Africa, with rich cultural heritage and natural resources. Today, Sudan is working to build a stable future while dealing with economic and social issues.

Etymology

The name Sudan comes from a historical term used for a large area in West Africa. It means "The Land of the Blacks" in Arabic, referring to the dark skin of the people who lived there. Before this, the area was known as Nubia by ancient Egyptians.

Since 2011, some people call this country North Sudan to tell it apart from its neighbor, South Sudan.

History

Main article: History of Sudan

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Sudanese history.

Prehistoric Sudan (before c. 8000 BC)

Affad 23 is an archaeological site in northern Sudan. It shows evidence of ancient camps and tools used by early humans over 50,000 years ago. By around 8000 BC, people lived in villages, farming and herding animals along the Nile River.

Kerma culture (2500–1500 BC)

The Kerma culture was an early civilization in Sudan, flourishing from about 2500 BC to 1500 BC. Centered in Kerma, it became a significant empire, rivaling nearby Egypt and influencing the region's development.

Egyptian Nubia (1504–780 BC)

Egyptian rulers eventually controlled Nubia, including Kerma, around 1504 BC. Nubia became an important part of the Egyptian empire, though it maintained its own traditions and culture.

Kingdom of Kush (c. 780 BC–350 AD)

The Kingdom of Kush emerged after Egypt's New Kingdom declined. Centered around the Nile, it ruled parts of Egypt and developed its own unique culture, including the building of pyramids.

Medieval Christian Nubian kingdoms (c. 350–1500)

From around the 5th century, Nubia was home to three Christian kingdoms: Nobatia, Makuria, and Alodia. These kingdoms converted to Christianity and thrived culturally, developing their own alphabets and art forms.

Islamic kingdoms of Sennar and Darfur (c. 1500–1820)

In the 1500s, new Islamic kingdoms like Sennar and Darfur emerged. These kingdoms blended Islamic and local traditions, ruling Sudan until the early 1800s.

Turco-Egyptian Sudan and Mahdist Sudan (1820–1899)

In 1821, Egypt invaded Sudan, beginning a period of Egyptian and later British control. This rule was challenged by a religious and military movement led by Muhammad Ahmad, known as the Mahdi, which briefly established an independent state called the Mahdiyah.

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (1899–1956)

From 1899 to 1956, Sudan was jointly governed by Britain and Egypt. During this time, infrastructure improved, but tensions grew between Sudanese desires for independence and British control.

Independence (1956–present)

Sudan gained independence in 1956. Since then, it has experienced military coups, civil wars, and political instability. Efforts to establish stable democratic governance continue, though challenges remain.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Sudan

Sudan is a large country in North Africa, with a coastline along the Red Sea. It shares borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya. It is the third-largest country in Africa, covering 1,886,068 km² (728,215 sq mi).

The land in Sudan is mostly flat plains with some mountain ranges. The Blue Nile and White Nile rivers meet in the capital city, Khartoum, and flow northward to Egypt. Sudan has many valuable minerals, including gold, iron, and petroleum.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Sudan, Government of Sudan, and Cabinet of Sudan

Sudan has gone through significant changes in its government and politics. The last election was held in 2015. Until 2019, Sudan was governed as a federal authoritarian Islamic republic. That year, President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a military coup led by Vice President Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf. A Transitional Military Council was set up to manage the country. After some changes in leadership, a new Constitutional Declaration was signed in August 2019, leading to the formation of a Transitional Sovereignty Council and a civilian Prime Minister.

Sudan ranks as one of the least democratic countries in Africa. In 2025, during the Sudanese civil war, a rival government was established by the Rapid Support Forces to control areas they held.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: States of Sudan, List of current state governors in Sudan, and Districts of Sudan

Sudan is divided into 18 states, which are further split into 133 districts. The states are:

• Gezira
• Al Qadarif
• Blue Nile
• Central Darfur
• East Darfur
• Kassala
• Khartoum
• North Darfur
• North Kordofan
• Northern
• Red Sea
• River Nile
• Sennar
• South Darfur
• South Kordofan
• West Darfur
• West Kordofan
• White Nile

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Sudan

Sudan has had complex relationships with its neighbors and the international community. For many years, it was listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States. Sudan has also been involved in conflicts and peace agreements, including efforts to end the Second Sudanese Civil War and address the war in Darfur.

In 2020, Sudan normalized its relations with Israel as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. However, tensions continue, especially over disputes with Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Military

The Sudanese Armed Forces include the army, navy, air force, border patrol, and internal affairs defence force. The military has been involved in various conflicts, including the Darfur crisis, where it has faced criticism for its actions.

Human rights

Main articles: Human rights in Sudan, Freedom of religion in Sudan, Slavery in Sudan, and Child marriage in Sudan

Sudan has faced serious challenges with human rights. Issues include restrictions on freedom of religion, women's rights, and the rights of children. Reports have documented abuses in areas like Darfur, southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile. International organizations have called for accountability for these violations.

Freedom of speech

See also: Media of Sudan § Legal framework and censorship

Under past governments, Sudan's media faced heavy restrictions. After some brief improvements following the 2019 changes, freedom of the press was again limited by subsequent coups and the ongoing civil war. Journalists have been arrested, and the internet has been shut down to control information flow.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Sudan

See also: Telecommunications in Sudan and Transport in Sudan

Sudan has had a changing economy over the years. In the early 2010s, it was growing quickly, helped by oil profits. However, when South Sudan became independent, it took most of Sudan's oil fields with it. This caused big economic problems for Sudan, with slower growth and high inflation.

Even with oil money, Sudan still had many challenges. Today, most people work in agriculture, but the country continues to face issues like corruption and hunger. Sudan ranks low in human development and many people live in poverty. The International Monetary Fund is helping Sudan's government with economic policies.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Sudan

See also: List of cities in Sudan

Sudan has a large population, growing from about 22 million in 1983 to around 50 million today. The country includes many people from different backgrounds. The largest group is the Arab population, making up about 70% of Sudan's people. They mainly speak Sudanese Arabic and follow Islam.

Sudan is also home to many refugees from nearby countries, such as South Sudan, Eritrea, and Syria. There are many different ethnic groups, including the Beja, Fur, Nubians, and Nuba, each with their own languages and traditions. Arabic and English are the official languages of Sudan. Most people practice Islam, though there are also Christian communities, including Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox.

Culture

Sudanese culture is a mix of traditions from many different groups of people who speak many languages. The country has a rich musical history, with influences from both traditional African sounds and European styles. Music has faced challenges over the years but continues to be an important part of Sudanese life.

Football is very popular in Sudan, and the country has both men’s and women’s national teams. Other sports like beach volleyball and wrestling are also growing in popularity. Traditional clothing, such as the jalabiya for men and the thobe for women, is widely worn, though styles can vary with the seasons and personal taste.