Sudan
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 53
Currency
💱 Sudanese pound
Languages
🗣️ Arabic, English
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of the Sudan
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Sudanese
Independence
January 1, 1956 (from Egypt and the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.sd
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+249
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Khartoum
ISO Alpha-2
SD
ISO Alpha-3
SDN
UN Code
729
Geographic Coordinates
15,30
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,886,068#17 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
53,282,719#28 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
26.79
Highest Point (m)
3,042 meters (Deriba Caldera)
Lowest Point (m)
576 meters (Red Sea)
Land Use
Approximately 47% of the land is used for agriculture.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 20,000 square kilometers.
Coastline Length
710 kilometers
Climate
Primarily desert; arid in the north, tropical in the south, with rainfall increasing further south.
Natural Resources
Petroleum, natural gas, gold, chromite, iron ore, copper, zinc, tungsten, silver, hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan
Major Rivers
Nile River, Atbarah River.
Major Lakes
Lake Nubia (shared with Egypt)
Government Type
Republic under military rule.
Administrative Divisions
18 states (wilayat).
Legal System
Based on Islamic law and English common law.
Chief of State
Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Head of Government
Currently, the position is vacant; a Prime Minister is expected to be appointed.
Cabinet
The Cabinet of Ministers is currently in transition.
Elections
Elections are planned, but a date has not yet been set.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and other courts.
Legislative Branch
Transitional Legislative Council; currently suspended.
Major Political Parties
Political parties are reorganizing following the October 2021 coup.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Sudanese pound
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60.16#92 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
113.26#99 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,164.54#189 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
29.36
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
33.65
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
36.99
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
138.81#3 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
10,949,089
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
7.53#57 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1999)Checked September 29, 2026
865.87
Budget
Information on the Sudanese national budget is subject to ongoing change and difficult to access.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.66#171 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.77#178 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are subject to significant fluctuation, reflecting the unstable economy.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online from various financial websites.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture, industry, and services contribute to the GDP.
Major Industries
Major industries include oil production, agriculture, and livestock.
Major Export Partners
Sudan's major export partners are subject to change due to ongoing geopolitical and economic factors.
Major Import Partners
Sudan's major import partners are subject to change due to ongoing geopolitical and economic factors.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2008)Checked September 29, 2026
53.52#155 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
33
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.3
Net Migration Rate
Net migration rates are affected by conflict, economic conditions, and political instability.
Median Age
The median age is relatively young, reflecting a high birth rate.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34.93#181 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is ongoing, with variable rates influenced by economic factors and conflict.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
66.5#178 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is relatively low but data may be limited.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.85
Ethnic Groups
Diverse ethnic groups include Arab, Beja, Nubian, and Fur.
Religions
The majority of the population is Muslim, with smaller Christian and indigenous religious groups.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic, English
Education
Education System
The Sudanese education system follows a 6-3-3 structure: 6 years of primary, 3 years of junior secondary, and 3 years of secondary education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
7.6
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Sudan fluctuates but is typically a relatively low percentage of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Khartoum and Sudan University of Science and Technology.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Sudanese culture is diverse, reflecting Arab and African influences, with a strong emphasis on family and community.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Independence Day (2026-01-01)
- Coptic Christmas (2026-01-07)
- Coptic Easter Sunday (2026-04-12)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional Sudanese music and modern genres influenced by Arab and African sounds.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include ful medames, asida, and various stews and grilled meats, often served with flatbread.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, with significant following and participation.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Eid celebrations and various cultural and religious events.
Famous People
Famous Sudanese individuals include political figures, athletes, and artists.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Sudan has many significant archaeological sites reflecting its ancient history.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe and Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region.
Annual Tourist Visits
Data unavailable, low due to conflict.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is developing but limited due to political instability.
Top Tourist Attractions
Pyramids of Meroë, archaeological sites.
Famous Cities
Khartoum, Omdurman.
National Parks
Dinder National Park.
Protected Areas
Limited protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa required for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
High risk; advise against all but essential travel.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is low due to limited resources.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to Western countries but healthcare access is limited.
Number of Hospitals
The number of hospitals is limited compared to many developed countries.
Universal Healthcare
Sudan's healthcare system is primarily public but faces challenges in providing universal access and quality care.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited in access and quality, especially outside major cities.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is limited and varies significantly by region.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 999.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Sudan fluctuate depending on the region and political climate, but the country is generally considered to have a moderate crime rate.
Safety Index
The safety index for Sudan is moderate, with travel advisories often in place due to political instability and conflict.
Military Expenditure
Sudan's military expenditure accounts for a significant portion of its government budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but their efficiency and reach may be limited, particularly outside major cities.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The Sudanese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access varies, with higher rates in urban areas compared to rural regions.
Water Access
Access to clean water varies across the country, with lower access rates in rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is a challenge, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.
Railways
Sudan has a railway system, though it is in a state of disrepair in many regions.
Roadways
Roads vary in quality, with significant stretches of unpaved roads, and ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes road, rail, air, and river transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Khartoum International Airport (KRT), Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU), Dongola Airport (DOG), El Fasher Airport (ELF), El-Obeid Airport (EBD), Kassala Airport (KSL)
Ports
Sudan has a coastline on the Red Sea and several ports, including Port Sudan.
Public Transit
Public transit options primarily include buses and shared taxis, especially in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
18.6#196 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited Radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.43#164 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality data is limited; often poor in urban areas due to dust and vehicle emissions.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff, especially in the Nile River.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage; some solar projects; potential for hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, soil erosion, water scarcity, deforestation, and pollution.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, sandstorms, dust storms, flooding, and earthquakes.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management systems; open dumping is common; recycling is minimal.
Environmental Agreements
Party to various agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in numerous countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union, Arab League
Major Treaties
Information not readily available.
Visa-Free Countries
Information not readily available; varies depending on passport type and issuing authority.