+45 Million
Population
+3000km
Of the River Nile flowing through Sudan
+1,886,068 Km²
3rd Largest country in Africa
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Sudan
Country Overview
Sudan, officially the Republic of Sudan, is a country located in Northeast Africa with a rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. It is known for the meeting point of the Blue Nile and White Nile in its capital city, Khartoum.
Geographic Location
It borders several countries, including Egypt to the North, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the East, the Central African Republic to the Southwest, Chad to the West, Libya to the Northwest, and South Sudan to the South.
Map showing Sudan’s location in Africa. By Sanjay Rao
Getting Around
Major and Minor Airports:
- Khartoum International Airport (Khartoum): This is the main international gateway, connecting the capital to cities across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
- Port Sudan Airport (Port Sudan): Serving the Red Sea region, popular for travelers heading to the coast or nearby coral reefs.
- El Fasher Airport (El Fasher): A key airport for travel within Darfur and the western regions of Sudan.
- Nyala Airport (Nyala): Providing connections to other domestic destinations in southern Darfur.
- Dongola Airport (Dongola): Serving northern Sudan and areas near the Nubian Desert.
Flying Times to Sudan:
Here are approximate flying times to Sudan from major global hubs:
- From Europe:
- London: Approximately 6–7 hours
- Paris: Approximately 6–7 hours
- From Asia:
- Dubai: Approximately 4–5 hours
- Tokyo: Approximately 15–16 hours
- From North America:
- New York: Approximately 14–15 hours (with layovers)
- Toronto: Approximately 15–16 hours (with layovers)
- From South America:
- São Paulo: Approximately 18–20 hours (with multiple connections)
- From Africa:
- Johannesburg: Approximately 7–8 hours (with layovers)
- Cairo: Approximately 2–3 hours
- From Oceania:
- Sydney: Approximately 20–22 hours (with multiple connections)
Popular Cities:
- Khartoum: The capital, where the Blue and White Niles meet, featuring museums and bustling markets.
- Omdurman: Known for its vibrant souks and the historic Khalifa House Museum.
- Port Sudan: A coastal city, popular for diving and the Red Sea’s coral reefs.
- El Fasher: A cultural hub and gateway to Darfur.
- Dongola: Near the Nubian Desert, close to ancient ruins and archaeological site.
Transportation: Transportation includes a mix of road, rail, and air travel. The country is working to improve its infrastructure to enhance connectivity, ensuring that these modes of transport effectively provide access even to remote areas, facilitating easier and more efficient travel across diverse regions.
Did You Know?
Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt. There are over 200 pyramids in Sudan, concentrated in the ancient sites of Al Kurru, Nuri, and Meroë, known as the Nubian pyramids.
Popular Destinations
- Khartoum: The capital city, where the Blue and White Nile rivers meet, offering historical landmarks like the Sudan National Museum and vibrant markets.
- Meroe: Famous for its ancient pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects Sudan’s rich Nubian history.
- Dinder National Park: A haven for wildlife, featuring antelopes, lions, and diverse bird species, located along the Ethiopian border.
- Port Sudan: A coastal city by the Red Sea, popular for its pristine coral reefs and excellent diving spots.
- Nubian Desert: Known for its stunning golden dunes and historic sites, perfect for desert excursions.
- Kassala: A picturesque city surrounded by the Taka Mountains, ideal for hiking and cultural exploration.
- Jebel Barkal: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient temples and pyramids, located near the town of Karima.
Social and Cultural Insights
People and Society: Sudan is home to a mix of ethnicities, with over 200 distinct groups contributing to its cultural mix. Arabic is the official language, used in government, education, and media, and serves as a unifying language across the country. Sudanese Arabic, a localized dialect, is widely spoken in everyday life, reflecting the country’s unique blend of Arab and African influences.
Additionally, over 70 regional languages are spoken, including Nubian, Beja, Fur, and Zaghawa, which are prominent among specific ethnic communities. The population is predominantly Muslim, with a blend of Arab and African influences.
Culture: Sudanese culture is shaped by its Islamic, African, and Arab heritage.
- Sudanese art features Islamic calligraphy and indigenous crafts, including intricate henna designs for celebrations and geometric-patterned pottery.
- Festivals and cultural events feature traditional rhythms played on instruments like the oud and darbuka, and Sufi music and dances, which are central to spiritual and communal gatherings.
- The cuisine blends Arab and African influences, with dishes like ful medames (mashed fava beans) and kisra (a type of bread made from sorghum), often accompanied by spiced stews.
Cultural Etiquette and Tips: People are known for their warmth and hospitality, often offering guests tea or coffee as a welcoming gesture. A friendly “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) is the common way to greet someone, with handshakes where appropriate. Modest clothing is the norm, especially in rural areas, where tradition plays a big role in daily life. If you’re taking photos of people or cultural sites, it’s polite to ask first. Respect and kindness go a long way, whether you’re in the bustling streets of Khartoum or a quiet village.
Public Holidays:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Madaraka Day: June 1 (commemorating the day Kenya attained self-rule in 1963)
- Mashujaa Day (Heroes’ Day): October 20 (honoring those who contributed to Kenya’s independence)
- Jamhuri Day (Independence Day): December 12
- Eid al-Fitr: Date varies
- Eid al-Adha: Date varies
- Christmas Day: December 25
Ancient Town of Kerma, Sudan. Photo by Walter Callens.
Climate and Natural Highlights
Climate: It is a predominantly hot and arid nation, with desert conditions across much of the country. The rainy season varies by region, lasting from June to September in the south and becoming shorter as you move north. These varying climates make Sudan suitable for safaris, desert excursions, and river cruises.
Sunrise and Sunset Times: The country enjoys consistent daylight hours throughout the year. In summer, the sun typically rises around 5:30 AM and sets by 7:00 PM, while in winter, sunrise is closer to 6:00 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor activities, especially in the hotter months.
Wildlife and Natural Landscapes: Its natural beauty is diverse, ranging from the vast Sahara Desert to the fertile lands along the Nile. The Nile River, one of the country’s defining features, supports agriculture and offers stunning views. The Dinder National Park is a haven for wildlife, home to antelopes, gazelles, and a variety of bird species. In the north, the golden dunes of the Nubian Desert contrast sharply with the lush date palms along the Nile’s banks. Sudan’s landscapes are both dramatic and serene, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Public Holidays:
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Celebrating Sudan’s independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule in 1956).
- Labor Day: May 1
- Eid al-Fitr: Date varies (Celebrating the end of Ramadan).
- Eid al-Adha: Date varies (Festival of Sacrifice).
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): Date varies (Beginning of the Islamic calendar year).
- Mawlid al-Nabi: Date varies (Commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad).
- Revolution Day: December 19 (Marking the start of Sudan’s revolution against colonial rule).
Economic and Political Overview
History: Sudan was home to ancient Nubia, the Kingdom of Kush, and a segment of the Egyptian civilization. This storied past is evident in remnants of the once-powerful Kushite and Meroe kingdoms. The country ultimately gained its independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule on January 1, 1956.
Government and Politics: The nation has experienced significant political transformation and is currently navigating a transitional phase towards civilian rule. While the country operates under a federal republic, it is presently guided by a military junta—a government led by a committee of military leaders who have taken control, often following a coup. This power-sharing arrangement between the military junta and civilian leaders aims to steer Sudan toward stable democratic governance. This process is part of Sudan’s complex political history, characterized by resilience and persistent efforts to achieve peace and progress after periods of conflict and transition.
Economy: The country’s economy largely depends on agriculture, with a growing interest in developing its mining sector. It is also known for its gum Arabic production, a key ingredient in many products worldwide.
Safety, Health, and Entry Requirements
- Safety and Travel Advisories: Sudan is generally safe for tourists in key regions, but it’s important to stay updated with travel advisories from reliable sources. Consult your home country’s travel advisories for current safety information and also respect local laws and customs during their visit.
- Healthcare and Vaccinations: Healthcare services in Sudan vary by location, with more comprehensive facilities available in cities like Khartoum. Travelers are advised to have travel health insurance and check vaccination recommendations, such as those for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A, to ensure a smooth and worry-free visit.
Visa Requirements and Entry Procedures: Most visitors to Sudan need a visa, which must be obtained prior to arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, and confirm entry requirements with a Sudanese embassy or consulate in your region. Some areas may require additional permits, particularly in regions like Darfur.
Region
Capital City
- Khartourm
Currency
- Sudanese Pound (SDG)
Languages
- Arabic
- English
- 70+ Other Languages
Timezone
- Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
- United States