Sudan

A Land of Nile, Nubia, and Political Resilience

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Sudan (Republic of the Sudan | جمهورية السودان) is a country located in Northeast Africa, bordered by the Red Sea, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya. Once the largest country in Africa until the secession of South Sudan in 2011, Sudan remains geopolitically significant due to its Nile River system, ethnic diversity, and strategic location.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Ancient Sudan was home to powerful kingdoms such as Kush, Meroë, and Nubia.

• Islam arrived in the 7th century, influencing Sudanese culture and law.

• Under joint British-Egyptian rule until gaining independence in 1956.

• Long periods of military rule, civil war, and ethnic conflict followed.

• In 2011, the southern part of the country became independent as South Sudan.

• As of 2023–2024, Sudan is facing ongoing internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

Note: As of 2024, Sudan is under a military-led transitional situation with competing authorities.

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Administrative Divisions (States)

Sudan is divided into 18 states (wilayat). Each state has its own governor and state council.

List of 18 States:

1. Khartoum (الخرطوم)

2. Northern (الولاية الشمالية)

3. River Nile (نهر النيل)

4. Red Sea (البحر الأحمر)

5. Kassala (كسلا)

6. Al Qadarif (القضارف)

7. Gezira (الجزيرة)

8. Sennar (سنار)

9. Blue Nile (النيل الأزرق)

10. White Nile (النيل الأبيض)

11. North Kordofan (شمال كردفان)

12. South Kordofan (جنوب كردفان)

13. West Kordofan (غرب كردفان)

14. North Darfur (شمال دارفور)

15. South Darfur (جنوب دارفور)

16. East Darfur (شرق دارفور)

17. Central Darfur (وسط دارفور)

18. West Darfur (غرب دارفور)

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Local Government Structure

• Each wilayah (state) is led by a governor, historically appointed but intended to be elected under future reforms.

• States are further divided into localities (mahaliyat) and villages.

• Federal governance has been weakened by war, with many areas under military or paramilitary control.

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Leadership & Governance

• Governance is currently split between SAF and RSF, with international calls for a ceasefire and return to civilian rule.

• Transitional efforts under the Juba Peace Agreement (2020) have been disrupted.

• Key issues: power-sharing, constitutional reform, integration of armed groups, civilian elections

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF both exercise military control over different regions.

• Police services are fragmented and under-resourced.

• High insecurity, especially in Khartoum, Darfur, and border regions.

• Humanitarian organizations provide emergency relief in many areas.

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Economy & Industry

• Key Sectors:

  • Agriculture: sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic

  • Gold mining: one of Africa’s top producers

  • Livestock and trade: with Gulf and African markets

• Challenges:

  • War-driven economic collapse

  • Sanctions and currency devaluation

  • Oil revenue lost after South Sudan’s secession

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 30–35 billion

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Education & Institutions

• Historically strong education system, now disrupted by war

• Top universities:

  • University of Khartoum

  • Sudan University of Science and Technology

• Literacy: approx. 61% (varies by region)

• Ongoing displacement and infrastructure damage have halted access in many areas

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Healthcare

• Health services overwhelmed by war and displacement

• Major hospitals in Khartoum and other cities have shut down or operate minimally

• Humanitarian aid essential in rural and conflict-affected zones

• Key issues: malnutrition, maternal health, lack of medicines, disease outbreaks

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Transport & Connectivity

• Roads: major highways damaged by conflict

• Airports: operations suspended or limited; key ones include Khartoum, Port Sudan, El Fasher

• Railways: once extensive, now mostly non-functional

• Ports: Port Sudan remains a vital economic gateway on the Red Sea

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Tourism & Attractions

• Ancient heritage: Pyramids of Meroë, Nubian temples, Jebel Barkal

• Red Sea coast: coral reefs and diving potential (underdeveloped)

• River Nile cities: Dongola, Karima

• Tourism has collapsed due to insecurity, though Sudan holds immense archaeological value

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Ethnically diverse: Arab, Nubian, Beja, Fur, Nuba, Zaghawa, and others

• Religion: Predominantly Muslim; Islam is the state religion

• Cultural heritage: music, poetry, Sufi traditions, communal gatherings

• Cuisine: kisra (sorghum bread), mullah, asida, tea culture

• Resilience and hospitality are strong social values despite crisis

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Summary

Sudan is a country of historical depth and cultural diversity facing one of the most complex crises in its modern history. From ancient pyramids to its position along the Nile, Sudan’s potential is vast. But for the country to move forward, peace, unity, and international support are critical.