Introduction
Background
Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Arab nomads settled much of Sudan, leading to extensive Islamization in the 16th-19th centuries. Since independence from Anglo-Egyptian co-rule in 1956, military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics. South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011 after a referendum.
Geography
Area
total : 1,861,484 sq km
land: 1,731,671 sq km
water: 129,813 sq km
Climate
hot and dry; arid desert; rainy season varies by region (April to November)
Natural resources
petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold; hydropower
People and Society
Population
total: 50,467,278
Ethnic groups
Sudanese Arab (approximately 70%), Fur, Beja, Nuba, Ingessana, Uduk, Fallata, Masalit, Dajo, Gimir, Tunjur, Berti; there are over 500 ethnic groups
Languages
Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur
Religions
Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority
Population growth rate
2.55% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Khartoum
Executive branch
chief of state: Sovereign Council Chair and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces General Abd-al-Fattah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman
head of government: Sovereign Council Chair and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces General Abd-al-Fattah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Abdalla IDRISÂ (since 16 September 2022)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Colleen Crenwelge (since May 2024)
Economy
Economic overview
low-income Sahel economy devastated by ongoing civil war; major impacts on rural income, basic commodity prices, industrial production, agricultural supply chain, communications and commerce; hyperinflation and currency depreciation worsening food access and humanitarian conditions
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$136.039 billion (2023 est.)
$154.672 billion (2022 est.)
$156.168 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$2,800 (2023 est.)
$3,300 (2022 est.)
$3,400 (2021 est.)
Exports
$5.908 billion (2022 est.)
$6.664 billion (2021 est.)
$5.065 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners
UAE 43%, China 16%, Italy 8%, Egypt 8%, Turkey 4% (2022)
Exports - commodities
gold, crude petroleum, oil seeds, ground nuts, cotton (2022)
Imports
$11.575 billion (2022 est.)
$10.271 billion (2021 est.)
$10.52 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
China 22%, UAE 20%, India 18%, Egypt 9%, Turkey 5% (2022)
Imports - commodities
raw sugar, wheat, refined petroleum, garments, jewelry (2022)
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
