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| Republic of Sudan | |
|---|---|
| Conventional long name | Republic of Sudan |
| Common name | Sudan |
| Native name | جمهورية السودان |
| Capital | Khartoum |
| Largest city | Khartoum |
| Official languages | Arabic, English (de facto) |
| Ethnic groups | Sudanese Arabs, Beja, Nuba, Fur, Zaghawa |
| Religion | Sunni Islam, Christianity, Indigenous religions |
| Area km2 | 1,886,068 |
| Population estimate | 46,000,000 |
| Government type | Transitional military-civilian (since 2019) |
| Independence | 1 January 1956 (from Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) |
| Currency | Sudanese pound |
Republic of Sudan is a country in northeast Africa on the Red Sea and along the Nile River. It borders Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya. Sudan has long been a crossroads of African peoples, Arab migrations, Ottoman influence, and British colonial administration, shaping its complex contemporary politics.
Sudan's ancient past includes the kingdoms of Kerma, Kingdom of Kush, and Nubia, with archaeological sites such as Meroë and interactions with Ancient Egypt. Medieval history saw the rise of the Sultanate of Darfur, Makuria, and the spread of Islamic caliphates, later challenged by the Funj Sultanate. The 19th century brought the Turkiyah and the expansion under Muhammad Ahmad and the Mahdist War, culminating in the Siege of Khartoum and battles involving figures like Charles George Gordon. Anglo-Egyptian condominium rule (the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) followed and was shaped by administrators such as Lord Kitchener and events like the Fashoda Incident. Independence in 1956 led to alternating civilian and military regimes, coups involving leaders such as Jaafar Nimeiry and Omar al-Bashir, the 1983–2005 Second Sudanese Civil War with actors including the SPLM and the 2003 Darfur conflict involving groups like the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement led to the 2011 independence of South Sudan. The 2018–2019 Sudanese Revolution removed Omar al-Bashir and led to the Sovereignty Council and later the 2021 coup by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and ongoing clashes including the 2023 conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Sudan spans the Sahara Desert, the Sahel, and the fertile Nile corridor, including the confluence at Khartoum where the Blue Nile meets the White Nile. Significant regions include Darfur, the Red Sea State, Kassala, North Darfur, and Blue Nile State. Environmental challenges are tied to the Sudd wetlands upstream in South Sudan, desertification in the Sahel droughts, and the impacts of climate variability on regions like Gezira and the Baggara. Biodiversity includes species in the Dinder National Park, migratory birds along the Red Sea coast, and endemic fauna influenced by the Ethiopian Highlands. Natural resources include oil fields once operated near Heglig, gold mines exploited by firms and artisanal miners, and deposits of chromite, iron ore, and manganese.
Sudan's recent governance has alternated between civilian coalitions and military rule, involving institutions such as the Sovereignty Council and the Transitional Government. International dealings have involved the African Union, the United Nations, the Arab League, and negotiations mediated by countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Legal frameworks have roots in colonial-era ordinances, post-1989 Sharia implementations under Omar al-Bashir, and transitional constitutional arrangements following the Juba negotiations with movements such as the Sudan Revolutionary Front. Human rights concerns have been raised by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and UN agencies over issues like the Darfur crimes and forced displacement addressed at forums such as the International Criminal Court.
Sudan's economy historically relied on agriculture in schemes like Gezira and exports of sugar, cotton, and sesame. The discovery and development of oil fields affected relations with South Sudan and influenced revenues until the secession of South Sudan in 2011. Current drivers include gold mining (notably in Nubari and artisanal sectors), livestock exports to markets like Saudi Arabia, remittances from the Sudanese diaspora in Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Europe, and nascent sectors such as telecommunications with firms formerly including Zain operations. Economic crises have involved inflation, currency devaluation of the Sudanese pound, IMF programs, World Bank engagements, and sanctions previously imposed by the United States and later lifted or modified.
Sudan's population is diverse, with groups including Sudanese Arabs, Fur, Beja, Nuba, Messiria, Rashaida, Nubians, Zaghawa, and Dinka in border regions. Urban centers such as Khartoum, Omdurman, and Port Sudan host major commerce and cultural institutions like the University of Khartoum. Health and humanitarian responses have involved actors including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières due to outbreaks like cholera and displacement from conflicts in Darfur and Blue Nile State. Social movements, trade unions, and professional associations played roles in the Sudanese Professionals Association during the 2018–2019 protests.
Sudan's cultural heritage reflects influences from Nubian kingdoms, Arabic poetic traditions, and African oral histories from groups like the Fur. Languages include Sudanese Arabic, Beja languages, Nubian languages, and various Nilo-Saharan languages such as Zaghawa language. Notable cultural figures and institutions include writers like Tayeb Salih, artists connected to the Khartoum School, musicians performing traditional haqibah and contemporary styles, festivals in Port Sudan and Omdurman, and museums such as the National Museum of Sudan. Cuisine blends staples like kisra with regional dishes and trade goods introduced via Red Sea trade.
Transport corridors include the Port Sudan gateway on the Red Sea and river transport along the Nile River connecting Khartoum with inland regions. Road networks link to border crossings such as Wad Madani routes, and rail lines historically included the Sudan Railways system connecting Wad Medani and Atbara. Aviation is served by Sudan Airways and international carriers operating through Khartoum International Airport, while telecommunications and energy infrastructure involve projects linking to regional grids, pipelines from oilfields, and power plants near Khartoum and Port Sudan. Humanitarian logistics for crises have relied on United Nations missions like UNAMID and UNITAMS and NGOs such as International Committee of the Red Cross for aid distribution.
Category:Countries in Africa