Sudan
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Sudan
Sudan: A Land of Ancient Civilizations and Modern Challenges
Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a vast and historically rich nation located in the northeastern corner of Africa. Straddling the strategic Nile River, it shares borders with seven other countries: Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, and Eritrea to the east. Its coastline, though relatively short, faces the Red Sea to the northeast, providing crucial access to international maritime routes. This geographical position has profoundly shaped Sudan’s history, making it a crossroads of cultures, trade, and conflict for millennia. The sheer size of Sudan, the third-largest country in Africa, encompasses a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the arid deserts of the north to the fertile plains and lush savannas of the south, and even tropical rainforests in its southernmost reaches. This environmental mosaic directly influences its demographics, economy, and the very identity of its people.
The population of Sudan is as diverse as its geography, a complex tapestry woven from numerous ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. The majority of Sudanese people are of Arab descent, particularly in the northern and central regions, where Arabic is the dominant language and Islam is the primary religion. However, this is a simplification of a much more intricate reality. Significant African ethnic groups, such as the Nubians, Fur, Beja, and Nuba, have their own distinct languages, customs, and historical narratives, often predating the Arab migrations. The legacy of historical kingdoms and empires, like the ancient Kingdom of Kush, continues to resonate within these communities. While Arabic is the official language, numerous indigenous languages are spoken, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. Islam is the state religion and plays a central role in the lives of most Sudanese, influencing social norms, legal frameworks, and daily routines. However, there are also Christian and animist minorities, particularly in the southern regions, contributing to the nation’s religious pluralism. The country has experienced significant internal displacement and migration due to conflict and economic hardship, further complicating its demographic profile and leading to the growth of urban centers like Khartoum, the capital, and Omdurman. Understanding Sudan’s population requires acknowledging this rich heterogeneity and the historical interactions, both peaceful and conflict-ridden, between its various communities.
Sudan’s history is a sweeping epic that stretches back to the dawn of civilization. The fertile banks of the Nile River provided the cradle for one of the world’s earliest and most enduring civilizations: the Kingdom of Kush, also known as Nubia. Flourishing from around 2500 BCE, the Kushites built impressive pyramids, temples, and cities, rivaling and at times even ruling Egypt. Their influence extended far south, establishing a powerful Nubian state that was a vital hub for trade in gold, ivory, and slaves. Following the decline of Kush, Sudan was subjected to various influences, including Roman, Byzantine, and Arab conquests. The arrival of Arab traders and settlers in the 7th century CE marked a pivotal moment, leading to the gradual Islamization and Arabization of much of the country. Over the centuries, various Islamic sultanates and kingdoms rose and fell, including the Funj Sultanate and the Sultanate of Darfur, each leaving their mark on the political and cultural landscape. In the 19th century, Sudan fell under the rule of Muhammad Ali of Egypt, who initiated a period of modernization but also exploited the country’s resources and people. This Egyptian rule was eventually overthrown by a Mahdist uprising, leading to the establishment of the Mahdist State in 1885, a revolutionary Islamic government that resisted foreign encroachment for over a decade. The Anglo-Egyptian Condominium, established in 1899, brought Sudan under joint British and Egyptian control, ushering in an era of colonial administration that, while introducing some infrastructure and administrative reforms, also exacerbated existing ethnic and regional divisions. Sudan gained its independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule on January 1, 1956, embarking on a complex journey marked by political instability, civil wars, and the ongoing struggle for national unity and equitable development. The secession of South Sudan in 2011, following decades of devastating conflict, was a watershed moment, reshaping Sudan’s borders and its national identity.
The geography of Sudan is a study in contrasts, a vast expanse that dictates much of its economic potential and challenges. The northern part of the country is dominated by the Sahara Desert, characterized by vast sandy plains, rocky plateaus, and a severely arid climate. Here, life is concentrated along the Nile River, which flows northwards from its confluence with the Blue Nile and White Nile in Khartoum, forming the lifeline for agriculture and human settlement. The Nile Valley is incredibly fertile, thanks to the annual floods that deposit rich silt, allowing for intensive irrigation and farming. Moving south, the landscape transitions into semi-arid savanna, characterized by grasslands and scattered acacia trees. This region, known as the Sahel, supports pastoralism and rain-fed agriculture. Further south, the terrain becomes more humid, with vast floodplains, swamps like the Sudd (one of the world’s largest wetlands), and eventually, in the far south, tropical rainforests. Sudan is also home to several mountain ranges, including the Nuba Mountains in the south-central part of the country and the Red Sea Hills in the east, which offer a different ecological environment and are home to distinct ethnic groups. The country’s mineral resources, particularly gold, are significant, and its agricultural potential, if properly harnessed, could feed a much larger population. However, the arid climate in many regions, coupled with unpredictable rainfall patterns and the ongoing effects of desertification, presents substantial environmental challenges.
Sudan’s economy, historically agrarian, has faced considerable headwinds, exacerbated by political instability, sanctions, and the loss of its oil-rich southern territories. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the GDP. Key crops include sorghum, millet, wheat, cotton, groundnuts, and gum arabic, the latter being a vital export commodity. Livestock rearing is also widespread, particularly in the savanna regions. The Nile River and its tributaries are crucial for irrigation, supporting the fertile agricultural lands. Sudan possesses significant mineral wealth, with gold being the most important export commodity after oil (which is now primarily produced in South Sudan). Other mineral resources include iron ore, copper, chromium, and gypsum. The industrial sector is relatively underdeveloped, primarily focused on processing agricultural products, textiles, and some light manufacturing. The countrys infrastructure, including transportation networks and energy supply, has been a persistent challenge, hindering economic growth and development. The discovery of oil in the late 20th century brought a period of economic boom, but the subsequent secession of South Sudan, which inherited the majority of the oil fields, left Sudan’s economy in a precarious state, heavily reliant on remittances, foreign aid, and its agricultural and gold exports. The government has been seeking to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, but political uncertainty and corruption remain significant obstacles.
Despite its challenges, Sudan boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, many of which are steeped in its ancient past. The most prominent are the pyramids of Meroë, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These elegant, steep-sided pyramids, built by the Kushite rulers of the Kingdom of Napata and Meroë, are a breathtaking testament to Sudan’s ancient grandeur. Unlike their more famous Egyptian counterparts, these pyramids are smaller and more numerous, forming a vast necropolis that evokes a sense of awe and mystery. The temples of Soleb and Gebel Barkal are other significant archaeological sites, showcasing the architectural prowess and religious devotion of the ancient Nubians. Gebel Barkal, a sacred mountain, was a major religious center for the Kushites and later for the Egyptians, featuring impressive temples and a towering natural rock formation. Beyond its ancient ruins, Sudan offers natural beauty that attracts adventurous travelers. The Red Sea coast boasts pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent diving opportunities, particularly around the Sanganeb National Park. The Dinder National Park, a vast wildlife reserve in the southeast, is home to a diverse array of animals, including lions, elephants, antelopes, and numerous bird species, offering a glimpse into Africa’s wild heart. The Nuba Mountains, with their unique cultural traditions and distinctive body art, present an opportunity for cultural tourism, though access can be challenging. The vibrant markets of Omdurman, across the Nile from Khartoum, offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, showcasing traditional crafts, spices, and local life. While tourism infrastructure is still developing and security concerns can be a factor, Sudan’s rich heritage and untamed landscapes offer a unique and rewarding experience for those seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Information about Sudan
The information comes from the publication CIA The World Factbook.
Automated text translation, excuse errors, please!
Country Sudan is situated in a location / continent Africa. Sudan has an area of 1 861 484 km2 and 34 206 710 residents. The highest point has a height 3 187 above sea level. and it is called Kinyeti. The lowest point is located at the level of 0 above sea level and it is named Red Sea. System of government is The military junta and the date of independence First January 1956. The capital city is Khartoum. Sudan has the international abbreviation SU.
Sudan - economy
Total gross domestic product (GDP) is 90 190 000 000 $. Total gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power parity is 2 800 $. GDP grows by -3.90 % a year. Inflation (consumer price index) is equal to 18.00 % a year. Sudan have 11 920 000 working-age population (from a total population 34 206 710 people). Unemployment is at 18.70 %. Sudan issued 7.30 % GDP to healt care and 3,00 % GDP to army. The public debt of the country is 93.70 % GDP. The total amount of foreign debt is 38 580 000 000 USD.
Sudan - demography
As suggested above, Sudan has 34 206 710 people. Population growth is in the amount 1.88 % per year. Number of children born per 1000 population per year is 31.70.Every mother has average 4.17 children. The infant mortality rate is 55.63 and maternal mortality 730.00 deaths per 100,000 births. Average estimated life expectancy makes 62.57 years. Mortality is 8.33 people per 1000 population per year.
Sudan - transport and telecommunications
Sudan has 11 900 km of roads, 5 978 km of railway lines and 72 airports. The total length of waterways (navigable rivers, canals, etc.) is 4 068 km. There is registered 2 ships.
Number of active mobile phones (sim card) in the country Sudan is 25 107 000. Number of active fixed telephone lines is 483 600. Sudan has 4 200 000 internet users, who have the available 90 Internet connections. Sudan has been assigned a domain first Choose range .sd.
Sudan - energetics
Sudan consumes a year 4 611 000 000 kWh of electricity. Annual electricity production is 6 509 000 000 kWh in power plants with a total installed electrical capacity 2 338 000 kW. Sudan exports 0 kWh and imports 0 kWh of electricity per year Energy mix of power generation is as follows: fossil fuels: 30.7 %, nuclear energy: 0 %, renewable: 3.0 %, hydropower: 66.3 %. The country Sudan is harvested annually 452 000 barrels of oil.
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