Sudan

1. Country Name

• Official name: Republic of the Sudan.
• Short form: Sudan.

2. Geography

• Geographic locationSudan is located in Northeast Africa, bordering Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the southeast, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, and Libya to the northwest.
• In total area: 1.886.068 km², making it the third largest country in Africa.
• Description of the landscape: Sudan has a varied landscape that includes deserts, plains, mountains and rivers. Most of the country consists of deserts and arid plains, but the Nile Valley offers a fertile strip of agricultural land. The climate varies from desert in the north to tropical in the south.

3. Population

• Number of inhabitants: Approximately 44 million (2023).
• Population growth rateThe population growth rate is approximately 2,5% per year.
• Major cities and population distribution: The population is concentrated in urban areas, with Khartoum as the main capital. Other important cities include Omdurman and Port Sudan.

4. Capital and main cities

• Capital: Khartoum.
• Main cities: Omdurman, Nyala, Port Sudan, Kassala and Al-Obeid.

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5. Economy

5.1 Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Sudan's nominal GDP is around $40 billion (2023), while its per capita GDP is around $800, one of the lowest in the world. Sudan's economy has suffered from the split with South Sudan in 2011, which resulted in a significant loss of oil resources.

5.2 Main economic sectors

• Agriculture: Sudan is a predominantly agricultural country, growing wheat, millet, barley, cotton, sugar and peanuts. Agriculture is influenced by climate and water resources, with irrigation from the Nile providing a key resource.
• Industry: The industrial sector is limited and includes processing of agricultural and mineral products. The loss of much of South Sudan's oil resources with independence has reduced export revenues.
• ServicesThe service sector is growing, but is not yet sufficiently developed to compensate for the losses in the primary and secondary sectors.

5.3 GDP growth rate and inflation

The GDP growth rate has been uneven in recent years, with fluctuations due to internal conflicts and political difficulties. Inflation is extremely high, with an annual rate exceeding 200% due to economic instability, difficulties in the agricultural sector and the devaluation of the local currency.

5.4 Unemployment rate and trade balance

The unemployment rate is high, with many young people unable to enter the labor market. The trade balance is negative, with the country dependent on imports of consumer goods and technology, while exports are mainly agricultural, mining, and oil (although to a lesser extent).

5.5 Public debt

Public debt is a major economic challenge, with Sudan having accumulated significant debt due to war, internal conflict and government dysfunction. However, there have been recent efforts to restructure and reduce external debt.

5.6 Main exports and imports

• Exports: Gold, cotton, sesame, wheat, and oil.
• Imports: Oil, machinery, chemicals, food and consumer goods.

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6. Political system and government

• Type of government: Parliamentary republic, with a presidential system.
• Political structure: The president is the head of state and government. The country has a multi-party system, but politics is dominated by conflict between different factions.
• Main political parties: National Congress Party (NCP), Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), Justice and Equality Movement.

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7. History and culture

7.1 Brief historical overview

Sudan has a long history that includes ancient African kingdoms such as the Kingdom of Kush. The country was colonized by the British and Egyptians in the 1956th century and gained independence in 2011. Conflict between the Muslim-majority north and the Christian-majority south led to decades of civil war, culminating in the separation of South Sudan in XNUMX. Today, the country faces political and economic challenges, including internal conflict and a difficult democratic transition.

7.2 Cultural and linguistic traditions

Sudanese culture is a mix of Arab, African and Islamic influences, with a rich tradition of music, dance and poetry. The main languages ​​spoken are Arabic and Nubian, but there are also many other local languages. The predominant religion is Islam, with a Christian minority.

7.3 Cultural heritage

Sudan boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with historic sites such as the Pyramid of Meroe and the city of Karima. The country is also known for its artisanal traditions, particularly in leather, metalwork and textiles.

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8. Innovation and development

Sudan has made some progress in innovation, particularly in the mining sector, with gold mining, but it still has much to do in terms of investment in research and development.

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9. Education and health

• Literacy rateThe literacy rate is relatively low, with differences between urban and rural areas.
• Health: Healthcare in Sudan is underdeveloped and not always accessible, especially in rural areas, where health facilities are scarce.

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10. International Rankings

• Human Development IndexSudan ranks 170th in the Human Development Index (HDI).
• Corruption Perception IndexThe country is among the most corrupt according to the CPI, with high levels of corruption in politics and the economy.

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11. Environmental policies

Sudan faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification, water scarcity and damage from armed conflict. However, the country has participated in international initiatives to combat climate change.

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12. Curiosities and peculiarities

Sudan is known for its extraordinary history and ancient archaeological sites, such as the pyramids of Meroe. Sudanese cuisine is characterized by dishes based on meat, legumes and rice, such as "kisra", a type of traditional bread.