# Sudan

> country in Northeast Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1049](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1049)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sudan

## Summary

Sudan is a country in Africa [1] with its capital at Khartoum [2]. The official languages are Arabic and English [3]. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is the head of state . The population was 48.9 million in 2025 [2]. Sudan uses multiple time zones: UTC+03:00, UTC+02:00, and Africa/Khartoum [4].

## Summary
Sudan is a sovereign state and federal republic located in Northeast Africa, officially known as the Republic of the Sudan. It gained independence on January 1, 1956, replacing the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, and operates with its capital in Khartoum. The nation is characterized by its diverse ethnic composition, the predominance of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence, and its strategic position bordering seven other countries including Egypt, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** Republic of the Sudan (جمهورية السودان).
*   **Independence Date:** January 1, 1956 (replacing Anglo-Egyptian Sudan).
*   **Capital City:** Khartoum.
*   **Total Area:** 1,886,068 square kilometers (Britannica cites 1,840,687 sq km as of April 2025).
*   **Population:** Estimated at 48,945,000 in 2025; 40,533,330 in 2017 (preferred source).
*   **Currency:** Sudanese pound (since 2007); previously Sudanese dinar (1992–2007).
*   **Official Languages:** Arabic and English.
*   **Religious Jurisprudence:** Predominantly Malikism (Maliki school).
*   **Time Zone:** UTC+02:00 (since November 1, 2017); previously UTC+03:00.
*   **ISO Codes:** SD (Alpha-2), SDN (Alpha-3), 729 (Numeric).
*   **Telephone Code:** +249.
*   **Top Level Domain:** .sd.
*   **Driving Side:** Right.
*   **Motto:** "النصر لنا" (Victory is ours).
*   **National Anthem:** "Nahnu Jund Allah Jund Al-watan".
*   **Head of State:** Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (since April 12, 2019).
*   **Head of Government:** Abdalla Hamdok (preferred, since August 21, 2019).
*   **Highest Point:** Deriba Caldera (3,042 meters).
*   **Lowest Point:** Red Sea (0 meters).
*   **Literacy Rate:** 60.7% (2018).
*   **Life Expectancy:** 66 years (2022).
*   **GDP (Nominal):** $51,662,241,775 (2022).
*   **Human Development Index (HDI):** 0.508 (2021).
*   **Gini Coefficient:** 34.2 (2014).
*   **Emergency Number:** 999.
*   **Electrical Standards:** 230V, 50Hz; Plugs include Europlug and British types.
*   **VAT Rate:** 17%.
*   **Age of Majority:** 18 years.
*   **Borders:** Shares borders with Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
*   **Member of:** United Nations (since 1956), African Union, League of Arab States, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Interpol (founder member), and numerous other international bodies.

## FAQs
**What is the political status and government structure of Sudan?**
Sudan is a federal republic and a sovereign state that has held its highest authority over its territory since January 1, 1956. The current head of state is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who assumed the role of Chairman of the Transitional Military Council in 2019, while the head of government is the Prime Minister of Sudan.

**Which languages are spoken and what is the religious landscape?**
The official languages are Arabic and English, though the country is home to a vast array of indigenous languages including Sudanese Arabic, Beja, Fur, Nubian, and many others. The dominant school of Islamic jurisprudence is Malikism, which prevails across the nation alongside a diverse cultural heritage.

**How large is Sudan and where is it located geographically?**
Located in Northeast Africa, Sudan covers an area of approximately 1.88 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest countries on the continent. It is situated in the Sahel and North Africa regions, with coordinates ranging from 9.34°N to 22.2°N latitude and 21.81°E to 38.58°E longitude.

**What are the key demographic and economic indicators?**
As of 2022, the population was estimated at nearly 49 million people, with a life expectancy of 66 years and a literacy rate of roughly 60.7%. The economy relies on the Sudanese pound, with a nominal GDP exceeding $51 billion in 2022, though it faces challenges with a 15% unemployment rate as of 2014.

**Which international organizations does Sudan belong to?**
Sudan is an active member of the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It is also a founding member of Interpol and participates in economic and technical bodies such as the World Bank, IMF, UNESCO, and the World Health Organization.

## Why It Matters
Sudan holds significant geopolitical importance due to its vast landmass in Northeast Africa and its strategic location at the crossroads of the Arab world, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. As a founding member of Interpol and a key player in the League of Arab States and the African Union, it influences regional security, migration patterns, and diplomatic relations across the continent. The country's rich history, from the ancient Kingdom of Kerma to its modern independence, and its diverse ethnic tapestry make it a critical subject for understanding African history and Islamic jurisprudence. Economically, its resources and position along the Red Sea coast offer potential for trade and development, while its demographic trends, including a high fertility rate and growing population, present both challenges and opportunities for the region's future stability.

## Notable For
*   **Ancient Heritage:** Home to the Nubian pyramids of Meroe and the Western Deffufa of Kerma, representing one of the world's oldest civilizations.
*   **Geographic Extremes:** Features the Deriba Caldera as its highest point and borders the Red Sea at its lowest point.
*   **Islamic Jurisprudence:** A primary center for the Maliki school of thought, influencing legal systems across North and West Africa.
*   **Diversity:** Hosts over 500 distinct ethnic groups and a multitude of indigenous languages, including Beja, Fur, and Nuba peoples.
*   **Founding Member Status:** One of the original founders of Interpol, joining in 1956.
*   **Historical Transitions:** Successfully transitioned from the Anglo-Egyptian condominium to a sovereign republic in 1956.
*   **Cultural Synthesis:** Blends Arab, African, and Islamic cultural elements, reflected in its motto "Victory is ours" and national anthem.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Sudan is a vast nation situated in Northeast Africa, spanning an area of 1,886,068 square kilometers. Its territory is part of the Sahel and North Africa regions, with coordinates extending from 9.347°N to 22.2°N in latitude and 21.815°E to 38.583°E in longitude. The country's highest elevation is the Deriba Caldera at 3,042 meters, while its lowest point is the Red Sea at sea level. Sudan shares borders with seven nations: 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. Historically, it also bordered Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo until the secession of South Sudan in 2011. The country also includes the disputed territory of Bir Tawil.

### History and Political Status
The modern Republic of Sudan was established on January 1, 1956, succeeding the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. It is classified as a sovereign state, a country, and a federal republic. The nation's political history includes various leadership transitions, with Omar al-Bashir serving as head of state from 1989 to 2019, followed by a brief period under Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf, and currently Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The legislative body is the National Legislature, and the office of the head of government is the Prime Minister of Sudan. Sudan is a member of the United Nations since November 12, 1956, and the League of Arab States since January 19, 1956. It is also a member of the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969), and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

### Demographics and Society
The population of Sudan is diverse, with estimates reaching 48,945,000 in 2025. Major ethnic groups include Sudanese Arabs (approximately 70%), as well as the Fur, Beja, Nuba, and Fulbe peoples. The country is home to a wide variety of languages, including Sudanese Arabic, English, Tar Gula, Afitti, Tumtum, Kadugli, and many others like Beja, Fur, and Nobiin. The official languages are Arabic and English. The dominant religious school of jurisprudence is Malikism. The literacy rate was recorded at 60.7% in 2018, and the life expectancy is approximately 66 years. The total fertility rate has been declining, estimated at 4.353 in 2014. The age of majority is 18 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Sudan's economy utilizes the Sudanese pound as its primary currency, which replaced the Sudanese dinar in 2007. The nominal GDP was recorded at $51.66 billion in 2022. The country has a VAT rate of 17% and an unemployment rate of 15% as of 2014. The Human Development Index (HDI) stood at 0.508 in 2021. Infrastructure includes a mains voltage of 230V at 50Hz, with electrical plugs of the Europlug and British types. The driving side is on the right. The country's emergency phone number is 999, and the international telephone code is +249. The top-level internet domain is .sd.

### International Relations and Memberships
Sudan maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Brazil, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Morocco, Pakistan, Bulgaria, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Taiwan, the United States, South Sudan, Russia, China, Iran, Bangladesh, Kenya, Hungary, and North Korea. It is a member of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. Sudan is also part of the World Customs Organization, the Universal Postal Union, the International Telecommunication Union, and the World Meteorological Organization. It is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

### Culture and Symbols
The national motto is "النصر لنا" (Victory is ours), and the national anthem is "Nahnu Jund Allah Jund Al-watan." The flag of Sudan, adopted in 1970, features red, white, black, and green colors. The coat of arms is the Emblem of Sudan. The country's culture is a blend of Arab and African influences, with a rich history of Islamic art and architecture. Sudan is also known for its diverse ethnic groups and languages, contributing to a unique cultural identity. The country has a subreddit dedicated to it, and it is featured in various encyclopedias and media outlets globally.

### Administrative Divisions
Sudan is divided into several administrative states, including Gezira, Al Qadarif, Kassala, North Darfur, South Darfur, West Darfur, White Nile, Blue Nile State, Sennar, Red Sea, Khartoum, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Northern State, and River Nile. These divisions reflect the country's complex ethnic and geographic landscape. The capital, Khartoum, serves as the political and economic center of the nation.

### Data and Identification
Sudan is identified by various international codes and identifiers, including ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code "SD," alpha-3 code "SDN," and numeric code "729." It has a GND ID of 4058378-8, a VIAF ID of 150756275, and a Library of Congress Authority ID of n79022301. The country is also listed in the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names with ID 1000201 and in the Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Its geoshape is available as "Data:Sudan.map," and it has a location map image on Wikimedia Commons. The country's coordinates are approximately 15°N, 32°E.

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11. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Africa/SUDAN)
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