Sudan

Quick Facts

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Capital

Khartoum

Population

40,181,000

Government

Authoritarian regime

Religions

Islam, Indigenous beliefs, Christianity

Languages

Arabic, Nubian, Ta Bedawie, English

Calling Code

+249

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

Pyramids of Meroe

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The largest African state is also one of the continent's most troubled. Except for a decade of peace in the 1970s, Sudan has been engaged in civil war since 1955. Millions of displaced refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. International condemnation of the currently ongoing government sponsored atrocities in the region of Darfur have not curbed the onslaught.

For obvious reasons, then, travel to Sudan is not the greatest idea, though the north of the country is certainly safer than the south, where the government launches sporadic bombing raids. The capital of Khartoum even offers something approaching a nice destination, situated as it is where the two Nile rivers meet. But it will be hard to enjoy for those of us who remember that it is from there that the government is directing its humanitarian atrocities.

Geography

Sudan shares international borders with Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Regions

• Northern Sudan
• Central Sudan
• Western Sudan includes the danger zone of Darfur
• Eastern Sudan
• Southern Sudan is an autonomous region.

Cities

• Khartoum - The capital
• Port Sudan
• Wadi Halfa
• Omdurman
• Juba
• Al Ubayyid

Getting there

Plane

Sudan Airways is the national airline of Sudan and is based at Khartoum International Airport (KRT). It has several flights within the region of North and East Africa, the Middle East and to London. Examples of destinations include Nairobi, Entebbe (Uganda), Dubai, Jeddah and Damascus. Other airlines serving the airport are KLM to and from Amsterdam and onwards to Addis Abeba, Lufthansa from Frankfurt and airlines like Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian and BMI from London as well.
From Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) a few cities like Cairo and Jeddah are served by Sudan Airways as well.