Country Profile: Sudan

Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is bordered by the Red Sea between Egypt and Eritrea. With a population of over 50 million and a diverse ethnic composition predominantly consisting of Sudanese Arabs, this nation grapples with a challenging economic landscape plagued by civil strife and hyperinflation. Governed as a presidential republic, Sudan has seen military regimes dominate its political sphere since gaining independence in 1956. The turmoil has led to ongoing conflicts, notably in Darfur and between the North and South, with significant humanitarian implications.

Geography

Sudan spans an area of 1,861,484 sq km, making it slightly smaller than one-fifth the size of the United States. The terrain is predominantly flat and desert-like, with the Nile River serving as its main water source. The climate is generally hot and dry, with rainfall varying by region.

• Bordering Countries: Egypt, South Sudan, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
• Coastline: 853 km along the Red Sea.
• Highest Point: Jabal Marrah at 3,042 m.
• Natural Resources: Notable resources include petroleum, gold, and small reserves of iron ore and copper.
• Agricultural Land: Approximately 60.3% of land is used for agriculture.

People and Society

The estimated population of Sudan is 50,467,278 with a median age of 19.5 years. The society is diverse, consisting of over 500 ethnic groups, with Arabic as the official language alongside English. Religion plays a significant role, predominantly featuring Sunni Islam.

• Urbanization: 36.3% of the population is urban (2023).
• Population Growth Rate: 2.54% (2025 est.).
• Birth Rate: 32.95 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
• Life Expectancy: 67.8 years (2024 est.).
• Dependency Ratio: 76.4 (2024 est.).

Economy

Sudan's economy is classified as low-income and has been significantly impacted by ongoing civil wars, leading to hyperinflation and deteriorating living conditions. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $94.42 billion for 2024, with significant contributions from agriculture and services sectors.

• Real GDP per Capita: Approximately $1,900 (2024 est.).
• Agriculture Contribution: Accounts for 22.1% of GDP (2024 est.).
• Unemployment Rate: Estimated at 11.45% (2023).
• Inflation Rate: Consumer prices jumped 138.8% (2022).
• Exports Value: Estimated at $5.908 billion (2022).

Government

Sudan is a presidential republic, currently governed by military leaders under General Abd-al-Fattah al-Burhan. The political environment is tumultuous, marked by a history of military coups and ongoing power struggles.

• Capital: Khartoum, located at coordinates 15 36 N, 32 32 E.
• Administrative Divisions: Comprises 18 states.
• Legal System: A mix of Islamic law and English common law.
• Suffrage Age: 17 years and older.
• Independence: Achieved on 1 January 1956.

Military and Security

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are the primary military entities. The military's role is pivotal in governance, having historically managed the nation's security and territorial integrity.

• Military Expenditures: Estimated at 1% of GDP (2021).
• Military Personnel Strength: Estimates suggest up to 200,000 in the SAF.
• Conflict: Ongoing battles between SAF and RSF, particularly since 2023.
• Military Service Age: Compulsory from 18 to 33 years.
• International Arms Embargo: Sudan has been under an arms embargo since 2005.

Energy

Sudan's energy sector primarily depends on hydropower, natural gas, and oil production. However, access to electricity remains a significant issue, especially in rural areas.

• Electricity Access: 63.2% of the population has access as of 2022.
• Installed Capacity: 3.815 million kW (2023).
• Petroleum Production: Approximately 68,000 bbl/day (2023).
• Coal Imports: 200 metric tons (2023).
• Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 6.145 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Sudan faces numerous environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and desertification. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

• Water Issues: Significant scarcity and pollution affecting potable water supplies.
• Agricultural Land Use: 60.3% of the land is utilized for agriculture.
• Deforestation Rate: Rapid deforestation due to agricultural expansion.
• Climate: Characterized by hot, dry conditions with variable rainfall.
• Biodiversity Loss: Ongoing degradation leading to loss of habitats.

Transportation

Sudan has a mix of transportation methods including railways, roads, and air travel. The nation's infrastructure is critical for economic activities but has been limited by ongoing conflicts.

• Airports: 45 operational airports (2025).
• Railways: 7,251 km of railway network (2014).
• Ports: 4 major ports, including Port Sudan.
• Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix ST.
• Merchant Marine: Total of 14 vessels (2023).

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Sudan is still developing, with a growing number of mobile subscriptions but limited internet access.

• Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: Approximately 34.7 million (2022).
• Internet Users: About 26% of the population (2020).
• Fixed-line Subscriptions: 156,000 (2022).
• Broadband Subscriptions: Only 30,000 (2022).
• Telecommunications Growth: Steady increase in mobile usage.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50,467,278	2024 estimate
Area	1,861,484 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$94.42 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	6.145 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	32.95 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	11.45%	2023 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	67.8 years	2024 estimate
Agriculture Contribution to GDP	22.1%	2024 estimate
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	2021 estimate
Electricity Access	63.2%	2022 estimate