Country Profile: Sudan

Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is characterized by its flat terrain dominated by desert and the significant Nile River providing essential water resources. The nation has a population of approximately 50.5 million people, made up of diverse ethnic groups, primarily Sudanese Arabs, and faces challenges in governance due to ongoing military control following years of civil conflict. The economy is heavily affected by hyperinflation and the impacts of civil war, with a significant reliance on agriculture and petroleum, despite suffering from poverty and high unemployment rates.

Geography

Sudan is situated in northeastern Africa, bordered by the Red Sea and adjacent to several countries including Egypt and South Sudan. It covers an area of approximately 1.86 million square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than one-fifth the size of the United States. The climate is predominantly hot and dry with arid desert conditions, and the Nile River serves as the country's primary water source.

1.86 million sq km - Total area of Sudan
6,819 km - Total length of land boundaries
60.3% - Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023)
68.7% - Share of hydroelectricity in total installed electricity capacity (2023)
3,042 m - Highest point (Jabal Marrah)

People and Society

The estimated population of Sudan is around 50.5 million, with a median age of 19.5 years. The population is characterized by a multitude of ethnic groups, with Sudanese Arabs making up about 70%. Arabic and English are the official languages, and Islam is the predominant religion. Urbanization is gradually increasing, with approximately 36.3% of the population living in urban areas.

50.5 million - Estimated total population (2024)
40.1% - Population aged 0-14 years (2024)
67.8 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024)
32.95 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2025 est.)
39.7 deaths/1,000 - Infant mortality rate (2025 est.)

Economy

Sudan's economy is classified as low-income and has been severely impacted by ongoing civil conflict, resulting in hyperinflation and food insecurity. Key sectors include agriculture, particularly crops like sugarcane and sorghum, and oil production, which remains a significant economic driver despite challenges. The GDP is declining sharply, reflecting the negative impact of war on economic activities.

$94.42 billion - Estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024
-13.5% - Projected GDP growth rate for 2024
22.1% - Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024)
11.45% - Unemployment rate (2023)
1.25 billion barrels - Crude oil reserves (2021 est.)

Government

Sudan operates as a presidential republic, currently under military governance led by General Abd-al-Fattah al-BURHAN. The political landscape has shifted significantly since the ousting of President Omar al-BASHIR in 2019, and further changes occurred with military control reasserting itself in late 2021. The current governance structure involves a Sovereign Council, largely composed of military leaders.

Khartoum - Capital city
1 January 1956 - Independence date from Egypt and the UK
17 years - Minimum voting age
18 - Number of states (2024)
Sovereign Council - Current ruling body

Military and Security

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) along with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) constitute the primary military forces, facing ongoing conflict and unrest. Military expenditures remain a notable strain on the economy, and Sudan's armed forces are deeply intertwined with the nation's governance and economy.

200,000 - Estimated strength of the SAF
1% of GDP - Military expenditures (2021 est.)
18-33 years - Age for compulsory military service
3,800 - Personnel in UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (2025)
Multiple armed militias - Active within the country

Energy

Sudan's energy sector is primarily reliant on hydroelectric power, accounting for the majority of its electricity generation. However, access to electricity remains limited, particularly in rural areas. The country continues to face challenges in energy consumption and production efficiency.

63.2% - Electrification rate of the total population (2022 est.)
3.815 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
68.7% - Hydroelectric contribution to total installed capacity (2023)
68,000 bbl/day - Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
6.145 million Btu/person - Energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)

Environment

Sudan faces numerous environmental issues, including water scarcity, deforestation, and desertification. The country is part of various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity. Challenges remain significant due to the impact of conflict and lack of resources to tackle these issues.

12% - Forested area (2023 est.)
2.831 million tons - Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
37.8 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
24.4 µg/m³ - Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
8.9% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Sudan's transportation infrastructure includes a network of railways and an expanding air travel sector. The country operates several ports along the Red Sea, enhancing its maritime capabilities.

45 - Number of airports (2025)
7,251 km - Total railway length (2014)
4 - Total number of ports (2024)
14 - Number of merchant marine vessels (2023)
8 - Number of heliports (2025)

Communications

Telecommunication in Sudan is developing, with increasing mobile phone subscriptions despite a low fixed-line penetration. Internet access remains limited, but mobile service growth has been notable.

34.7 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
26% - Percent of population using the Internet (2020 est.)
156,000 - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.)
30,000 - Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)
.sd - Internet country code

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50,467,278	Estimated (2024)
Area	1,861,484 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$94.42 billion	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	11.45%	Estimated (2023)
Birth Rate	32.95 births/1,000 population	Estimated (2025)
Energy Consumption per Capita	6.145 million Btu/person	Estimated (2023)
Life Expectancy at Birth	67.8 years	Estimated (2024)
Electrification Rate	63.2%	Estimated (2022)
Total Debt (External)	$21.65 billion	Estimated (2023)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	Estimated (2021)