Country Profile: Sudan

Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, has a rich history that dates back to ancient kingdoms like Kush and Kerma. The country is characterized by its vast desert terrain and the vital Nile River, which serves as its primary water source. With a population of over 50 million, Sudan experiences significant ethnic diversity, primarily comprising Sudanese Arabs and various indigenous groups. The economy is currently struggling due to the impacts of civil war and hyperinflation, while a military-led government grapples with ongoing political and social challenges.

Geography

Sudan is situated in northeastern Africa, bordered by the Red Sea, neighboring Egypt to the north and Eritrea to the east. The total area of the country is approximately 1,861,484 sq km, making it slightly less than one-fifth the size of the United States. The terrain is predominantly flat and featureless, with a significant portion of the northern region covered by desert. The Nile River, shared with several other countries, is crucial for water supply and agriculture.

Geographical Coordinates: 15° N, 30° E
Area: 1,861,484 sq km (total)
Highest Point: 3,042 m at Jabal Marrah
Lowest Point: 0 m at the Red Sea
Climate: Hot and dry with seasonal rains from April to November
Natural Resources: Petroleum, gold, small reserves of various metals

People and Society

As of 2024, Sudan has an estimated population of 50,467,278, with a fairly balanced male-to-female ratio. The country is home to more than 500 ethnic groups, with Sudanese Arabs making up about 70% of the population. Arabic and English are the official languages, while the predominant religion is Sunni Islam, with a small Christian minority. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 19.5 years.

Population: 50,467,278 (2024 est.)
Urban Population: 36.3% of total population (2023)
Birth Rate: 32.95 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 67.8 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 39.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Total Fertility Rate: 4.41 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Economy

Sudan's economy is classified as low-income and is severely impacted by ongoing civil wars, resulting in hyperinflation and currency depreciation. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $94.42 billion, but the country faces a staggering projected GDP growth rate of -13.5% for the year. Agriculture remains a major sector, contributing approximately 22.1% of GDP, while the services sector dominates at 54.9%.

GDP (PPP): $94.42 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 11.45% (2023 est.)
Public Debt: 99.5% of GDP (2016 est.)
Inflation Rate: 138.8% (2022 est.)
Agricultural Products: Sugarcane, sorghum, milk, onions, and groundnuts

Government

Sudan is officially a presidential republic, although its governance has been unstable, with military leaders often taking control. The current de facto head of state is General Abd-al-Fattah al-Burhan, leading a Sovereign Council formed after the ousting of long-time president Omar al-Bashir. The government operates under a mixed legal system of Islamic law and English common law and has faced significant political challenges since the transition to a civilian government was interrupted in 2021.

Capital: Khartoum
Independence: January 1, 1956
Administered States: 18 states
Voting Age: 17 years
Political Parties: Include Democratic Unionist Party, National Umma Party, and others

Military and Security

Sudan possesses a diverse military structure, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which have been involved in internal conflicts and regional security operations. The military expenditure is estimated at 1% of GDP, with ongoing challenges related to security and civil conflict impacting its organization and resources.

Total Armed Forces Personnel: Up to 200,000 (prior to recent conflicts)
Military Expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Service Age: 18-33 years for compulsory or voluntary service
Key Military Conflicts: Ongoing civil war since 2023

Energy

As of 2023, Sudan's total installed electricity generating capacity stands at approximately 3.815 million kW, predominantly sourced from hydroelectricity, which accounts for 68.7% of total capacity. However, the country faces challenges such as significant electricity distribution losses and limited access to electrification in rural areas.

Electricity Access: 63.2% of the population (2022 est.)
Total Energy Consumption Per Capita: 6.145 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Petroleum Production: 68,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 13.983 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Environment

Sudan faces numerous environmental challenges, including water pollution, inadequate potable water supplies, and desertification. The country has committed to various international agreements regarding climate change and biodiversity but continues to grapple with significant environmental degradation.

Total Water Withdrawal: 37.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 18.242 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Agricultural Land: 60.3% of land area (2023 est.)

Transportation

Sudan's transportation infrastructure includes 45 airports and approximately 7,251 km of railways, facilitating both domestic and international connectivity. Major ports include Port Sudan and Sawakin Harbor, essential for maritime trade.

Airports: 45 (2025)
Railways: 7,251 km (2014)
Merchant Marine: 14 ships (2023)

Communications

In terms of communication, Sudan has a growing mobile phone subscription base with 34.7 million cellular subscriptions as of 2022. However, internet access remains limited, with only 26% of the population estimated to use the internet.

Fixed-line Subscriptions: 156,000 (2022 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 34.7 million (2022 est.)
Internet Users: 26% of the population (2020 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50,467,278	(2024 est.)
Area	1,861,484 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$94.42 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.45%	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	32.95 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	67.8 years	(2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	(2021 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	6.145 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Electrification Rate	63.2%	(2022 est.)
Refugees	837,988	(2024 est.)