Country Profile: Sudan

Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is bordered by the Red Sea to the east and shares borders with several countries, including Egypt and South Sudan. The country's population is diverse, with over 500 ethnic groups, predominantly Sudanese Arab, and a mix of religions, predominantly Sunni Muslim. Economically, Sudan faces significant challenges, including hyperinflation and ongoing civil unrest, which have devastated its agricultural and industrial sectors. Governance has been tumultuous, with military rule prevailing since the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, leading to a transitional government marked by instability and conflict.

Geography

Sudan covers an area of approximately 1,861,484 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than one-fifth the size of the United States. The terrain is predominantly flat, with arid desert dominating the northern region, while the Nile River is the primary water source, crucial for agriculture and settlement. Sudan has a coastline of 853 kilometers along the Red Sea and is rich in natural resources, including petroleum and gold.

1,861,484 sq km - Total area
60.3% - Agricultural land usage (2022)
3,042 m - Highest point (Jabal Marrah)

People and Society

As of 2024, Sudan's estimated population is approximately 50.5 million, with a median age of 19.3 years. The majority identified as Sudanese Arab, alongside several ethnic minorities, and the official languages are Arabic and English. While the population has a youthful demographic, it faces high rates of poverty, insufficient healthcare, and significant challenges in education. Approximately 36.3% of the population lives in urban areas, primarily around the capital, Khartoum.

50,467,278 - Population estimate (2024)
33.1 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024)
67.8 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024)
2.55% - Population growth rate (2024)

Economy

Sudan's economy is largely characterized as low-income and heavily impacted by ongoing civil strife, leading to hyperinflation and a significant drop in economic growth rates. The agricultural sector is critical, accounting for over 22% of the GDP, but agricultural productivity is severely hampered by instability and infrastructural deficits. As of 2024, the country faces a projected -13.5% GDP growth rate.

$94.42 billion - Real GDP (PPP) estimate (2024)
11.45% - Unemployment rate (2023)
80.7% - Household consumption of GDP (2024)

Government

Sudan operates under a presidential republic system, with General Abd-al-Fattah al-BURHAN serving as the de facto head of state. The government has been characterized by military dominance following the fall of al-Bashir, leading to a transitional governmental structure. The latest constitutional framework is still under negotiation following the military's suspension of civilian-led governance in late 2021.

1 January 1956 - Date of independence from Egypt and the UK
18 - Administrative divisions (states)
17 years - Minimum voting age (universal suffrage)

Military and Security

The Sudanese Armed Forces encompass the army, navy, and air force, along with paramilitary groups like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military has been a crucial institution in Sudan's governance and economy. Given the ongoing civil conflict that erupted in April 2023, military expenditures have remained significant yet veiled by instability and conflicting military engagements.

1% of GDP - Military expenditures (2021)
200,000 - Estimated personnel in the Armed Forces prior to civil conflict (2023)
18-33 years - Age range for military service obligation

Energy

Sudan's energy sector is transitioning, with a notable advance in electricity access, estimated at 63.2% of the population as of 2022. The country produces a significant portion of its energy through hydroelectric sources, while fossil fuels constitute a growing source of energy generation. However, energy consumption remains low per capita, reflective of the broader economic challenges.

3.815 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
68.7% - Share of hydroelectricity in total installed capacity (2023)
6.145 million Btu/person - Total energy consumption per capita (2023)

Environment

Sudan faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and deforestation, which are compounded by ongoing conflicts and mismanagement of resources. The climate is predominantly arid, with seasonal rains influencing agricultural cycles and water availability.

37.8 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2020)
63% - Urban population access to improved drinking water (2020)
9.6% - Forest area as a percentage of total land (2022)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Sudan includes a network of roads, rail, and air facilities, though many regions remain underserved. Ports on the Red Sea are vital for trade, with major oil terminals supporting the petroleum industry.

7,251 km - Total railway length (2014)
45 - Total airports projected (2025)
4 - Total ports operational (2024)

Communications

Sudan's communication network has grown, with a significant rise in mobile phone subscriptions. However, internet penetration remains comparatively low, with only 26% of the population using the internet as of 2020.

34.7 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
156,000 - Fixed telephone lines subscriptions (2022)
30,000 - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50,467,278	Estimate for 2024
Area	1,861,484 sq km	Total area
GDP	$94.42 billion	Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024
Energy Consumption	6.145 million Btu/person	Total energy consumption per capita (2023)
Birth Rate	33.1 births/1,000	Birth rate for 2024
Unemployment Rate	11.45%	Rate for 2023
Life Expectancy	67.8 years	Life expectancy at birth (2024)
Urban Population	36.3%	Urban population percentage (2023)
Installed Capacity	3.815 million kW	Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	Military expenditures (2021)