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Sudan

area:	2,505,810sq km (967,493 sq mi)
population:	36,841,500
capital (population):	Khartoum (1,244,500)
government:	Military regime
ethnic groups:	Sudanese Arab 49%, Dinka 12%, Nuba 8%, Beja 6%, Nuer 5%, Azande 3%
languages:	Arabic (official)
religions:	Islam 73%, traditional beliefs 17%, Christianity (Roman Catholic 4%, Protestant 2%)
currency:	Dinar = 10 Sudanese pounds

Republic in ne Africa. Sudan is Africa's largest country by area. It extends from the arid Sahara in the n to an equatorial swamp region (the Sudd) in the s. Much of the land is flat, but there are mountains in the ne and se; the highest point is Kinyeti, at 3187m (10,456ft). The River Nile (Bahr el Jebel) runs s–n, entering Sudan as the White Nile, converging with the Blue Nile at Khartoum, and flowing n to Egypt.

Climate and Vegetation

The deserts in the n are virtually rainless. Khartoum is prone to summer dust storms (haboobs). From the bare deserts of the n, the land merges into dry grasslands and savanna. Dense rainforests grow in the s.

History and Politics

The ancient state of Nubia extended into n Sudan. In c.2000 bc, it became a colony of Egypt. From the 8th century bc to c.ad 350, it was part of the Kush kingdom. Christianity was introduced in the 6th century. From the 13th to 15th centuries, n Sudan came under Muslim control, and Islam became the dominant religion.

In 1821 Muhammad Ali's forces occupied Sudan. Anglo-Egyptian forces, led by General Gordon, attempted to extend Egypt's influence into the s. Muhammad Ahmad led a Mahdi uprising, which briefly freed Sudan from Anglo-Egyptian influence. In 1898, General Kitchener's forces defeated the Mahdists, and in 1899 Sudan became Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, governed jointly by Britain and Egypt.

Opposition to colonial rule continued until independence in 1956. The s Sudanese, who are predominantly Christians or followers of traditional beliefs, revolted against the dominance of the Muslim n, and civil war broke out. In 1958, the military seized power. Civilian rule was re-established in 1964, but overthrown again in 1969, when Gaafar Muhammad Nimeri seized control. In 1972, s Sudan received considerable autonomy, but unrest persisted. In 1983, the imposition of strict Islamic law sparked off further conflict between the government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in the s. In 1985, Nimeri was deposed and a civilian government installed. In 1989, the military, led by Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir, established a Revolutionary Command Council. Civil war continued in the s. Peace initiatives foundered as the SPLA split over the nature of independence from the North. In 1996, Bashir was re-elected, virtually unopposed. The National Islamic Front (NIF) dominated the government and was believed to have strong links with Iranian terrorist group. In 1996, the UN imposed sanctions on Sudan. In 1997, an SPLA offensive, led by John Garang, made major advances. A South African peace initiative (1997) led to the formation of a Southern States' Co-ordination Council. In 1997, the US imposed sanctions on Bashir's regime and Madeline Albright met rebel leaders. In 1998, the USA bombed a pharmaceuticals factory in Khartoum. In 1999, Bashir declared a state of emergency and dissolved parliament. In 2000, Bashir dismissed Speaker Hassan al-Turabi, Sudan's Islamicist leader.

Economy

Sudan is a poor economy (2000 GDP per capita US$1000). Food shortages and a refugee crisis worsened its economic plight Agriculture employs 62% of the workforce. The leading crops are cotton, millet, wheat, and sesame. Nomadic herders raise livestock. Mineral resources include chromium, gold, gypsum, and oil. Manufacturing industries produce cement, fertilizers and textiles. The main exports are cotton, gum arabic, and sesame seeds.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.sudan.net; http://www.sudanembassy.org