Sudan
Subregion: Northern Africa
Sudan is a country located in Northern Africa. The Capital City is Khartoum. The government is a Federal republic under a military junta. The official languages of the country are English and Arabic. The predominant religion is Islam. The healthcare system in Sudan is severely lacking healthcare professionals. Access to healthcare is very limited unless you live in an urban center. In the rural areas, care is non-existent. We are unable to locate information about privatized healthcare in Sudan at this time.
Safety:
Sudan is a country that has experienced conflict and instability for many years. While the situation has improved in some parts of the country, safety concerns still exist in certain areas. The ongoing conflict in Darfur has resulted in a high number of casualties and displacement of people. The situation has improved in recent years, but there are still reports of violence and insecurity in some areas. In addition to the conflict in Darfur, there have been reports of violence and insecurity in other parts of the country, including South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. These areas have experienced fighting between government forces and armed groups, which has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people. There are also concerns about crime in some urban areas of Sudan, including Khartoum. Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, as well as more serious crimes such as armed robbery and carjacking. There is also risk of terrorism in Sudan. There have been incidents in the past where foreigners have been targeted by terrorist groups, including the attack on the US embassy in Khartoum in 2012. The road infrastructure and safety standards in Sudan are generally poor, and accidents are common. Many roads in Sudan are unpaved, and even major highways can be in poor condition. This can make driving difficult and slow, especially during the rainy season when some roads become impassable. In cities, traffic can be chaotic and congested, and drivers often ignore traffic signals and rules. Outside of cities, there may be fewer vehicles on the road, but drivers still need to be cautious due to poor road conditions. Carjacking and armed robbery can occur, especially at night or in isolated areas. It's important to take precautions such as avoiding driving at night, staying on main roads, and not leaving valuables visible in the car. Sudan has a high incidence of animal-related accidents, as livestock may roam freely on the roads. There is also a risk of landmines in some areas of the country, especially near the borders.
Cultural Customs:
Sudan is a culturally diverse country with over 500 ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and customs. However, there are some common cultural customs that are widely observed throughout the country. Sudanese people are known for their warm hospitality and generosity towards guests. Offering food and drink to visitors is a common custom, and refusing an offer of hospitality can be considered rude. Traditional Sudanese clothing varies by region and ethnicity, but many Sudanese people wear flowing, loose-fitting garments made from lightweight materials to stay cool in the hot climate. Women often wear headscarves or hijabs, and men may wear a traditional Sudanese turban called a tagiya. Music and dance are an important part of Sudanese culture, and there are many different styles of music and dance that are unique to different regions of the country. Traditional instruments include the oud, a stringed instrument similar to a lute, and the tambour, a type of drum. Sudan is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islam plays a significant role in Sudanese culture. Many Sudanese customs and traditions are influenced by Islamic beliefs and practices, such as the importance of prayer and fasting during Ramadan. Family and community are highly valued in Sudanese culture, and there is a strong emphasis on social relationships and obligations. Extended families often live together or in close proximity, and there are many social events and gatherings throughout the year that bring people together. Sudanese cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine. Common dishes include stews made with meat or vegetables, flatbreads like khobz and kisra, and a variety of spicy dips and sauces. Tea is also a popular beverage, often served with sugar and mint.
Geography & Weather:
The climate of Sudan varies based on the region you are in. In the north and on the coast, the climate is desert. In the south, the climate is semi-arid or semi-desert.
In Port Sudan, on the coast, the average temperature ranges from 73 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 73 degrees F and July being the hottest month with a median temperature of 95 degrees F. There really isn’t a rainy season in this area as they average only 5 inches of rain per year. The sun shines year round. The sea temperature is 84 degrees F, all year.
In Wadi Halfa, on the border of Egypt and Sudan, the average temperature ranges from 63 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 63 degrees F and August is the hottest month with a median temperature of 94 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area. This is one of the sunniest places in the world, the sun is out 10-12 hours a day, all year round.
In Khartoum, in the center of the country, the average temperature ranges from 74 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 74 degrees F and June is the hottest month with a median temperature of 95 degrees F. There really isn’t a rainy season in this area as they only get 4 inches of rain per year. The sun shines 9 - 10 hours daily, all year round. In May and June, this area is subject to a violent sandstorm called Haboob.
In Nyala, in the south, the average temperature ranges from 73 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 73 degrees F and May being the hottest month with a median temperature of 87 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is May - September. The sun shines less here than the rest of the country, only 7 - 9 hours daily year round.
Economy:
The economy of Sudan has been struggling for many years due to factors such as political instability, economic sanctions, and conflict. The Sudanese economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the country's main crop. Sudan is also a significant producer of gum arabic, which is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Other crops include sorghum, peanuts, sesame, and sugarcane. However, Sudan's agriculture sector has faced challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate irrigation, and insufficient investment. Oil production is also an important part of Sudan's economy. Sudan is one of the largest oil producers in Africa, with oil accounting for around 70% of its exports. However, oil production has been declining in recent years due to factors such as underinvestment in the sector, conflict, and the separation of South Sudan, which took most of the oil-producing areas with it. Sudan's economy has been further hampered by economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries due to allegations of human rights abuses and support for terrorism. These sanctions have limited Sudan's access to international financial institutions and hindered foreign investment. Overall, Sudan's economy has been struggling for many years, and the government has been implementing various economic reforms in an attempt to improve the situation. However, progress has been slow, and the country continues to face significant challenges.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Sudanese Pound (SDG)
SDG 1.00 = USD .0017
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
43,849,260
Median Age:
19.7
Life Expectancy:
66.09
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 30 day $154
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes, as long as South Sudan is not the other nationality.
Naturalization - Sudanese citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Sudan for at least five consecutive years, is of good character and conduct, has no physical or mental disabilities, has no criminal convictions, and is economically self-sufficient. The person must also prove competency in Arabic.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residence permit is available for people looking to relocate into Sudan as expats. You must contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get an application for residency.
Resources:
Sudan Ministry of the Interior
Expats Community in Sudan Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Khartoum
Kilo 10, Soba
Khartoum, Sudan
Telephone: +249-187-0-22000; (Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +249-18 702 2000
Email: ACSKhartoum@state.gov