Country Information on Sudan

Terrain Sudan can be divided into three different types of terrain: the desert in the north, which comprises approx. 30% of the country's total surface; the semi-desert Sahel more to the south; and the floodplain and swamp-land of the Sudd with its swampland forests in the extreme south. Sudan's most important river is the Nile with its two tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which join at Khartoum. In the north-west a portion of the Libyan Desert belongs to Sudan, in the north-east part of the Nubian Desert. The central plain is surrounded by the Red Sea Hills in the east, the Djebel Marra in the Darfur in the west, and by the Imatong Mountains in the south. The country's highest elevation is Mt. Kinyeti (3,187 m, in the south-east). Climate Sudan is dominated by tropical climate. Temperatures in the desert areas are subject to enormous fluctuation, often varying between freezing point at night and 40°C by day. Scanty rainfall results in lengthy periods of drought and famine. On the whole the annual average temperature is around 27°C to 29°C. However, higher temperatures can be found in the south, where annual average precipitation also reaches 1000 mm. Frequently, quite unpleasant dust and sand storms, the so-called Habubs, plague the country. Fauna/Flora Vegetation varies between savannah in large parts of the south, and the desert in the north. The largest forested areas can be found in the south and along the rivers. There is a large diversity of trees, such as acacias, baobabs, mahogany trees, papyrus shrubs, and castor-oil plants. The country's south abounds with animal species, as well; among others there are crocodiles, hippopotami, giraffes, and leopards, various monkey species, birds of passage, reptile species and insects like the tsetse fly. History/Politics Not much is known about the early history of Sudan. Still, historical records show that the region remained an Egyptian province right up to the time of Egypt's decline in the 8th century BC. Shortly afterwards, the so-called "waterfall kingdoms" of Nobatia, Dongola and Alodia were established to dominate the region for more than 2000 years to follow. Mameluks destroyed the kingdoms of Dongola and Alodia between the 15th and 16th centuries. The Islamic Kingdom of Sennar was established that became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1820. Decades to follow saw the Egyptians conquer and unify the area, resulting in far-reaching political and religious tension. Muhammad Ahmad proclaimed himself Mahdi (messiah and restorer of Muslim faith) in 1881 and stood up against Egyptian rule. He succeeded in defeating the Egyptian Army in November 1883 and January 1885, took Khartoum and established the first national government there. Abdallah al-Taaishi followed Ahmad and was defeated by a three-pronged military attack launched by Egypt, Great Britain and France. In January 1899, Great Britain and Egypt signed an agreement establishing the Egyptian-British condominium of Sudan to be administered like a British colony. The following decades were marked by unsuccessful attempts by the Sudanese people to end British rule. The agreement of 1899 was eventually reconfirmed by Egypt and Great Britain in 1936. In the face of Egyptian attempts to annex Sudan, Great Britain implemented its "close districts policy" and prevented communication between the country's southern and northern parts. After lengthy negotiations and a number of attempts to gain a political solution, Sudan became independent on 1 January 1956 and the first genuine Sudanese parliament was elected. Ibrahim Abbud organized a coup in 1958 and declared himself prime minister. Troops from the country's south toppled him in 1964 with the aim of gaining more political influence. Another coup in 1969 brought General Gaafar al-Nimeiry to power who became the country's first president after having restored order. He was confirmed in office for the third time in 1983 and implemented measures that sparked strong protest in the southern part of the country. The imposition of Muslim sharia law finally led to a new uprising of separatist movements throughout the country, conflicts turned into civil war between the Muslim north and the Christian and Animist south. In 1985 Nimeiry was toppled by Sadiq al-Mahdi, who in turn was toppled by Omar Ahmad al-Bashir. After twelve years of continuous civil war, Al-Bashir has still not succeeded in helping the warring parties to find a common ground. Economy Sudan is buffeted by civil war, chronic political instability, adverse weather, high inflation, high foreign exchange debts, a drop in remittances from abroad, and counterproductive economic policies. Agriculture is the backbone of Sudanese economy, producing goods for subsistence and export. The main agricultural commodities are cotton, peanuts, sugar cane, and sesame. Industry mainly concentrates on the processing of agricultural products. Furthermore the textile and chemical industries are important for the country's economy. 80% of the work force engages in agriculture, the unemployment rate amounts to some 4%. Culture People in the north live according to the rules of Islam and dress in a conservative fashion. Men wear the Galabiyya - a long toga - and turban, women's heads and bodies are covered by a finely woven tobe worn above the toga. Facial beauty scarification (with its symbolic meaning differing from group to group) is a tradition practiced by both sexes and people of both African and Arabic descent. Muslim holidays are e.g. Mohammed's birthday and the Islamic New Year. The most important celebration is at the end of Ramadan.