Destination
Sudan

 
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Overview

Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Among the tourist attractions here are the Omdurman camel market, the Arab souk and the National Museum. The main areas of archaeological interest include Bajrawiya, Naga and Meroe.

The Dinder National Park, on the Ethiopian border, is one of the largest in the world, and home to numerous species of wild animals. The Red Sea, with the transparency of its water, the variety of its fish and the charm of its marine gardens and coral reefs, is one of Sudan’s main attractions.

Sudan is bordered by Egypt, the Red Sea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad and Libya. Sudan has only recently been developed as a tourist destination, and communications and facilities are still limited outside Khartoum. Travel restrictions are also in force in much of the country owing to the presence of separatist insurgents. There is currently a civil war in the south of the country and this, for obvious reasons, has negatively impacted upon the recent attempt to kickstart touristic growth in the country.

 
eneral Information
 
Area

2,505,813 sq km (967,500 sq miles).

 
Population

32.9 million (UN estimate 2002).

 
Population Density

13.1 per sq km.

 
Capital

Khartoum. Population: 2.4 million (UN estimate 2002; including suburbs).

 
Government

Islamic Republic since 1986. Gained independence from the UK in 1956. 

 
Language

Arabic is the official language. English and many local dialects are widely spoken.

 
Religion

Muslim in the north; Christian and traditional animist beliefs in the south.

 
Time

 
Social Conventions

In the north, Arab culture predominates, while the people in the more fertile south belong to many diverse tribes, each with their own lifestyle and beliefs. Because Sudan is largely Muslim and operates Sharia, women should not wear revealing clothing., although they are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads. At official and social functions as well as in some restaurants, formal clothes are expected. The Sudanese have a great reputation for hospitality. A curfew operates in major cities from 0000-0400.

Photography: There are many restrictions on photography: a photography permit can be obtained from the External Information Office at the Ministry of Information in Khartoum.

 
Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

 
Head of State

President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir since 1989.