SUDAN

Sudan has two official languages: Sudanese Arabic and English. However, even though Sudan has recognized only Arabic and English as its official languages, approximately 114 native languages are spoken in the country such as Tigre, Deja and Fur, making it a multilingual nation. Sudan borders seven different countries, so as a result the Arabic that is spoken borrows words and dialects from its surrounding regions. When analyzing the Sudanese Arabic, it is most similar to the Egyptian dialect of Arabic as it borrows a similar accent from Sa’idi Arabic [i] spoken in central and southern Egypt and Hejazi Arabic from Saudi Arabia.

Sudan comprises more than 60 ethnic tribes, which tend to identify with their tribes rather than the nation. Sudanese culture is vibrant, and has been influenced by its neighboring countries. For example, Sudan and Ethiopia share a cultural dish. Kisra is a thin, fermented flatbread made of sorghum flour. Sudanese kisra [ii] and Ethiopian injera [iii] are visually very similar as well as in taste. The only difference between injera and kisra is the different types of sauces that are eaten with it. When visiting a Sudani home, you can expect to be greeted with open arms, and fed lots of great food.

Religion plays a major role in Sudan, with more than 90% [iv] of the population belonging to Islam. Majority of the Muslims in Sudan are followers of the Sunni branch of Islam. Other minority religions represented in Sudan include Christianity and Animism. In Khartoum, the capital, you can find a beautiful mosque known as “Al Kabir Masjid” [v], or “The Great Mosque.” Education in Sudan is based on religion, which ensures that Quranic teachings are incorporated into the national curriculum, but it is also important to recognize that there are some schools that place less of an emphasis on religion in the curriculum.

Sudan is a republic. Recently in 2019, President Omar al-Bashir was ousted under multiple corruption charges. He ruled over Sudan harshly, and he was sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face three separate counts of genocide and war crime charges in Darfur, Sudan. This makes al-Bashir the second world leader after the former President of the Ivory Coast, [vi] to have ever been handed over to the ICC. Currently, Sudan is being led by an appointed prime minister, Abdalla Hamdock. [vii] The government under Hamdock guarantees freedom of religion and is working towards fixing economic hardships and establishing peace within Sudan.

Sudan uses the Sudanese pound [viii] which showcases Britain’s imperial legacy in the country. Sudan’s economy has struggled ever since South Sudan’s secession in 2011. South Sudan’s independence led to multiple economic shocks. Sudan was heavily impacted by the loss of oil revenue, [ix] which accounted for more than half of its economy as a majority of the oil reserves are located in the geographical area of South Sudan. This resulted in economic stagnation and price inflation. However, because South Sudan was also negatively impacted by the secession, both countries signed an agreement in 2012 to export crude oil through its neighboring ports.[x]

Sudan, along with Egypt, was part of the ancient Kushite kingdom, which lasted for 1400+ years. Due to their historical ties, Sudan and Egypt share many similarities ranging from culture, language, and religion. From 1899-1956, the British Empire and also Egypt ruled over Sudan as a crown colony, which was established by the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreements [xi]. However, the agreement failed to outline the legal basis of continued British presence in Sudan. On January 1, 1956, Sudan declared its independence from Britain and Egypt after a unanimous decision by the Sudanese parliament led by Islail al-Azhari, the first Prime Minister of Sudan.

Before the secession of South Sudan as an independent country, Sudan used to be Africa’s largest country at approximately 2,505,813 square kilometers. [xii] Although its topography is mainly desert, the White and Blue Nile Rivers that run through its land allows Sudan to enjoy a great deal of fertility and livestock. Sudan’s landscape is also characterized by a plethora of mountains and hills. Central Sudan is bordered by mountains on three sides: the Red Sea Hills, the Marrah Mountains and the Didinga Hills. [xiii] Sudan also has a tropical climate, which can be distinguished by its significant seasonal and regional differences.