Country Profile: Sudan

Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is bordered by the Red Sea between Egypt and Eritrea. With a population of over 50 million people, it is ethnically diverse, comprising around 500 ethnic groups, predominantly Sudanese Arabs. The nation has suffered from severe economic challenges, largely due to ongoing civil strife and hyperinflation, which have devastated its agricultural and industrial sectors. Governance has shifted from military-led regimes to transitional governments amidst civil unrest, with the current military leadership overseeing the country's affairs.

Geography

Sudan is characterized by its vast flat plains and desert landscapes, with the Nile River serving as the primary water source. The climate is hot and dry, featuring a rainy season that varies by region. The country covers an area of approximately 1.86 million square kilometers, making it slightly less than one-fifth the size of the United States.

853 km of coastline along the Red Sea.
6,819 km of land boundaries with six neighboring countries.
60.3% of land is utilized for agriculture (2023).
3,042 m is the elevation of its highest point, Jabal Marrah.
Major rivers include the 6,650 km Nile River, which flows northward to the Mediterranean Sea.

People and Society

Sudan's population is projected to be 50,467,278 in 2024, characterized by a youthful demographic with a median age of 19.5 years. The country has a high birth rate of 32.95 per 1,000 population and faces significant challenges in healthcare access and maternal mortality.

Over 500 ethnic groups, with Sudanese Arabs making up approximately 70% of the population.
36.3% urban population as of 2023, with rapid urbanization at 3.43% annually.
67.8 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024).
256 deaths per 100,000 live births indicates high maternal mortality (2023).
39.7 deaths per 1,000 live births is the infant mortality rate (2025).

Economy

Sudan's economy is classified as low-income and has been severely impacted by ongoing conflicts, leading to high inflation and deteriorating living conditions. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $94.42 billion, reflecting significant economic decline.

-13.5% projected real GDP growth rate for 2024.
$1,900 estimated GDP per capita (2024).
22.1% of GDP derived from agriculture (2024).
11.45% unemployment rate estimated for 2023.
Key exports include crude petroleum, gold, and oil seeds.

Government

Sudan is a presidential republic currently led by General Abd-al-Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto head of state following a military coup in late 2021. The country continues to face governance challenges amidst ongoing efforts to transition to civilian rule.

18 administrative states formed the governance structure.
Universal suffrage at 17 years of age.
The official legal system combines Islamic law and English common law.
The Constitution has undergone numerous amendments, most recently in 2020.
Independence was achieved on January 1, 1956.

Military and Security

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) encompasses various military branches, including the Rapid Support Forces, which has played a significant role in internal security and conflict. Military expenditures have been reported at 1% of GDP in recent years.

Prior estimates indicated up to 200,000 SAF personnel and 100,000 RSF.
The SAF's arsenal includes a mix of Chinese and Russian weaponry.
Military conscription applies to those aged 18-33, with obligations lasting 12-24 months.
The country has faced allegations of forced recruitment during ongoing conflicts.

Energy

Sudan's energy sector is predominantly reliant on hydroelectric power, which constitutes nearly 68.7% of installed generating capacity. However, energy access remains limited, with about 63.2% of the total population having electricity.

3.815 million kW is the total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
68,000 bbl/day is the total petroleum production (2023).
129,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Environment

Sudan grapples with significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and deforestation. Despite its rich natural resources, the country faces biodiversity loss and soil erosion.

60.3% of land is classified as agricultural (2023).
37.8 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022).
2.831 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes a network of railways, airports, and roads, though several parts remain underdeveloped due to ongoing conflicts.

45 airports are operational as of 2025.
7,251 km of railways serve various routes (2014).
14 vessels form the merchant marine fleet (2023).

Communications

Sudan's communications sector is expanding, albeit slowly, with notable growth in mobile subscriptions while fixed line services remain limited.

34.7 million mobile cellular subscriptions reported in 2022.
26% of the population are internet users (2020).
156,000 fixed line subscriptions exist as of 2022.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50,467,278 (2024 est.)
Area	1,861,484 sq km
GDP	$49.91 billion (2024 est.)	Official exchange rate
Energy Consumption	6.145 million Btu/person	Total energy consumption (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	32.95 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.45% (2023 est.)	Percentage of labor force
Life Expectancy	67.8 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	36.3% (2023)	Urban share of total population
Infant Mortality Rate	39.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP (2021 est.)