Africa · Northern Africa

Sudan

Republic of the Sudan

Flag of Sudan
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Khartoum
👥 Population
51,662,000
📐 Area
1,886,068 km²
💱 Currency
Sudanese pound (ج.س)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic, English
📞 Calling Code
+249
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Northern Africa

About Sudan

Sudan is home to more ancient pyramids than Egypt, yet remains almost entirely unknown to international tourists — a fact that makes it one of the most extraordinary undiscovered destinations on Earth. Straddling the Sahara and sub-Saharan Africa, this vast country contains the ruins of some of the ancient world's most powerful civilisations: the Kushite kingdoms of Meroe, Kerma, and Napata, whose pyramids and temples line the banks of the Nile with an eerie, magnificent solitude that no tourist crowd will interrupt. For the historically minded traveller willing to navigate the challenges, Sudan offers an encounter with antiquity that Egypt can no longer provide.

Khartoum, the capital, sits at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile — one of the world's great geographical phenomena — and has a gritty, fascinating energy shaped by its position as a crossroads between Arab North Africa and black sub-Saharan Africa. The National Museum holds some of the finest Nubian artefacts in the world, including entire temple facades rescued before the Aswan Dam flooded Nubia. North of Khartoum, the Nile Valley contains ancient sites of the Meroitic civilisation whose art and architecture blend Egyptian, African, and Hellenistic influences in ways that archaeologists are still working to fully understand.

It must be noted that Sudan has faced significant political instability, particularly since the military coup of 2021 and subsequent escalating conflict in 2023. Travel to Sudan is currently not recommended by most governments. This profile is provided for informational purposes and future reference, and travellers should monitor the situation closely before considering any visit.

History & Background

Sudan's history is among the oldest and richest in the world, rooted in the Nubian civilisations that flourished along the Nile long before Egypt rose to prominence. The Kingdom of Kerma, established around 2500 BCE, was the first major Nubian state and a rival to Pharaonic Egypt. The Kushite empire subsequently ruled Egypt itself for nearly a century as the 25th Dynasty — the so-called "Black Pharaohs" — from around 760 to 656 BCE. The later Meroitic kingdom, centred on the city of Meroe near present-day Shendi, developed its own alphabet and erected over 200 pyramids between roughly 300 BCE and 350 CE.

Sudan was incorporated into the Ottoman and Egyptian empires in the nineteenth century, and came under Anglo-Egyptian rule in 1899. The country gained independence on January 1, 1956. Successive military coups, protracted civil wars — including the conflict that ultimately led to South Sudan's secession in 2011 — and persistent political instability have defined much of Sudan's post-independence history. The ousting of long-time president Omar al-Bashir in 2019, after mass protests, raised hopes for democratic transition, but a military coup in October 2021 and a devastating armed conflict that erupted in April 2023 have severely disrupted the country's trajectory.

Culture & People

Sudanese culture is a meeting point of Arab, Nubian, African, and Islamic traditions, creating a society of considerable richness and depth. Islam arrived in Sudan in the seventh century and today defines social customs, the daily rhythm of life, and much of the country's art and architecture. The call to prayer echoes five times daily across Khartoum and every town and village, and Ramadan transforms public life into a nocturnal festival of community, food, and prayer. Despite the dominant Islamic character, Sudan's ethnic diversity is profound, with over 500 different groups speaking dozens of languages.

Nubian culture deserves special mention. The Nubian people of northern Sudan are the heirs to one of Africa's oldest and most sophisticated civilisations, and their music, architecture, pottery, and jewellery traditions are strikingly distinct from Arabic Sudanese culture. Traditional Sudanese hospitality is legendary — an invitation to tea or a full family meal is extended to strangers with a generosity that overwhelms first-time visitors. The tradition of dukhan — smoking rituals and perfume culture for women — and elaborate wedding celebrations reflect a social culture of great warmth and ceremony.

Food & Cuisine

Sudanese cuisine is hearty, flavour-rich, and largely unknown to international food lovers — a significant oversight, as it offers some genuinely outstanding dishes. Ful medames — slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, lemon, and oil — is the national breakfast and a deeply satisfying dish eaten throughout the day. Kisra, a thin, slightly sour flatbread made from fermented sorghum, accompanies most meals and is used as a scoop for stews and sauces. Weika, a stew made from okra and dried meat with a thick, glutinous consistency, is a traditional favourite.

Marara, a dish of offal cooked with vegetables and spices, is enjoyed by those willing to venture beyond familiar territory. Fresh Nile fish, particularly Nile perch and tilapia grilled over charcoal, is excellent along the river towns. Tea culture is central to social life: Sudanese tea is heavily spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, served very sweet in small glasses, and consumed in communal gatherings at street-side tea stalls. Abri coffee, a traditional spiced brew served with ginger, is equally cherished and forms an essential part of any significant social occasion.

Top Attractions

  • Meroe Pyramids — Over 200 ancient Nubian pyramids rising from the desert sands, belonging to the Meroitic civilisation — more numerous than Egypt's pyramids and almost entirely free of tourists.
  • National Museum, Khartoum — One of Africa's finest archaeological museums, with extraordinary collections of Nubian art, ancient temples rescued from flooded regions, and artefacts spanning 5,000 years.
  • Confluence of the Niles, Khartoum — The dramatic meeting point of the Blue and White Nile, where the two great rivers visibly merge in contrasting colours, best seen from the Tuti Island shore.
  • Kerma — The site of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kerma, with massive mudbrick burial mounds (deffufas) and a world-class museum of excavated artefacts.
  • Naqa and Musawwarat — Remote desert archaeological sites featuring temples combining Egyptian, Hellenistic, and uniquely Meroitic design elements in extraordinary states of preservation.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Check your government's current travel advisory before making any plans; as of 2025, Sudan is experiencing armed conflict and most governments advise against all travel.
  • Photography regulations have historically been very strict; always obtain written permission before photographing government buildings, military installations, bridges, airports, or uniformed personnel.
  • Alcohol is prohibited in Sudan; do not attempt to bring it into the country or seek it out — penalties are severe.
  • Dress conservatively at all times, particularly for women — loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is essential, and a headscarf is appropriate in many situations.
  • Carry US dollars; ATM availability is limited and international cards are not widely accepted, making cash the only reliable payment method.
  • Register with your embassy on arrival and maintain communication; in the event of deteriorating security, embassy networks are your primary source of evacuation assistance.

Visa Overview

Sudan requires visas for almost all foreign nationals, obtained in advance from Sudanese embassies. The application process typically requires a letter of invitation or hotel confirmation, a completed application form, passport photos, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Entry may also require registration with local police within 72 hours of arrival at each new location, a regulation historically enforced strictly. Given the current conflict situation, visa and entry procedures may be suspended or significantly altered; any traveller seriously considering Sudan should contact the nearest Sudanese diplomatic mission directly for the most current requirements.

Getting Around

Sudan's transport infrastructure is limited outside Khartoum. The capital has a basic bus network and numerous shared taxis. Travel to sites like Meroe requires either hiring a private 4WD vehicle with a driver or joining an organised tour, as public transport does not serve archaeological sites directly. The train between Khartoum and Wadi Halfa near the Egyptian border is a famous but extremely slow journey — days rather than hours. River travel on the Nile is possible on scheduled ferries and private boats. Road conditions outside the Khartoum-Omdurman-Khartoum North urban cluster are generally poor.

Safety Notes

Sudan is currently experiencing armed conflict following the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. Most governments advise against all travel to the country. Large parts of Khartoum and Darfur have seen intense fighting, widespread civilian casualties, and mass displacement. Travellers with pre-conflict knowledge of Sudan should not assume that previous conditions still apply. Emergency services are severely disrupted. Any individual considering travel to Sudan should only do so with substantial security support, detailed contingency plans, and in consultation with experienced regional security operators.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Sudan.

Sudanese pound (SDG) ج.س
Updated: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.023242
AAVE 0.000019
ADA 0.008875
AED 0.006118
AFN 0.105922
AGIX 0.021353
AKT 0.002656
ALGO 0.018611
ALL 0.136563
AMD 0.613033
AMP 3.735051
ANG 0.003004
AOA 1.530032
APE 0.011884
APT 0.002664
AR 0.000835
ARB 0.020829
ARS 2.486591
ATOM 0.001054
ATS 0.020052
AUD 0.002405
AVAX 0.000241
AWG 0.002982
AXS 0.001650
AZM 14.160877
AZN 0.002832
BAKE 2.217187
BAM 0.002850
BAT 0.018917
BBD 0.003332
BCH 0.000007
BDT 0.205372
BEF 0.058784
BGN 0.002850
BHD 0.000626
BIF 4.959651
BMD 0.001666
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002153
BOB 0.011541
BRL 0.008610
BSD 0.001666
BSV 0.000113
BSW 4.977626
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.031437
BTG 0.005774
BTN 0.158727
BTT 6,281.736218
BUSD 0.001665
BWP 0.022485
BYN 0.004838
BYR 32.656476
BZD 0.003355
CAD 0.002367
CAKE 0.001150
CDF 3.843834
CELO 0.024797
CFX 0.037238
CHF 0.001340
CHZ 0.092281
CLP 1.534706
CNH 0.011314
CNY 0.011310
COMP 0.000099
COP 5.568608
CRC 0.759168
CRO 0.027872
CRV 0.007793
CSPR 0.857817
CUC 0.001666
CUP 0.044153
CVE 0.160687
CVX 0.001385
CYP 0.000853
CZK 0.035245
DAI 0.001667
DASH 0.000047
DCR 0.000150
DEM 0.002850
DFI 2.005250
DJF 0.296700
DKK 0.010893
DOGE 0.021558
DOP 0.098737
DOT 0.001910
DYDX 0.012615
DZD 0.221566
EEK 0.022801
EGLD 0.000603
EGP 0.081837
ENJ 0.057566
EOS 0.023001
ERN 0.024990
ESP 0.242460
ETB 0.266484
ETC 0.000235
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001457
EURC 0.001458
FEI 0.001667
FIL 0.002110
FIM 0.008664
FJD 0.003741
FKP 0.001249
FLOW 0.059448
FLR 0.239679
FRAX 0.001684
FRF 0.009559
FTT 0.006994
GALA 0.727214
GBP 0.001249
GEL 0.004376
GGP 0.001249
GHC 189.272267
GHS 0.018927
GIP 0.001249
GMD 0.122857
GMX 0.000281
GNF 14.606595
GNO 0.000016
GRD 0.496546
GRT 0.087810
GT 0.000246
GTQ 0.012717
GUSD 0.001668
GYD 0.348716
HBAR 0.022063
HKD 0.013066
HNL 0.044602
HNT 0.006952
HOT 4.616685
HRK 0.010979
HT 0.046499
HTG 0.218069
HUF 0.515276
ICP 0.000756
IDR 29.975244
IEP 0.001148
ILS 0.005004
IMP 0.001249
IMX 0.012058
INJ 0.000341
INR 0.158727
IQD 2.184430
IRR 2,292.534589
ISK 0.209841
ITL 2.821564
JEP 0.001249
JMD 0.263930
JOD 0.001181
JPY 0.269639
KAS 0.054310
KAVA 0.036924
KCS 0.000231
KDA 0.285837
KES 0.215397
KGS 0.145714
KHR 6.680322
KMF 0.716903
KNC 0.014946
KPW 1.499533
KRW 2.553723
KSM 0.000473
KWD 0.000517
KYD 0.001386
KZT 0.787583
LAK 37.666350
LBP 149.611209
LDO 0.006167
LEO 0.000178
LINK 0.000209
LKR 0.557931
LRC 0.135594
LRD 0.302583
LSL 0.027079
LTC 0.000037
LTL 0.005031
LUF 0.058784
LUNA 0.033924
LUNC 27.135454
LVL 0.001024
LYD 0.010686
MAD 0.015600
MANA 0.023942
MBX 0.066243
MDL 0.029323
MGA 7.069656
MGF 35.348280
MINA 0.035141
MKD 0.089767
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.497448
MNT 5.971124
MOP 0.013458
MRO 0.665345
MRU 0.066535
MTL 0.000626
MUR 0.078312
MVR 0.025755
MWK 2.889879
MXN 0.029120
MXV 0.003302
MYR 0.006793
MZM 106.400688
MZN 0.106401
NAD 0.027079
NEAR 0.000836
NEO 0.000842
NEXO 0.002166
NFT 6,286.258055
NGN 2.282866
NIO 0.061326
NLG 0.003211
NOK 0.016387
NPR 0.254082
NZD 0.002928
OKB 0.000021
OMR 0.000641
ONE 1.332875
OP 0.015496
ORDI 0.000513
PAB 0.001666
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005673
PEPE 610.797765
PGK 0.007329
PHP 0.102480
PI 0.014727
PKR 0.463493
PLN 0.006255
POL 0.022653
PTE 0.292146
PYG 10.133571
QAR 0.006064
QNT 0.000025
QTUM 0.002344
ROL 76.154263
RON 0.007615
RPL 0.000823
RSD 0.170920
RUB 0.128377
RUNE 0.004028
RVN 0.437139
RWF 2.442120
SAND 0.033391
SAR 0.006247
SBD 0.013481
SCR 0.023807
SDD 100.0000
SEK 0.016081
SGD 0.002153
SHIB 380.511386
SHP 0.001249
SIT 0.349207
SKK 0.043900
SLE 0.038051
SLL 38.051033
SNX 0.007275
SOL 0.000021
SOS 0.951346
SPL 0.000278
SRD 0.062715
SRG 62.715398
SSP 7.912076
STD 35.966724
STN 0.035967
STX 0.009743
SUI 0.002230
SVC 0.014577
SYP 0.184163
SZL 0.027079
THB 0.055378
THETA 0.011876
TJS 0.015442
TMM 29.231306
TMT 0.005846
TND 0.004911
TOP 0.004012
TRL 77,993.868963
TRX 0.005073
TRY 0.077994
TTD 0.011289
TUSD 0.001669
TVD 0.002405
TWD 0.053462
TWT 0.004846
TZS 4.377559
UAH 0.074246
UGX 6.088371
UNI 0.000527
USD 0.001666
USDC 0.001667
USDD 0.001668
USDP 0.001671
USDT 0.001668
UYU 0.067054
UZS 19.938180
VAL 2.821564
VEB 107,362,543.542902
VED 1.073530
VEF 107,352.985082
VES 1.073530
VET 0.353153
VND 43.815777
VUV 0.200238
WAVES 0.006269
WEMIX 0.006435
WOO 0.140701
WST 0.004608
XAF 0.955871
XAG 0.000027
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004510
XCG 0.003004
XCH 0.001057
XDC 0.059291
XDR 0.001229
XEC 313.632226
XEM 3.891655
XLM 0.008345
XMR 0.000005
XOF 0.955871
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.173892
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001455
XTZ 0.006695
YER 0.394828
ZAR 0.027079
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 0.540063
ZMK 30.569689
ZMW 0.030570
ZWD 0.602920
ZWG 0.044688
ZWL 111.662237

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Cities in Sudan 537
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`Amarah 'Atbarah ‘Iyāl Bakhīt Ab Rakham Aboure Abu 'Usar Abu Ajala Abu Ajura Abu Gudul Abu Hijar Abū Kabisa Abū Karinka Abu Sellala Abu Sufyan Abu Surug Abū Zabad Abun Kourti Ad Dibeba ‘Abd Allah ad-Dabbah ad-Damazin ad-Damir ad-Dindar ad-Duwaym Adar Adeila Adikong Adila Al Ahmar Al Akhdar Al Arak Al Farshaia Al Fifi al Halbah Al Hasahisa Al Khuwairat Al Mafāzah Al Malwi Al Marwahah Al Mazrūb Al Toumat al-Bawga al-Faw al-Hawatah al-Hawsh al-Hilaliyah al-Huda al-Husayhisah al-Jazirah al-Kamilin al-Karaymat al-Kawah al-Khartum al-Khartum Bahri al-Kurumuk al-Manaqil al-Masnah al-Matammah al-Mu'sadiyah al-Musallamiyah al-Qadarif Al-Qantour al-Qutaynah al-Quwaysi Almazroub ar-Rank ar-Rusayris Arara Arba'atun wa 'Ishrun-al-Qurash Arbokonei Ardamata Argu Armankul Aruma As Salamat As Sumayh as-Suki Asalaya Assalaya Atach Azerne Bābikri Balos Bān Bandaghau Banjedeed east Bara Barbar Basunda Bazora Bede Bentiu Bersiliba Bindisi Bir Dagig Birkat Ţayr Birsal Bufi Buk Bulbul Bulbul Timbesco Bur Bur Sudan Buretta Dalil Babikir Dalil Dokhry Dalqu Dardog Deleig Demelenga Deringil Derjeil Doka Duma Dunqulah Durti Camp El Aburu El Barun El Firdous El Fuwela/Bueda El Leri el-Multaga Er Roseires Fagangta Famaka Foga Forbranga Fosa Gabait Gabir Galbei Galgani Garsila Gendernei Gereida Girgira Gobe Gokor Golo Guldo Gulli Habila Habila Kanari Hajj 'Abdallah Halfa al-Jadidah Hamouda Heiban Hudur Hugeir Intakeina Ishlag Mudaraat Jabel Aamir Jabel Qana Jabrona Jabun Jidad Juba Juguma Kabushiyah Kafran Kualah Kalogi Kanisah Kapoeta Karanga Karkawj Karmah-an-Nuzul Karnoi Kasarus Kassala Katayla Kattal Keinyo Khashm-al-Qirbah Khayr Wajih Khor Zaraf Kin Taura Kinanah Kireikir Kirendik Kododol Kodok Kondobei Konga Konga Haraza Kordul Kortala Kouma Krinding Kubbum Kudumei Kulbus Kuma Kuraymah Kurti Kusti Ler Liria Madīnat al Masna’a Magan Maharaybah Malakal Malek Mamun Mangarsa Manjura Marabba Marawi Maridi Markundi Mashra ar-Raqq Matamir Mayurnu Mejmerei Mestere Miallayab Mistere buga Modu Monjar Mugurnei Melam Muhājirīyah Mukjar Mulli Murnei Nasir Ngorom kosuk Nkharh Nyurei Nzara Oleb Omblil Omlbasa Qala'-an-Nahl Qaryah Sittah Arab Qoz Nginnu Quli Qurayshah Qurein Rabak Radom Ragag Rahad al-Bardi Rahad-Angatu Ramakaya Ras El Fil Rashid Rokero Romalia Rufa'a Rumaylah Rumbik Rungatas Rūru Salmin Sani Deleiba Sarafāyah Saref Ahmar Sawakin Sawani Sayyāḩ Seleia Selele Serim-Birké Seseiban Shabashah Shandi Shaq El Leyoun Sharafat Shattai Sheiria Sherab Shergeila SHOPERAP Shu‘ayb Shuwak Sildi Sinjah Sinkat Sinnar Sinnar-at-Tagatu Sirba Sisi Camp Songo Şufayyah Sultanate Dar Masalit Tabat Tabbat Tabsa Tajmala Tambul Tambura Tandalti Tangasi-ar-Ru'ays Tawang Tawarit Tawkar Tebeldiya Tendelti Terbebe Terenga Thur Tom Kitir Tongfuka Tonj Torit Tulus Tulus Tundosa Tungaru Tuwal Um Belil Um Danga Um dirabiro Um Garfa Um Keir Um Shalaya Umm Dam Umm Dawm Umm Durman Umm Jarr Umm Shawkah Umm Zaifa Umtajok Wad Belal Wad Kusaybah Wad Madani Wad Rawah Wad-az-Zaki Wadi Bardi Wadi Halfa Wagar wagar Wakara Warab Wireisa Yambio Yassin Yei Yirol You You أبو جبيهة أبو حمد أراك صالح أروما أش شلال أم بادر أم برمبيطه أم دافوق أم درمان أم روابة أم شوكة أم كدادة أم كراع أوسيف ابو زعيمة ابو كرشولا ابوحراز ابوعريف ابومطارق ارقو اقدي الأبيض الباوقة البطانة التبون التراجمة الجبلين الجزيرة إسلانج الجنينة الجوغانة الحاج عبدالله الحواتة الخرصانة الخرطوم الخريساب الخوجلاب الخوى الدالي الدامر الدبب الدبة الدبيبات الدلنج الدم جمد الدمازين الدندر الدندر ,القويسي الدهيسيرة الدهيمة الدويم الرفاعيين البحر الرهد الروتروتايا الزومة الستيب السريف السليم السوكي الشجرة الشوال الضعين الطويشة العباسية العبيدية العكد العيلفون الغابة الفاشر الفاو الفشقة الفولة القاش القدمبلية القرابين القرير القضارف القلابات القولد الكاملين الكرمك الكنانة الكوة الكويك اللعيت جارالنبى المالحة المجلد المزموم المعيلق المناقل المنصورة الميرم النهود ام القري ام سيالة ام صميمة امدرمان فلاتة بابنوسة بارا بحري بربر برش بركة سايرة بورام بورتسودان بوزي بوط تروجي تلودي تمبول تندلتي تنقاسي تومالا تيناTina جبرة الشيخ جبل أولياء جبيت جريوة جزولي حسكنيتة حلايب حلفا الجديدة حمر حمرة الشيخ خزان جديد خشم القربة دربات دروديب دلامي دلقو دندرو دنقلا دوبا دوكة ربك رشاد رفاعة زالنجي سرف عمرة سنار سنجة سنكات سواكن سودري شبشة شرق النيل شكر شندي صليعة طوكر طويلة عبري عد الفرسان عزازة عسلاية عطبرة غبيش فته قرية الشراك قرية كرتوت قلع النحل قلي كادوقلي‎ كاس كاودة كبكابية كبوشية كتم كدباس كرش الفيل كريمة كسلا كورتي كوستي كيل أربع كيلك لقاوة مدينة جياد الصناعية مدينة قلي مرشينج مروي مفرق سنار مليط منواشي نرتتي نهر عطبرة نوري نيالا هبيلا هجليج همشكوريب همشكوريب هيا وادي حلفا ود أبوك ود الحليوة ود النيل ود بندة ود مدني ود مزمل

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Sudan needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Sudan?
The capital of Sudan is Khartoum.
What currency does Sudan use?
Sudan uses the Sudanese pound (ج.س) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Sudan?
The official language(s) of Sudan include Arabic, English.
What is the population of Sudan?
Sudan has a population of approximately 51,662,000 people.
What region is Sudan in?
Sudan is located in Africa, specifically in the Northern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Sudan?
The international dialing code for Sudan is +249.
What time zones does Sudan observe?
Sudan observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Sudan?
The local time in Sudan is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Sudan?
Sudan covers a total area of 1,886,068 km².
How many states or provinces does Sudan have?
Sudan is divided into 44 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Sudan in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Sudan in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Sudan?
Visa requirements for citizens of Sudan vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.