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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.015760
AAVE 0.000009
ADA 0.006183
AED 0.006119
AFN 0.107653
AKT 0.002177
ALGO 0.012974
ALL 0.136666
AMD 0.602780
AMP 2.598438
ANG 0.002996
AOA 1.526228
APE 0.010400
APT 0.002029
AR 0.000370
ARB 0.008173
ARS 2.532440
ATOM 0.000915
ATS 0.020443
AUD 0.002391
AVAX 0.000147
AWG 0.002982
AXS 0.001272
AZM 14.162597
AZN 0.002833
BAKE 6.491380
BAM 0.002906
BAT 0.015796
BBD 0.003332
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.204822
BEF 0.059932
BGN 0.002906
BHD 0.000626
BIF 5.005862
BMD 0.001666
BNB 0.000002
BND 0.002132
BOB 0.019987
BRL 0.008329
BSD 0.001666
BSV 0.000083
BSW 4.049023
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.023847
BTG 0.002526
BTN 0.160648
BTT 4,481.725793
BUSD 0.001666
BWP 0.022932
BYN 0.005083
BYR 32.661353
BZD 0.003351
CAD 0.002377
CAKE 0.000681
CDF 3.850500
CELO 0.016021
CFX 0.030365
CHF 0.001386
CHZ 0.099606
CLP 1.621227
CNH 0.011168
CNY 0.011172
COMP 0.000068
COP 5.329461
CRC 0.762415
CRO 0.024536
CRV 0.004520
CSPR 0.653192
CUC 0.001666
CUP 0.039911
CVE 0.163825
CVX 0.000753
CYP 0.000870
CZK 0.036346
DAI 0.001667
DASH 0.000029
DCR 0.000090
DEM 0.002906
DFI 1.823037
DJF 0.296412
DKK 0.011104
DOGE 0.017572
DOP 0.099855
DOT 0.001347
DYDX 0.011404
DZD 0.223977
EEK 0.023246
EGLD 0.000373
EGP 0.087354
ENJ 0.050330
EOS 0.016396
ERN 0.024992
ESP 0.247196
ETB 0.271022
ETC 0.000188
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001486
EURC 0.001485
FEI 0.001667
FIL 0.001396
FIM 0.008833
FJD 0.003749
FKP 0.001261
FLOW 0.052661
FLR 0.231152
FRAX 0.001683
FRF 0.009745
FTT 0.006450
GALA 0.687692
GBP 0.001261
GEL 0.004325
GGP 0.001261
GHC 195.885291
GHS 0.019589
GIP 0.001261
GMD 0.123315
GMX 0.000190
GNF 14.649204
GNO 0.000014
GRD 0.506244
GRT 0.057223
GT 0.000149
GTQ 0.012715
GUSD 0.001670
GYD 0.347811
HBAR 0.016551
HKD 0.013075
HNL 0.044676
HNT 0.003211
HOT 3.638235
HRK 0.011194
HT 0.045681
HTG 0.217721
HUF 0.545767
ICP 0.000478
IDR 29.849746
IEP 0.001170
ILS 0.005095
IMP 0.001261
IMX 0.009087
INJ 0.000220
INR 0.160648
IQD 2.178242
IRR 2,996.641663
ISK 0.203435
ITL 2.876668
JEP 0.001261
JMD 0.263663
JOD 0.001181
JPY 0.263440
KAS 0.038837
KAVA 0.024034
KCS 0.000219
KDA 0.170658
KES 0.216283
KGS 0.145721
KHR 6.749808
KLAY 0.040006
KMF 0.730904
KNC 0.011632
KPW 1.499757
KRW 2.236767
KSM 0.000325
KWD 0.000515
KYD 0.001385
KZT 0.758570
LAK 37.386628
LBP 150.259111
LDO 0.003637
LEO 0.000187
LINK 0.000120
LKR 0.549555
LRC 0.162286
LRD 0.284329
LSL 0.027740
LTC 0.000024
LTL 0.005130
LUF 0.059932
LUNA 0.032628
LUNC 31.510926
LVL 0.001044
LYD 0.010690
MAD 0.016629
MANA 0.016112
MBX 0.056336
MDL 0.029861
MGA 7.378517
MGF 36.892584
MINA 0.012367
MKD 0.091408
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.497571
MNT 5.990156
MOP 0.013467
MRO 0.667082
MRU 0.066708
MTL 0.000638
MUR 0.078980
MVR 0.025758
MWK 2.883848
MXN 0.030116
MXV 0.003424
MYR 0.006807
MZM 106.350058
MZN 0.106350
NAD 0.027740
NEAR 0.000319
NEO 0.000657
NEXO 0.001959
NFT 6,982.337392
NGN 2.202745
NIO 0.061253
NLG 0.003274
NOK 0.015992
NPR 0.257158
NZD 0.002977
OKB 0.000013
OMR 0.000641
ONE 0.011376
OP 0.012394
ORDI 0.000366
PAB 0.001666
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005737
PEPE 385.255311
PGK 0.007507
PHP 0.104712
PI 0.019087
PKR 0.460695
PLN 0.006508
POL 0.015236
PTE 0.297851
PYG 9.733718
QAR 0.006065
QNT 0.000006
QTUM 0.001700
ROL 79.414527
RON 0.007941
RPL 0.000871
RSD 0.174499
RUB 0.141357
RUNE 0.002146
RVN 0.679091
RWF 2.455879
SAND 0.025338
SAR 0.006248
SBD 0.013444
SCR 0.023599
SDD 100.0000
SEK 0.016736
SGD 0.002132
SHIB 284.631906
SHP 0.001261
SIT 0.356027
SKK 0.044757
SLE 0.038413
SLL 38.413251
SNX 0.006655
SOL 0.000014
SOS 0.947969
SPL 0.000278
SRD 0.062824
SRG 62.824115
SSP 9.541520
STD 36.656992
STN 0.036657
STX 0.004446
SUI 0.001396
SVC 0.014579
SYP 21.666476
SZL 0.027740
THB 0.056083
THETA 0.007195
TJS 0.015335
TMM 29.236013
TMT 0.005847
TND 0.004987
TOP 0.004013
TRL 81,934.650797
TRX 0.004958
TRY 0.081935
TTD 0.011281
TUSD 0.001667
TVD 0.002391
TWD 0.052954
TWT 0.002919
TZS 4.395989
UAH 0.075043
UGX 6.698226
UNI 0.000188
USD 0.001666
USDC 0.001667
USDD 0.001667
USDP 0.001676
USDT 0.001667
UYU 0.067307
UZS 19.599274
VAL 2.876668
VEB 145,077,079.931198
VED 1.450771
VEF 145,077.079931
VES 1.450771
VET 0.190929
VND 43.312573
VUV 0.200293
WAVES 0.005585
WEMIX 0.008700
WOO 0.121721
WST 0.004637
XAF 0.974539
XAG 0.000028
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004510
XCG 0.002996
XCH 0.001065
XDC 0.049581
XDR 0.001232
XEC 208.938928
XEM 2.653852
XLM 0.007720
XMR 0.000003
XOF 0.974539
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.177288
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001109
XTZ 0.004987
YER 0.393544
ZAR 0.027740
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.456598
ZMK 32.940667
ZMW 0.032941
ZWD 0.602985
ZWG 0.044606
ZWL 111.457553

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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.