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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.018204
AAVE 0.000019
ADA 0.006626
AED 0.006118
AFN 0.104141
AKT 0.002067
ALGO 0.015515
ALL 0.136731
AMD 0.613152
AMP 1.991220
ANG 0.003002
AOA 1.530369
APE 0.011552
APT 0.001765
AR 0.000780
ARB 0.014255
ARS 2.325926
ATOM 0.000810
ATS 0.019693
AUD 0.002334
AVAX 0.000181
AWG 0.002982
AXS 0.001419
AZM 14.161271
AZN 0.002832
BAKE 2.253323
BAM 0.002799
BAT 0.017196
BBD 0.003332
BCH 0.000004
BDT 0.204727
BEF 0.057732
BGN 0.002799
BHD 0.000626
BIF 4.963213
BMD 0.001666
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002133
BOB 0.011547
BRL 0.008346
BSD 0.001666
BSV 0.000111
BSW 1.946449
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.004331
BTN 0.160587
BTT 5,178.393671
BUSD 0.001667
BWP 0.022650
BYN 0.004582
BYR 45.815527
BZD 0.003353
CAD 0.002290
CAKE 0.001179
CDF 3.823445
CELO 0.020704
CFX 0.028293
CHF 0.001309
CHZ 0.033884
CLP 1.501133
CNH 0.011336
CNY 0.011332
COMP 0.000076
COP 6.329463
CRC 0.754237
CRO 0.023841
CRV 0.007061
CSPR 0.563977
CUC 0.001666
CUP 0.039976
CVE 0.157812
CVX 0.000960
CYP 0.000838
CZK 0.034792
DAI 0.001667
DASH 0.000039
DCR 0.000099
DEM 0.002799
DFI 1.696614
DJF 0.296451
DKK 0.010695
DOGE 0.015973
DOP 0.098622
DOT 0.001334
DYDX 0.011518
DZD 0.221178
EEK 0.022393
EGLD 0.000425
EGP 0.088837
ENJ 0.038790
EOS 0.020595
ERN 0.024990
ESP 0.238122
ETB 0.262341
ETC 0.000187
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001431
EURC 0.001430
FEI 0.001672
FIL 0.001726
FIM 0.008509
FJD 0.003674
FKP 0.001242
FLOW 0.046170
FLR 0.199445
FRAX 0.001678
FRF 0.009388
FTT 0.005156
GALA 0.495500
GBP 0.001242
GEL 0.004451
GGP 0.001242
GHC 190.591941
GHS 0.019059
GIP 0.001242
GMD 0.123075
GMX 0.000252
GNF 14.614018
GNO 0.000014
GRD 0.487661
GRT 0.066241
GT 0.000235
GTQ 0.012701
GUSD 0.001670
GYD 0.348444
HBAR 0.018509
HKD 0.013047
HNL 0.044320
HNT 0.002023
HOT 4.198967
HRK 0.010783
HT 0.011489
HTG 0.218062
HUF 0.516061
ICP 0.000645
IDR 29.530500
IEP 0.001127
ILS 0.004835
IMP 0.001242
IMX 0.009787
INJ 0.000320
INR 0.160587
IQD 2.182928
IRR 2,196.089242
ISK 0.205224
ITL 2.771075
JEP 0.001242
JMD 0.263443
JOD 0.001181
JPY 0.264788
KAS 0.048210
KAVA 0.028928
KCS 0.000208
KDA 0.200290
KES 0.215448
KGS 0.145739
KHR 6.681920
KLAY 0.032029
KMF 0.704075
KNC 0.011604
KPW 1.499390
KRW 2.507661
KSM 0.000335
KWD 0.000513
KYD 0.001386
KZT 0.781750
LAK 36.543435
LBP 149.355716
LDO 0.004678
LEO 0.000165
LINK 0.000172
LKR 0.554850
LRC 0.102799
LRD 0.305347
LSL 0.027738
LTC 0.000031
LTL 0.004941
LUF 0.057732
LUNA 0.026323
LUNC 21.196488
LVL 0.001006
LYD 0.010579
MAD 0.015332
MANA 0.018904
MBX 0.042547
MDL 0.028831
MGA 6.971225
MGF 34.856124
MINA 0.029164
MKD 0.088193
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.497396
MNT 5.962671
MOP 0.013439
MRO 0.666117
MRU 0.066612
MTL 0.000614
MUR 0.078775
MVR 0.025731
MWK 2.899646
MXN 0.028830
MXV 0.003262
MYR 0.006621
MZM 106.409729
MZN 0.106410
NAD 0.027738
NEAR 0.001033
NEO 0.000576
NEXO 0.001873
NFT 5,890.553809
NGN 2.284226
NIO 0.061239
NLG 0.003154
NOK 0.015450
NPR 0.257059
NZD 0.002846
OKB 0.000020
OMR 0.000641
ONE 0.812781
OP 0.012977
ORDI 0.000400
PAB 0.001666
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005702
PEPE 452.401974
PGK 0.007361
PHP 0.102812
PI 0.010976
PKR 0.464165
PLN 0.006071
POL 0.018328
PTE 0.286918
PYG 10.140169
QAR 0.006064
QNT 0.000022
QTUM 0.001845
ROL 74.554616
RON 0.007455
RPL 0.000960
RSD 0.167972
RUB 0.120745
RUNE 0.003723
RVN 0.301451
RWF 2.435919
SAND 0.023134
SAR 0.006248
SBD 0.013338
SCR 0.024458
SDD 100.0000
SEK 0.015676
SGD 0.002133
SHIB 289.040547
SHP 0.001242
SIT 0.342959
SKK 0.043115
SLE 0.038160
SLL 38.160098
SNX 0.005378
SOL 0.000020
SOS 0.952027
SPL 0.000278
SRD 0.062017
SRG 62.017471
SSP 7.854692
STD 35.440939
STN 0.035441
STX 0.006974
SUI 0.001575
SVC 0.014578
SYP 0.184155
SZL 0.027738
THB 0.054346
THETA 0.008439
TJS 0.015508
TMM 29.215603
TMT 0.005843
TND 0.004838
TON 0.000828
TOP 0.003963
TRL 75,943.236866
TRX 0.004671
TRY 0.075943
TTD 0.011301
TUSD 0.001668
TVD 0.002334
TWD 0.052709
TWT 0.003487
TZS 4.335033
UAH 0.073541
UGX 6.278745
UNI 0.000472
USD 0.001666
USDC 0.001667
USDD 0.001668
USDP 0.001668
USDT 0.001668
UYU 0.066780
UZS 20.045663
VAL 2.771075
VEB 86,187,849.633329
VED 0.861840
VEF 86,184.004512
VES 0.861840
VET 0.247328
VND 43.867129
VUV 0.197814
WAVES 0.004383
WEMIX 0.006167
WOO 0.098651
WST 0.004490
XAF 0.938767
XAG 0.000022
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004511
XCG 0.003002
XCH 0.000600
XDC 0.053594
XDR 0.001219
XEC 227.121576
XEM 2.503287
XLM 0.011348
XMR 0.000004
XOF 0.938767
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.170781
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001205
XTZ 0.004873
YER 0.397547
ZAR 0.027738
ZEC 0.000003
ZIL 0.423756
ZMK 31.487877
ZMW 0.031488
ZWD 0.602935
ZWG 0.043167
ZWL 107.862649

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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.