Sudan Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures

Sudan is a country located in Northeastern Africa, bordered by South Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and the Red Sea. The capital city is Khartoum, situated at the confluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers. Sudan is among the largest countries in Africa and has a population of over 45 million people, making it a diverse nation with dozens of ethnic and linguistic groups. The official language is Arabic, but other languages spoken include Beja, Fur, Nubian, Masalit, and more, so let’s explore this fascinating country.

If you want to discover more in-depth information on Sudan as a country, check out our Sudan Profile!

Plus, test your country knowledge with our world geography quiz, Can You Name These African Landmarks?

Sudan Facts: History

Sudan, also known as the Republic of the Sudan, has a fascinating history that dates back to the Nubian civilization of ancient times. Over the years, Sudan has been ruled by various empires, including the Egyptian, Assyrian, and Roman empires. In the 1800s, Sudan became a part of the Ottoman Empire, and in the early 1900s, it was colonized by the British. Sudan gained independence in 1956, but the country has faced political instability and conflict, including the Darfur conflict, which began in 2003.

Sudan Facts: Geography

Sudan is the third-largest country on the map of Africa, covering an area of 1,886,068 square kilometers. The country is divided into 18 administrative divisions, including Khartoum, Gedaref, Gezira, Kassala, Sennar, and White Nile. The Nile River runs through the country, and there are many other rivers, including the Blue Nile and the White Nile. The country is also home to the Red Sea, which is a popular tourist destination.

According to the political map of Sudan, it is divided into 18 administrative divisions, including Khartoum, Gedaref, Gezira, Kassala, Sennar, and White Nile. Each division is further divided into localities (mudiriyat) and then villages (tazkiyat). The capital city, Khartoum, is its own administrative division and is further divided into 7 localities. The other 17 divisions are each divided into a varying number of localities and villages. The divisions are primarily based on geography and tribal affiliations.

Sudan and the Middle East

Sudan is a part of the African continent, but it also has close ties with the Middle East. Omdurman, a city located near Khartoum, is the largest city in Sudan and is considered to be the Islamic capital of the country. The Republic of Sudan has been a member of the Arab League since 1956.

Southern Sudan

South Sudan became an independent country in 2011 after a long civil war with the government of Sudan. The country is located to the south of Sudan and is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. Check out the South Sudan country map for more information!

Sudan Facts: Tourist Attractions

Sudan has many tourist attractions, including ancient pyramids, historic mosques, and natural wonders. Here are some of the top Sudanese attractions:

Port Sudan: This is a city located on the Red Sea coast and is a popular destination for beachgoers and scuba divers. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Juba: The capital city of South Sudan, Juba is located on the White Nile River. The city has many historic sites, including the Juba Bridge and the Juba Cathedral.
Abyei: The Abyei Area is a contested region between Sudan and South Sudan, but it is also a popular tourist destination. The area is home to many Nubian villages, and visitors can experience Nubian culture and traditions.
Nyala: This metropolis is the capital city of South Darfur and is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can go on safari and see animals such as giraffes, gazelles, and zebras.
Khartoum: Khartoum is the capital city of Sudan and is located at the confluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers. The city has many historic sites, including the Presidential Palace, the National Museum of Sudan, and the Khartoum Grand Mosque.
Other Major Cities: Apart from its capital city, Sudan has other major cities, including Dongola, El Obeid, and Geneina.

Pyramids of Meroe, Sudan — *Image Source: Getty Images*

People Also Ask...

If you're inspecting the Sudan map, you may have some queries about the region. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with their answers.

Is Sudan an Arab or African Country?

Sudan is a country located in Northeastern Africa and is considered both an Arab and African country due to its diverse cultural and ethnic heritage. The official language of Sudan is Arabic, and its currency is the Sudanese pound.

What Was Sudan Called Before?

Sudan was known as Nubia and Kush in ancient times. Later, it was ruled by various empires, including the Egyptian, Assyrian, and Roman empires. In the 1800s, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire, and in the early 1900s, it was colonized by the British. Sudan gained independence in 1956.

Why Did Sudan Split Into Two Countries?

Sudan split into two countries, Sudan and South Sudan, in 2011 after decades of civil war. The conflict was largely based on religious and ethnic differences between the Muslim north and the Christian and animist south. The split was intended to end the violence and create two separate nations.

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