Sudan, officially known as the Republic of Sudan, is a country in Northeast Africa. Here is detailed information about this nation:
Geography
Sudan is the third-largest country in Africa by area, covering approximately 1.88 million square kilometers. It borders:
The landscape includes the Nile River system, vast deserts, savannas, and the Nuba Mountains. The climate varies from the extremely dry north to the more humid south.
History
- Ancient History: Sudan was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Kingdom of Kush, which was known for its iron production and trade with Ancient Egypt.
- Medieval Period: After the fall of Kush, the region saw the rise of the Kingdom of Makuria, which Christianized and lasted until the 14th century.
- Ottoman and Egyptian Rule: From the 16th century, Sudan was part of the Ottoman Empire until the late 19th century when it was occupied by Egypt.
- Mahdist State: The Mahdist Revolution led by Muhammad Ahmad overthrew Egyptian rule in 1885, establishing the Mahdist State.
- British-Egyptian Condominium: The British and Egyptians regained control in 1899, ruling under a condominium until Sudan's independence in 1956.
- Post-Independence: Since independence, Sudan has experienced numerous conflicts, including the First Sudanese Civil War, the Second Sudanese Civil War, and the Darfur Conflict, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.
- Secession of South Sudan: In 2011, following a referendum, South Sudan seceded from Sudan, becoming an independent nation.
Politics
Sudan operates under a transitional government following the overthrow of long-time president Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The country is in the process of transitioning to civilian rule, with plans for elections by 2023.
Economy
The economy of Sudan is predominantly agricultural, with crops like cotton, gum arabic, and sesame being major exports. Oil was a significant resource before the secession of South Sudan, but gold mining and livestock have since become more critical.
Culture
Sudan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse ethnic groups, including the Fur, Dinka, Nuer, and Beja. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and art, with Nubian art being particularly famous.
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