Living in Sudan guide for expats

Sudan covers the territory of 2,505,810 square kilometres and has over 40 million people. Arabs make up the majority of the Sudanese population while other ethnic groups include Nubians, Zaghawa, and Copts. Sudan's official languages are Arabic and English. Nubian, Ta Bedawi, and diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, and Sudanic languages are also spoken. Khartoum is the nation's capital. Other big cities are Nyala, Ad-Damir, Gedaref, and Madani.

The economy of the country has experienced significant losses since the secession of South Sudan, which resulted in the loss of three-quarters of its oil production. The oil used to be the main resource driving the country's economy and the primary source of foreign exchange. Today, Sudan is considering other sources of income such as gold mining. Agriculture continues to employ over 80% of the population ' the country is the world's biggest producer and exporter of acacia gum.

Sudan hides numerous surprises for those who come here. A vast desert, at first sight, Sudan is a place of complicated history and otherworldly landscapes. Here, you can explore one of the largest human-made lakes in the world ' Lake Nasser; discover the wildlife of Dinder National Park, travel to the Meroe Pyramids, and participate in the Sufi ritual of drumming and trance dancing.

Citizens of most countries require a visa to travel to Sudan. For some, there is an option of getting a visa on arrival, provided the visitor has an entry permit arranged by a recognised tour operator; others will need to apply for a visa in advance at the nearest diplomatic mission of Sudan. Also, if there is evidence of prior travel to Israel, there is a big chance your visa will be denied.