The Land of 200+ Pyramids — Now at War
Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt — approximately 200 pyramids from the ancient Kingdom of Kush (the “Black Pharaohs”), particularly at Meroë and Nuri. These pyramids are smaller and steeper than Egyptian ones and much less visited, though they’ve been acknowledged as among the world’s most important archaeological sites.
Sudan has been in civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The war has killed tens of thousands and created the world’s largest displacement crisis — over 11 million people displaced, including over 3 million refugees in neighbouring countries. The capital Khartoum has been largely destroyed.
A Brief History
Sudan was the heart of ancient Nubia and the Kingdom of Kush (c. 2500 BC-350 AD). Islamic from the 7th century onward. British-Egyptian condominium 1899-1956. Post-independence: two civil wars between north and south (1955-1972, 1983-2005). South Sudan seceded in 2011.
Omar al-Bashir ruled 1989-2019, ousted by protests. Transitional government 2019-2021 was overthrown by military coup. Civil war between military factions since April 2023.
Geography and Climate
Sudan covers 1,861,484 km² — Africa’s third-largest country. Desert dominates north; savanna south.
Culture, Language and Religion
Arabic and English are official. Religion: approximately 97% Muslim (Sunni).
The Economy
Sudan’s economy has collapsed during the civil war. Pre-war GDP around $35 billion.
UNESCO Sites
Sudan has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region, Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe, and Sanganeb and Dungonab Marine Parks.
Travel Guide
Travel is strongly discouraged since April 2023.
Surprising Facts
- Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt — approximately 200 Nubian pyramids, though smaller.
- The current civil war (since April 2023) has created the world’s largest displacement crisis.
- The Kushite Dynasty — the “Black Pharaohs” — ruled ancient Egypt from Sudan (Dynasty XXV, 744-656 BC).
- The Nile is formed in Sudan where the Blue Nile (from Ethiopia) and White Nile (from Uganda/East Africa) join at Khartoum.
- Sudan was Africa’s largest country until South Sudan’s 2011 independence.
- Omar al-Bashir was indicted by the International Criminal Court for genocide in Darfur — still the first sitting head of state so indicted.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.