Sudan
General Information for Sudan
Geo-political:
Capital City: Khartoum.
Nationality: (noun) Sudanese, (adjective) Sudanese.
Population: 41,087,825.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 249.
Number of Internal Airports: 19.
Major Languages Spoken: Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic,
Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Sudanese Pound (SDG) of 100 Qirsh.
Main Industries: Oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes,
petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments and automobile/light truck assembly.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Contiguous Zone: 18 n.m. Continental Shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation.
Coastline Extent: 853 km.
Climate: Tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by region (April to November).
Natural Resources: Petroleum, small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica,
silver, gold and hydropower.
Natural Hazards: Dust storms and periodic persistent droughts.
Terrain: Generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south, northeast and west; desert
dominates the north.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32° C | 17° C |
| June | 42° C | 27° C |
| September | 37° C | 25° C |
POLLUTION:
Spills should be reported to the appropriate port authority.
Sudan Sea Ports Corporation T: +249 311 79343 or +249 311 79114.
MEDICAL:
Make sure you have the recommended vaccinations before travelling to Sudan. There
is a particular risk to public health in conflict affected areas where immunisation
coverage is poor.
There has been a serious outbreak of cholera in Sudan.
As a general rule, GP facilities in Khartoum are adequate but the hospitals are not
suitable for more serious medical problems. Make sure you have adequate health insurance
and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation
and repatriation.
REGULATIONS:
For information on national maritime legislation contact Captain Hashim Abd Elrahman,
Director Maritime Administration Directorate. T: +249 311 825660. F: +249 311 831276.
[email protected]
HOLIDAYS:
1 January (Independence Day).
CONSULS:
Contact details of foreign missions in Sudan are available from the Republic of Sudan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs at
mofa.gov.sd
BANKS:
It is not possible to withdraw cash against credit and debit cards at banks. Credit
and debit cards are not accepted at hotels to settle bills. Make sure you have enough
hard currency with you – this should be in US dollars dated 2006 onwards (older ones
will not be exchanged). Other foreign currencies are rarely exchanged.
SHORE LEAVE:
Local laws reflect the fact that Sudan is predominantly Muslim. You should respect
local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions
to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially
during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Sudan operates Islamic (Sharia) law. Alcohol is not permitted. Although the constitution
specifies that in Khartoum non-Muslims shall not be subject to Sharia law, you should
expect Sharia law to apply.
Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads, but should
dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.
Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are illegal and subject to severe
penalties. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms. Sudanese society is not
tolerant of homosexual relationships.
Since the beginning of 2013, there is evidence that a large number of foreign nationals
have left Sudan either because they have been asked to leave by the Sudanese authorities,
or because they have come under pressure from the Sudanese security service, or because
their places of work/study have been closed. Many of these people appear to have been
accused of sharing their religious beliefs with Sudanese nationals or of visa irregularities.
You should carry a form of photo ID with you at all times.
There are severe penalties for drug trafficking.
All photography requires a formal permit, which you can get from the External Information
Centre in Khartoum (part of the Ministry of Information). Do not take photographs
or use a mobile phone camera close to government buildings, military installations,
public utilities (including petrol stations), and other sensitive areas (bridges,
airports etc). Many plain clothes public security officers operate.
REPATRIATION:
Visa should be requested through Sudanese embassies abroad. Embassies grant visas
for a month to three months, or for six months under special arrangements for investors.
Contact details of Sudanese missions abroad available at
mofa.gov.sd
AUTHORITY:
Head Office:
Sudan Sea Ports Corporation, PO Box 531, Port Sudan Quays, Port Sudan, Sudan.
T: +249 311 822061.
F: +249 311 822258.
Tlx: 70012 RASMINA SD. [email protected] sudanports.gov.sd
Contact: Dr Jalal Aldin MA Sheylia, General Manager.
