About Sudan

Sudan is a country located in North-Eastern Africa, with the second largest population on the continent. Islam came to Sudan in the 14th century, bringing about new ways of life that continue today as can be seen in traditional clothing and other customs involving religion. It was colonized by Egyptians and Ottomans in past centuries before joining with Anglo-Egyptian forces at the start of the 20th century. Several significant wars have changed Sudan’s dynamics since independence in 1956, most notably a country-wide civil war. The conflict was long and complex, but at its core it stemmed from cultural differences between northern and southern Sudan, with southerners largely identifying themselves as African or members of specific ethnic groups rather than Arabs like those in northern Sudan. This sense of identity greatly contributed to a polarization amongst the populations which ultimately resulted in South Sudan gaining its independence after decades of violence and turmoil. Sudan recently formed a large “Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam” upstream from Egypt which has led both countries into a diplomatic dispute over Nile water usage. Today, the nation has had some measure of political stability and economic improvements albeit limited due to international sanctions against them. Despite Sudan’s long and difficult history, many of its people are working towards establishing peace and prosperity, both at home and abroad.