The war in the Soudan
Caption: Scene 3d. War in the Soudan, wi…

The large mud brick temple, known as the Western Deffufa in the…

Sudan

Country Information of Sudan

Sudan is a complex and historically significant country located in northeastern Africa, bordering seven nations including Egypt, Libya, Chad, and South Sudan. The country has experienced substantial political transformation, particularly in 2011 when...

Capital

Khartoum

Languages

Arabic, English

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Khartoum,Omdurman,Port Sudan,Kassala,Al-Ubayyid,Nyala,Kūstī,Wad Madani,Al-Fashir,Singa

Major Cities

What Expats Say About SudanBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Sudan. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Sudan

Life Expectancy

64.5

Population

43,849,269

Religions

Currently under research

Ethnic Composition

Beja people

N/A

Fulbe people

N/A

Fur people

N/A

Nuba peoples

N/A

Sudanese Arabs

70%

Climate & Weather in Sudan

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Safety & Security in Sudan

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

MODERATE

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Sudan

Africa Average

Safety Index

Moderate

Safety from Crime

Moderate

Safe Alone (Day)

Good

Safe Alone (Night)

Moderate

Safety from Violent Crime

Moderate

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Adequate

Healthcare Quality

Adequate

Emergency Response

Adequate

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 999 for all services

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes in urban areas, up to 60 minutes in rural regions

• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system with significant challenges

• Trauma Centers: Limited facilities primarily in Khartoum

• Language Support: Arabic primary, limited English availability

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 999

• Medical: 999

• Police: 999

• Fire: 999

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~25 minutes

• Rural areas: ~45 minutes

Hospital System:

Severely limited healthcare infrastructure with most facilities concentrated in Khartoum, significant gaps in rural areas

Major Trauma Centers:

Khartoum

Language Support:

Emergency services primarily operate in Arabic, significant communication challenges for non-Arabic speakers

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Sudan

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Sudan

Photo Gallery of Sudan

20 photos • Click any image to view larger

Living Costs in Sudan

Sudan offers an extremely low cost of living, with expenses approximately 70% lower than Western European standards. Basic necessities and rent are very affordable but limited by low local income levels.

Crime & Safety in Sudan

Moderate safety levels with significant regional variations. Urban areas experience higher crime rates, while rural regions tend to be more stable but less secure due to ongoing political tensions.

Safety Index: 55.60 | Crime Level: 44.40

Health System in Sudan

Limited public healthcare system with basic infrastructure. Medical facilities are concentrated in major cities, with significant gaps in rural healthcare access and quality.

Quality Rating: 3.5/10

Advantages in Sudan

Strategic location connecting North Africa and Sub-Saharan regions
Rich cultural diversity with multiple ethnic groups
Potential for economic development and investment
Young population with growing entrepreneurial spirit

Disadvantages in Sudan

Political instability and ongoing regional conflicts
Weak economic infrastructure and limited job opportunities
Challenging humanitarian conditions in many regions
Limited international connectivity and infrastructure

Government & Politics in Sudan

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Economic Overview in Sudan

Index

GDP

$34.23B

HDI

0.5

Quality of Life

27/100

-16 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

8/100

-34 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Sudan. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Sudan

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

3.5-13.17 SDG

Avg: 8.33 SDG

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

22-61.46 SDG

Avg: 41.73 SDG

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7-8 SDG

Avg: 7.5 SDG

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

0.88-3.4 SDG

Avg: 2.14 SDG

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

500-900 SDG

Avg: 700 SDG

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

200-550 SDG

Avg: 375 SDG

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

990.1-1850 SDG

Avg: 1420.05 SDG

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

500-1000 SDG

Avg: 750 SDG

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.32-1 SDG

Avg: 0.66 SDG

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

3.3-16.4 SDG

Avg: 9.85 SDG

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

0-50 SDG

Avg: 25 SDG

Gasoline (1 liter)

1.06-1.67 SDG

Avg: 1.36 SDG

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

40-79.53 SDG

Avg: 59.76 SDG

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

24.58-150 SDG

Avg: 87.29 SDG

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

9.59 SDG

Avg: 9.59 SDG

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

1-2.5 SDG

Avg: 1.75 SDG

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.5-1.65 SDG

Avg: 1.08 SDG

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.11-3.6 SDG

Avg: 2.85 SDG

Local Cheese (1kg)

5-20 SDG

Avg: 12.5 SDG

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

11-50 SDG

Avg: 30.5 SDG

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

0 SDG

Avg: 0 SDG

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

0 SDG

Avg: 0 SDG

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

57.92-166.67 SDG

Avg: 112.29 SDG

Last updated: 2025-03-30

Education System in Sudan

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Sudan

Sudan's transportation infrastructure centers on Khartoum as the main hub, connecting to Port Sudan, northern regions, and agricultural areas via an extensive but poorly maintained road and rail network. With 58 airports including 10 major ones, air travel provides key connectivity, though ongoing conflicts and underinvestment pose significant challenges. Road transport dominates (90% of movement), supplemented by aging railways and limited public options, making private vehicles, buses, and flights primary mobility choices for residents and visitors driving on the right.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

2.5/10

Limited public transport relies on basic bus services in cities like Khartoum and outdated railways spanning 5,000+ km connecting Khartoum to Port Sudan and Atbara. No metro or BRT fully operational; poor integration, reliability, and coverage outside urban hubs.

Road Infrastructure

3.2/10

Extensive network (~55,000 km) with only ~3,600 km paved, including key Khartoum-Port Sudan highway (1,200 km). Most roads are gravel or earth tracks, poorly maintained, impassable in wet seasons; limited highways, safety features, and traffic management.

Internet Speed

2.8/10

Low average broadband speeds around 15-20 Mbps, with major urban-rural divide. Limited fiber optic availability, primarily in Khartoum; mobile data dominant but slow and unreliable due to infrastructure gaps.

Avg: 17.5+ Mbps • Very limited to Khartoum and major cities; negligible rural coverage

Airport Connectivity

4.2/10

58 airports total, 10 major including Khartoum (KRT) and Port Sudan (PZU) with international flights to Middle East, Africa, Europe. Limited domestic coverage and hub status; operational constraints from financial issues.

Hubs: Khartoum International (KRT), Port Sudan New International (PZU)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no metro system)
Bus Trip: N/A
Taxi: N/A
High-speed Train: N/A (no high-speed rail)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Very limited or non-existent; no significant deployment as of 2026 due to infrastructure challenges

4G Coverage: Urban coverage in Khartoum and major cities; limited rural and remote areas

Mobile networks from Zain and Sudani offer basic 4G in population centers but suffer reliability issues, outages, and low speeds outside cities amid economic constraints.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid short-term with IDP recommended/required; local license conversion needed for stays over 3-6 months. Drive on right side. Verify with authorities due to regional variations.

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Work & Business in Sudan

Sudan, with a population of over 43 million and GDP of approximately $34 billion USD, features an economy dominated by agriculture, mining, and oil, though severely disrupted by ongoing armed conflict since 2023. Despite rich natural resources like gold and arable land offering potential for workers and entrepreneurs, security threats, economic fragility, and high hunger levels create significant challenges. Post-sanctions reforms since 2017 aim to attract investment, but current instability limits business and employment opportunities in key sectors.[1][2][4]

Employment Rate

42.0%

Low employment rate amid deepening crisis from 2023 conflict, with barriers for women and youth in accessing jobs. High unemployment, food insecurity affecting millions, and economic downturn limit opportunities despite agriculture and mining potential.[2][4]

Startup Ecosystem

15.0%

Minimal startup activity due to ongoing conflict disrupting operations, limited funding, and weak infrastructure. Past sanctions lifted in 2017 offered hope, but security risks and economic volatility hinder innovation and entrepreneurial culture.[1][2]

Average Salary Range

Salary data unavailable amid economic crisis; hyperinflation and conflict erode purchasing power. Agriculture and informal sectors dominate low-wage employment, with limited formal opportunities and high living costs in urban areas.[2][4]

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa for entry and work permits for employment, subject to approval amid security concerns. Processing delayed by instability.

Non-EU Citizens:

Non-EU citizens need visas and work permits; applications face challenges due to conflict. Special skills may qualify but expect long timelines and restrictions.

Strict visa policies complicated by ongoing conflict; work permits require sponsorship and government approval. No digital nomad programs; security risks limit access. Check official sources for updates as situation evolves.[1][2]

Business Registration

Timeline:

Several weeks to months

Reforms since 2017 streamlined registration with new investment laws reducing bureaucracy, but conflict causes major delays, security issues, and operational risks. Common structures include limited companies; in-person processes dominate with required documentation like IDs and proposals.[1][2]

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work laws; general labor rules apply amid instability.

Remote work extremely limited by poor internet, power outages, and conflict disruptions. No digital nomad support; co-working spaces scarce and unsafe in many areas. Cross-border work heavily restricted.[2][4]

Key Industries

Agriculture

Mining

Oil & Gas

Manufacturing

Livestock

Trade

Job Opportunities by Sector

Agriculture:

Dominant sector employing most workforce; opportunities in farming, agribusiness despite climate and conflict challenges. Low skills entry, limited growth potential.[1][3]

Mining:

Gold and minerals offer potential for skilled labor and exploration roles. Government incentives exist, but security risks high; informal artisanal mining common.[1]

Oil & Gas:

Key GDP contributor with roles in extraction and services, though disputes and price drops limit jobs. Technical skills needed; instability affects operations.[1]

Humanitarian Aid:

High demand for logistics, health, and relief workers due to crisis and displacement. International NGOs hiring, offering expat opportunities with stability.[3][4]

Trade & Commerce:

Informal trading in urban markets provides entry-level jobs; import/export potential post-sanctions, but economic downturn curbs growth.[1][2]

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Retirement & Senior Living in Sudan

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Legal & Administrative in Sudan

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Environment & Sustainability in Sudan

Sudan faces severe environmental challenges driven by climate change, conflict, and unsustainable land use. The country experiences rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, desertification, and water scarcity, with climate impacts projected to reduce GDP per capita by 5-7.3% by 2050. Sudan has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% in energy, 45% in forestry, and 20% in waste sectors by 2030, requiring $8.24 billion in international support.

Air Quality Index

Poor

4.5/10

Worsening trend

Sudan's air quality is significantly impacted by deforestation, conflict-related fires, and dust from desertification. A major fire on January 23, 2025 produced smoke stretching over 300 km, darkening skies over Khartoum. Industrial pollution from damaged infrastructure during the conflict contributes to air quality degradation, particularly in urban areas.

Water Quality

Poor

3.5/10

Sudan faces critical water scarcity and quality challenges. Droughts have become more frequent and intense, limiting access to clean drinking water and increasing waterborne diseases. Water security is threatened by climate change, with reduced rainfall and groundwater availability affecting a population highly dependent on agriculture and pastoralism.

Water access is severely constrained by drought and conflict. The country lacks adequate water treatment infrastructure in many regions, leading to health risks from contaminated water sources.

Recycling System

Sudan lacks comprehensive recycling infrastructure and formal waste management systems. The conflict has further deteriorated waste management capacity, with increased pressures on solid waste dumping in protected areas and urban centers. No systematic recycling programs are documented.

Green Spaces

Sudan's forest coverage is declining due to deforestation for fuelwood, charcoal production, and agricultural expansion. Between April 2023 and January 2024, conflict-related factors contributed to the loss of at least 6,126 hectares of natural vegetation in one state alone. Protected areas exist but face threats from military occupation, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction.

Sunut Forest and other bird sanctuaries face pollution risks from damaged industrial infrastructure and potential solid waste dumping. Comprehensive environmental assessments are needed to evaluate long-term protection strategies.

Environmental Policies

Sudan has committed to ambitious climate targets through its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC, 2021). The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors and increase renewable energy capacity. However, implementation is constrained by conflict, weak governance, and limited financial resources.

Key Policies:

•NDC 2021 with 38% energy sector emissions reduction target
•45% forestry sector emissions reduction commitment
•20% waste sector emissions reduction target
•Renewable energy expansion and fossil fuel reduction
•Climate-smart agriculture and efficient irrigation systems

Renewable Energy: Sudan plans to scale up renewable energy-powered irrigation systems and increase renewable energy capacity as part of its adaptation strategy, though specific MW targets are not detailed in current NDC documents.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Sudan faces multiple overlapping natural disaster risks including droughts, floods, desertification, and extreme weather events. In 2024, heavy rains impacted 15 states, causing the collapse of the Arba'at Dam near Port Sudan. The ongoing conflict compounds disaster vulnerability by disrupting early warning systems and emergency response capacity.

Prolonged droughtsFlooding and extreme rainfallDesertificationHeat wavesDam failures

Climate Change Impacts: Sudan experiences rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Climate change poses significant risks to water security and agricultural productivity, with projections indicating potential GDP per capita reduction of 5-6% without adaptation, and up to 7.3% by 2050 in worst-case scenarios. Desertification is expanding, swallowing arable land and displacing communities. Deforestation, driven by agriculture and land-use changes, reduces the land's carbon absorption capacity. The country's low greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise primarily from agriculture and deforestation. Drought frequency and intensity are increasing, limiting access to clean water and exacerbating food insecurity. These environmental changes affect regional weather patterns, potentially influencing rainfall and temperatures in neighboring countries.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy Expansion

Sudan's NDC commits to scaling up renewable energy-powered irrigation systems to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve agricultural resilience. The country aims to increase renewable energy capacity as part of its mitigation and adaptation strategy, requiring $8.24 billion in international financial support over the next decade.

Forestry Sector Emissions Reduction

Sudan committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the forestry sector by 45% (13.4 Mt CO2e) by 2030 compared to business-as-usual scenarios. This targets deforestation reduction and sustainable forest management, critical for both climate mitigation and ecosystem protection.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Sudan's NDC identifies agriculture as a key adaptation priority and proposes scaling up more efficient irrigation systems powered by renewable energy. This initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity while reducing water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in a sector critical to food security.

Waste Sector Emissions Reduction

Sudan committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the waste sector by 20% (1.3 Mt CO2e) by 2030. This addresses pollution from damaged industrial infrastructure and aims to improve waste management systems, though implementation faces challenges from ongoing conflict.

Wildlife & Nature

African ElephantVulnerable

Nile CrocodileCommon

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Geography in Sudan

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Deriba Caldera

Lowest Point

Red Sea

National Flag

Quick Facts for Sudan

Population

43,849,269

Currency

SDG

Timezone

UTC+03:00

Calling Code

+249

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

34.2 (2014)

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Sudan

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services