🇸🇩 Sudan

Sudan is a vast northeastern African country of 48 million with a GDP of about $30 billion that's been in a catastrophic civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 10 million, and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Before the war, Sudan was already struggling — the 2019 revolution that ousted Omar al-Bashir (who ruled for 30 years and was indicted by the ICC for genocide in Darfur) raised hopes that were dashed by the 2021 military coup. Sudan has significant agricultural potential (the Gezira Scheme is one of the world's largest irrigation projects) and gold mining has become a major revenue source.

Gold (Sudan is Africa's third-largest producer), agriculture (gum arabic — Sudan produces about 80% of the world's supply — sesame, livestock), and oil (reduced since South Sudan's independence took most reserves) are the main sectors. The war has devastated the economy — GDP contracted sharply, the pound has collapsed, and inflation exceeds 100%. Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, and Egypt are the main trade partners. The country was removed from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list in 2020, briefly opening access to international finance.

Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt — about 200 to 255 Nubian pyramids at Meroë and other sites, built by the Kingdom of Kush. The country's gum arabic is an essential ingredient in Coca-Cola, candy, and pharmaceuticals — a global supply disruption would affect industries worldwide. The confluence of the Blue and White Nile at Khartoum is one of the most geographically significant points in Africa.

Sudan's war is a catastrophe with no end in sight. The humanitarian crisis is among the world's worst, and the country's institutions have been shattered. Recovery will take decades even after the fighting stops.