R ReadLittle The Kids' Encyclopedia

Sudan

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A country of rivers, deserts, and rich history in northeast Africa


Sudan is a large country located in the northeast of africa. It is bordered by egypt to the north, the Red sea to the northeast, Eritrea and ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, and Libya to the northwest. Sudan’s capital city is Khartoum, where the White Nile and the Blue Nile rivers meet to form the Nile River that flows north toward Egypt. Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa and has a mix of deserts, grasslands, and fertile river valleys.

The land of Sudan has a very long history. Thousands of years ago, it was home to powerful kingdoms such as Kush and Nubia. These ancient civilizations built pyramids, traded gold and ivory, and shared culture with nearby Egypt. Many of Sudan’s pyramids still stand today, especially in the area of Meroë, showing the skill and art of the ancient people. Over time, different groups and cultures blended in Sudan, creating a rich mix of African and Arab traditions.

In the 1800s, Sudan was ruled by Egypt and later became part of the British Empire. During this time, railways, schools, and new towns were built, but many Sudanese people wanted to govern themselves. In 1956, Sudan became an independent nation. However, the country faced many difficulties afterward, including conflicts between the north and south, partly due to differences in religion, culture, and resources.

In 2011, the southern part of Sudan became a new country called South Sudan after a long civil war. This made Sudan smaller, but it remains a country with great cultural and natural variety. Today, Sudan is home to over 45 million people, with many ethnic groups and languages. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the main religion.

The Nile River is the lifeline of Sudan. It provides water for farming and helps transport people and goods. Many Sudanese farmers grow crops like sorghum, millet, and cotton near the river. Away from the Nile, much of Sudan is desert, especially the vast Sahara Desert. Camels, goats, and sheep are common animals in these dry areas.

Sudan has faced economic challenges, environmental problems, and political changes, but it continues to be an important country in Africa. It has beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, and strong traditions of music, storytelling, and family life. Sudan’s people are known for their hospitality and resilience, keeping their culture alive even through hard times.

What We Can Learn

  • Sudan is a large country in northeast Africa where the White and Blue Nile meet.
  • It has ancient civilizations such as Kush and Nubia with famous pyramids.
  • Sudan became independent in 1956 and later split when South Sudan formed in 2011.
  • The Nile River is central to Sudan’s life, farming, and culture.