Where is Sudan Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Sudan located on the map? Sudan is an independent nation located in Northern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Sudan on maps.

Sudan Location in World Map

On this map you can see the location of Sudan and the countries it borders.

Location Information of Sudan

Sudan is a large country located in northeastern Africa, 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. As of its independence in 1956, Sudan has undergone significant political, social, and environmental changes. It is known for its diverse culture, historical significance, and vast desert landscapes.

Latitude and Longitude

Sudan is situated between 8° and 23° North latitude and 22° and 38° East longitude. This strategic position places Sudan in the Sahara Desert region, influencing its climate, geography, and agricultural viability. The country covers an area of 1.86 million square kilometers (718,723 square miles), making it the third-largest country in Africa, after Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Khartoum

The capital and largest city of Sudan is Khartoum, located at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers. It is the political, cultural, and economic hub of the country, with a population of around 5.2 million people (2021 estimate). Khartoum serves as the administrative center and is where most of the government institutions, including the presidential palace, ministries, and embassies, are located.

Some notable features of Khartoum include:

The confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers, an iconic geographical and historical point where the two rivers meet.
The National Museum of Sudan, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Nubia and Egypt.
Al-Mogran Family Park, a popular recreational space with gardens, playgrounds, and riverfront views.

Major Cities

Omdurman: Omdurman is located just across the Nile from Khartoum and is the second-largest city in Sudan. With a population of about 2 million people, Omdurman is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to Mahdi’s Tomb, a significant religious site. Coordinates: 15.6460° N, 32.4864° E.
Port Sudan: Situated on the Red Sea coast, Port Sudan is Sudan’s principal seaport and the country’s gateway for international trade. The city also serves as a hub for the oil, mineral, and agricultural industries. It has a population of approximately 500,000 and plays a vital role in Sudan’s economy. Coordinates: 19.6127° N, 37.2064° E.
Nyala: Located in South Darfur, Nyala is one of Sudan’s largest cities, with a population of around 400,000 people. It is a critical center for agriculture, particularly in the production of sorghum and millets, and serves as an important trade center for the region. Coordinates: 12.0542° N, 24.9009° E.
El Obeid: Situated in the Kordofan region, El Obeid is a city of about 300,000 people and serves as an important trading center for agricultural products, particularly gum arabic and grain crops. Coordinates: 13.1833° N, 30.2177° E.
Kassala: Located in the east of Sudan near the Eritrean border, Kassala is a major city with a population of around 500,000. The city is well known for its agriculture, particularly wheat and vegetables, and is close to the Gash River. Coordinates: 15.4552° N, 36.4013° E.

Time Zone

Sudan operates on Sudan Time (UTC +2:00), which is the same as Central European Time (CET). Sudan does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains constant throughout the year. This time zone places Sudan 7 hours ahead of New York City during standard time and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Time difference with New York City: Sudan is 7 hours ahead of New York City.
Time difference with Los Angeles: Sudan is 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Climate

Sudan has a predominantly arid desert climate, with hot temperatures throughout the year. The climate varies depending on the region, with the northern and western areas being dominated by desert conditions and the southern regions experiencing a more tropical climate.

Climate Zones

Northern Sudan (Desert Climate): This region, which includes Khartoum and much of the northern areas, experiences scorching hot temperatures and minimal rainfall. Average temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F) in the summer months. The northern part is characterized by vast deserts, including parts of the Sahara Desert.
Central Sudan (Semi-arid Climate): This area experiences higher rainfall than the north, especially in the summer, and is suitable for crops such as sorghum, millet, and wheat. The average temperatures range from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F).
Southern Sudan (Tropical Climate): The southern regions, especially around the Equatoria region, experience a tropical wet climate with considerable rainfall and cooler temperatures. Rainfall in these areas can exceed 1,500 mm (59 inches) annually. This region supports rainforests, grasslands, and agriculture.

Sudan also experiences periodic droughts, particularly in the northern and central regions, and has suffered from flooding in some areas during heavy rains.

Economic Status

Sudan’s economy is primarily driven by oil exports, agriculture, and mining. Despite the country’s vast natural resources, Sudan faces significant economic challenges, including international sanctions, civil conflict, and the secession of South Sudan in 2011, which resulted in the loss of oil revenue. However, Sudan has also focused on diversifying its economy by exploring new industries like gold mining.

Key Sectors

Oil: Prior to the secession of South Sudan, Sudan was one of Africa’s major oil producers. Although the loss of oil fields impacted the economy, Sudan still relies heavily on oil exports, especially to China and other Asian markets.
Agriculture: Agriculture remains one of Sudan’s primary sectors. The country produces crops like sorghum, millet, wheat, and cotton, and has a notable cattle and poultry industry. The Nile River supports irrigation and agriculture in the central and southern regions.
Gold Mining: Sudan is one of the largest producers of gold in Africa, with significant reserves and an expanding mining sector. The government is seeking to increase gold production to offset oil revenue losses.
Manufacturing and Industry: Sudan’s manufacturing sector is still underdeveloped, but it is growing, especially in food processing, textiles, and cement production.

Despite these strengths, Sudan faces challenges such as high inflation, economic instability, and the need for infrastructure development.

Tourist Attractions

Sudan is a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes, but it is often overlooked as a tourist destination. It is home to ancient sites, Nubian pyramids, vast deserts, and impressive cultural landmarks.

1. Pyramids of Meroë

The Pyramids of Meroë, located in the northern Sudanese desert, are one of the most important archaeological sites in Africa. The Meroë Pyramids are part of the ancient Kingdom of Kush and contain more than 200 pyramids built between the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD. These pyramids are smaller than those in Egypt but equally stunning. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Nubian Desert

The Nubian Desert offers visitors a chance to explore the vast, remote desert landscape. It is home to ancient rock art, desert oases, and Bedouin tribes. The desert is a great destination for trekking, sandboarding, and cultural exchanges with local communities.

3. Khartoum’s National Museum

Khartoum’s National Museum is home to a significant collection of Nubian and Egyptian antiquities, including statues, pottery, jewelry, and mummies from the ancient Kingdom of Kush.

4. Jebel Barkal

A mountain in northern Sudan, Jebel Barkal is an important historical and religious site. It was the center of the Kushite kingdom and is known for its temples and pyramids. It is also considered sacred by both the ancient Egyptians and modern Sudanese.

5. Sanganeb National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanganeb National Park is located in the Red Sea. The park is famous for its coral reefs, marine life, and the opportunity for scuba diving and snorkeling in one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Sudan. The process typically involves applying for a tourist visa at the Sudanese Embassy or Consulate before departure. The application process requires submitting documents such as:

A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
A completed visa application form
Proof of travel plans (e.g., flight reservation)
Passport-sized photos
A visa fee payment

U.S. citizens must also provide additional documentation if applying for business or work-related visas.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Khartoum to New York City: The approximate distance from Khartoum to New York City is 7,600 km (4,722 miles), with a flight time of about 11-12 hours.
Distance from Khartoum to Los Angeles: The approximate distance from Khartoum to Los Angeles is 10,600 km (6,600 miles), with flight times typically ranging from 13-15 hours, depending on the flight route and layovers.

Sudan Facts

Size	1,861,484 km²
Residents	42.8 million
Languages	English and Arabic
Capital	Khartoum
Longest river	Nile (total length 6,852 km)
Highest mountain	Jebel Marra (3,042 m)
Currency	Sudanese pound