Ancient Times: Once called Nubia, the area was ruled by the Egyptians long ago.

7th century: Became part of the Arab world.

19th century: British extend control over the area.

1885: The Sudanese rebel and unsuccessfully try to regain control of their country.

1953: The Sudan is granted self-government and self-direction.

1950s-80s: A series of attempted military takeovers and riots take place as different factions within the country try to gain control.

Recent years: The country has been divided politically between the Islamic Sudanese in the north and the Black Sudanese in the south.

SUDAN
Republic of the Sudan

Noun
People from the Sudan are called Sudanese.
Location
The Sudan is located between Egypt, Ethiopia and Zaire.
Size
more than one-fourth the size of the United States
Coastline
The Sudan's north-eastern side borders the Red Sea.
Terrain
The Sudan is mostly a flat, featureless plain but there are mountains in the east and west.
Climate
The Sudan has an arid desert in the north and is tropical in the south. There is a rainy season from April to October.
Land use
5% of the Sudan is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
none of the land is used for permanent crops.
24% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
20% of the land is made up of forests.
51% is left over for other uses.
Capital
Khartoum, which is home to more than 400,000 people, is the Sudan's capital (1983 estimate).
Independence
On January 1, 1956 the Sudan gained independence from Egypt and Britain.
National holiday
Independence Day, January 1 (1956)
Languages
Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Sudanic languages, and English.
Population
Over 31 million (1996 est.)
Age
46% of all Sudanese are between 0-14 years of age.
52% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 2% are 65 years and over.
Life expectancy at birth
Male Sudanese are expected to live to be 54.
Female Sudanese are expected to live to be 56.
Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 5-6 children each.
Ethnic divisions
Black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%.
Religions
Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in south and Khartoum).
Literacy
46% of all Sudanese are literate.
57% of males can read and write.
34% of females can read and write.