Sudan is the largest country in Africa, located on the north – eastern side of the African continent between 4 & 21 North and 21 & 38 East, covering an area of 831.000 square miles. Sudan is essentially a country of vast plains, interrupted by a few widely separated groups of hills and mountains such as the Amatong in the south and the Red Sea Hills in the east . The country is bordered by Nine Countries : Egypt and Libya from the North , Chad and Central Africa from the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo , Uganda and Kenya from the south , Ethiopia and Eritrea from the East .

The Climate is variable, ranging from tropical sub-humid in the south to the Sahara Arabian Climate in the North. The Climate is hot and rainy during April-October and pleasantly warm from November – March. The large variation in climate and soil has been reflected in the rich flora and fauna of the country and the high diversity of its ecological habitat .

All foreigners must obtain entry visa from the Sudanese missions in their respective countries .All tourists are requested to register at alien office within three days of arrival .

Value added tax " VAT" is included in the price of most goods and services . Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods .

All departing passengers should pay an airport tax except transit passengers and children under two years.

Application for permission to motor through the Sudan should be made to the Ministry of Interior .

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required . Visitors are advised to contact the nearest Sudanese mission or their local travel agents for more information .
LANGUAGE: Arabic is the 1st Language, English is the 2nd .
RELIGION The majority are of Islamic faith, there are also Christians and pagans .
POPULATION The total population is around 40 million, 80% of them live in rural areas mainly in the Nile valley .The Sudanese people are peace loving and friendly .
CURRENCY The currency is the Sudanese pound .
FOREIGN EXCHANGE Travelers cheque and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks as well as major hotels and exchange offices .
Fluctuations in foreign exchange markets are reflected in rates quoted on a daily basis .
BANKING HOURS Sunday to Thursday 8:30am to 3:00pm.
POSTAL SERVICES Most post offices are open during business hours, Sunday – Thursday 8:13 & 17:-18 .
An international priority mail service is available .
EXPRESS MAIL SERVICES DHL – Worldwide Express. Tel:777500-777135 Khartoum .
Express Mail . Tel:778661-773372 Khartoum .
TNT . Tel . 472203 – 472205 .

Sudan has a wide range of hotels, categorized and uncategorized hotels, guest houses, youth hostels, self catering flats and inns .

Sudan has a wide range of shops, formal as well as informal street vendors and flea markets .

Football and basketball and water body sports, tennis, golf and billiard are available in Sudan .

Sudan's coastal waters at the Red Sea offer safe diving conditions and the coastal line provides perfect conditions for a wide range of water sports. Also, fishing either in the Red Sea or the Nile is available .

The various Sudanese hiking trails are filled with a brilliant array of flora and waterfalls. The major areas are Mara mountains and Nuba Mt . Red Sea and other mountains in southern Sudan .

Independence day: 1st of Jan, one day.
Christians Orthodox: 9th of Jan for 3 days
Peace day:9th of Jan, one day.
Easter day: one day for Moslems, 3 days for Christians .
New Hijra year :1st of Muharam ( Hijra Calendar ), 1 day
Birth of Prophet Mohamed: 12 Rabee Al Awal ( Hijra Calendar ), 1 day .
Eid Elfiter ( Ramadan ): 1st of Shawal ( Hijra Calendar ), 4 days .
Al Adha Sacrifice ( Kurban Bairam ): 10th of Zu Al Hijra ( Hijra Calendar ) 5 days
Coptic Nevros: 27th April for 3 days.
Christmas 25th December, 1 day .

Sudanutilizes the GSM system for cellular phones thereby enabling foreign visitors to use their cell phone in the country .
Prepaid cards are available .
International dialing codes can be found in all local telephone directories.
Card operated public telephones are available at airports, shops and post offices .

Sudan tap water is extremely palatable and perfectly safe to drink .
Bottled water is available at most retail outlets.

An International driver's license is required . Cars can be rented at major airports or through travel agents or car rental companies .

Medical services in Sudan are readily available-certain pharmacies and hospitals render a 24 hour emergency service in most towns and cities. Major hotels have contracts with physicians & dentists .

Khartoum Airport Information Office 780129-777162
Police Emergency services 999 Khartoum Hospital : 779500 .
Ministry of Foreign Affairs : 775595 – 773101.
Sudanese Travel & Tourism Union: 796193

Local time : GMT + 3 hours
Weekly closing day: Friday and Saturday
Governmental offices = 8:00am - 4:00pm

It is advisable to wear light clothes, preferably made of cotton.