The war has produced one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises, severely damaging the economy, infrastructure, and governance capacity. Population needs, insecurity, and economic contraction continue to define the national landscape.

Introduction

Sudan is a large, resource-rich country in northeastern Africa, but ongoing conflict has destabilized political institutions, disrupted economic activity, and created widespread humanitarian needs. International agencies describe the situation in 2025 as severe, with millions displaced and essential services strained.

Geography

Sudan covers approximately 1.86 million km², making it one of Africa’s largest countries. The Nile River system dominates its geography, flowing south to north and shaping agriculture, settlement patterns, and transport corridors. Britannica

People and Society

• The conflict has created the largest displacement crisis in the world, with 11.4 million internally displaced and over 3 million refugees abroad by late 2024.
• Humanitarian needs reached 30.4 million people, driven by violence, food insecurity, and collapse of services.
• Arabic and English remain official languages; society is ethnically and culturally diverse.

Government

Sudan’s central government remains fragmented due to the ongoing war.

• The SAF controls parts of the country, while the RSF holds other regions.
• Governance capacity is severely weakened, and international reports highlight competing authorities and limited state functionality.

Population

Sudan’s population is estimated at over 45 million, but precise figures are difficult due to mass displacement. Statistical profiles emphasize demographic pressure, high dependency ratios, and significant rural populations.

Economy

• GDP in 2024 was approximately US$28 billion, with GDP per capita around US$575.
• The economy has contracted sharply since 2000, with instability, sanctions, and conflict disrupting agriculture, manufacturing, and trade.
• Inflation and public debt remain extremely high, with government debt reaching 272% of GDP in 2024.

Energy

Sudan’s energy sector faces shortages due to conflict-related infrastructure damage.

• National statistics highlight challenges in energy production and distribution, with limited access in many regions.

Communications

Telecommunications and media infrastructure have been disrupted by fighting.

• Internet and mobile services experience frequent outages, especially in contested areas.
• Communications are often controlled or interrupted by armed actors.

Transportation

Transport networks—roads, bridges, and airports—have been damaged or rendered inaccessible.

• Trade and internal movement are heavily restricted due to insecurity.
• Statistical profiles note significant declines in transport capacity.

Military and Security

• The conflict is primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), each controlling different territories.
• Additional armed groups and local militias contribute to instability.
• International assessments describe widespread violence, human rights abuses, and shifting frontlines.

Travel Advice

International agencies generally advise against all travel to Sudan due to:

• Active conflict and widespread violence
• Breakdown of law and order
• Severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical care
• Limited consular support (Information inferred from humanitarian and conflict assessments.)

Expected Trends for 2026

Based on late‑2025 humanitarian and conflict reporting:

• Continued humanitarian crisis unless a political settlement emerges.
• Economic contraction likely to persist due to instability and infrastructure damage.
• Population displacement expected to remain high.
• International aid dependence will continue, with OCHA reporting ongoing emergency needs into early 2026.