Sudan

Sudan is a large, relatively sparsely-populated country in Northeastern Africa. The official languages are Arabic and English, but over 400 other languages and dialects are spoken. This is a diverse country, with a majority of native Sudanese Arabs, but also composed of Nubians, Zaghawa, and Copts as well as refugee populations from bordering countries such as Chad and Eritrea. The terrain includes flat plains, mountains, waterways, rainforest, and desert lands. The climate varies considerably, and ranges from tropical to arid. Native animal species include the addax, the chimpanzee, and the Chinese white dolphin. Mainstays of the economy include oil and agriculture, with investment finances having fallen off considerably in recent decades.

Begrawiya is an appropriately solemn and isolated collection of pyramids housing remainds of royalty. This spectacular site near the capital city of Khartoum is rich in hieroglyphics and atmosphere, despite treasure looting attempts that included removing the tops of some pyramids. The Meroitic temples of Naqa and Musawarat have great artistic and spiritual value. To view some modern life with a taste of traditional activities, visit a busy souq or camel market in the capital, or watch Nuba wrestlers (from South Kordofan state) compete.

Wheat, rice, and corn, and often bread or porridge made from them, are common starchy staples. Typical vegetables include tomatoes and leafy greens. Beef, mutton, and fish are popular. Olives are a frequent garnish, and peanuts play a key role in the cuisine. The local version of a cucumber-yogurt salad is the cooling salatet zabady bil ajur. Try soup made from corchorus greens, also known as molokia or khudra. Common hospitality for Sudanese includes offering a small glass of grapefruit or orange juice to guests as an aperitif before a meal. It is meant to nourish the weary traveler, which may be you after a day of trekking around sand dunes.