General information on Sudan 

Some facts about Sudan

Children striking a pose for the camera - photo: C. Ashleigh

A society facing many future challenges

Sudan is one of the least developed countries in the world. Not only has its infrastructure been destroyed by years of conflict, but to make matters worse, the country is often hit by natural disasters.

Over 43 per cent of the population does not have access to improved drinking water, and water shortages in the capital city of Khartoum sparked protests in September 2011. Furthermore, over 66 per cent of the population has no access to sanitation facilities. The lack of adequate infrastructure puts many at risk of epidemics.

Although large parts of the country are in dire need of humanitarian aid, armed conflict and lack of infrastructure make it difficult for international organisations to reach the population in need.

Up until 2010, Sudan's economy grew thanks to profits gained from the extraction of oil. However, when South Sudan became independent in July 2011, Sudan lost 75 per cent of its oil reserves. Sudan continues to have control over the pipelines, refineries and export terminals, and can earn some income by charging South Sudan for the use of these facilities. The population of Sudan felt the effects of South Sudan's independence: food prices rose and there were persistent shortages in foreign currencies .

The economy of Sudan had to adapt to the changing political situation. At present, agriculture continues to play an important role in the economy. In 2011, the International Monetary Fund advised the government to develop this sector alongside light industries. It is, however, feared that many will remain below the poverty line for years to come. The official unemployment rate stands at around 13.4 per cent.

There are widespread inequalities in Sudan, with marked variations between different regions of the country. While the northern states tend to be wealthier, more urbanised and less dependent on agriculture, other areas such as Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile State are not as prosperous. The latter have a higher infant mortality rate and a growing number of households with poor food consumption. While 31-40 per cent of households in Kordofan do not have enough food, residents of war-affected Darfur are largely dependent on food aid. The children living in these areas are less likely to complete primary school - in Darfour and Kordofan less than five per cent finish school, in contrast to fifty per cent in the wealthier north.

Situation of the children in Sudan

Sudan is, demographically speaking a very young country: around 42 per cent of the population is under the age of 14. In a country characterised by armed conflict and natural disaster, the children are amongst the worst affected. Families and communities have been pulled apart and an estimated 3.5 million children are without parental care. In addition, many children lose parental care due to poverty.

Young boy looking into the camera - photo: C. Ashleigh

Child labour is widespread. Children are forced to work in factories or in informal sectors such as shoe shining, car washing, and street vending. Other children resort to begging as a way of making some money. In rural areas children work in farming and animal rearing.

The trafficking of children for prostitution or sexual abuse remains a problem. In areas affected by armed conflict, many children are recruited as child soldiers.

Girls are particularly disadvantaged as they are less likely to get an education and are often forced to marry at a young age.

SOS Children's Villages in Sudan

The decades of armed conflicts, tense political situation, economic changes and natural disasters which Sudan has endured have led to a particularly intense involvement of SOS Children's Villages in the country.

The activities of our organisation have responded to the changing needs of local children, young people and families. For example, in response to the on-going conflicts in Darfur our organisation started an emergency relief programme to support refugees by providing them with housing, counselling, training and work. In the more permanent premises in Khartoum, young children can attend the SOS Kindergarten, or the SOS Hermann Gmeiner primary schools.

The Family Strengthening Programme works with local agencies to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their family to grow within a loving family environment. When children can no longer stay with their families, they are cared for by their SOS mothers in one of the SOS families.

Young people can live in special houses where they are guided on their way to an independent life by professionals.