Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Travel Climate
Khartoum is usually hot and dusty. During May, June, and July, daily high temperatures average around 100 F or higher, with frequent dust storms called "haboobs." July, August, and part of September are not as hot, with rare but heavy rainstorms (average 8 inches yearly) and continuing haboobs. From November until April, daily temperatures range around 95 F; nights, around 70 F, are pleasant. Cool weather at night and in the early mornings sometimes requires light sweaters or blankets.
Travel Currency
Sudanese dinar (SDD)
Language Spoken
Arabic is spoken by about half the people, but it is the official language. Many dialects are spoken throughout the country. Arabic Juba is a unique dialect used in southern urban areas for communicating between different ethnic groups. Other languages spoken are Nubian, Dinka, Azanda, Bari, Nuer and Shilluk. Those with education speak good English.
Languages
Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English
Ethnic Groups
black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%
National Holiday
Independence Day, 1 January (1956)
Geographic Coordinates
15 00 N, 30 00 E
Location
north-eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea
Airports
16