ABSTRACT
The population of Sudan is out of proportion with the size of the country and accounts for only 4.2 per cent of the Middle Eastern total. The main ethnic groups are Sudanese Arab, approximately 70 per cent, Fur, Beja, Nuba and Fallata. As a result of political instability, civil war, hyperinfl ation and reduction in remittances from abroad, the economy is in a parlous position. Sudan is potentially a wealthy country but has a GDP per capita of only $3,000, a fi gure below that of every other Middle Eastern state except Yemen, Mauritania, Palestine (Gaza Strip and the West Bank) and Afghanistan. The languages also refl ect the national divide, comprising Arabic and English, both of which are offi cial, together with Nubian, TaBedawie and Fur. The religion is Sunni Muslim with a small Christian minority.
