Sudan is the third largest country on the African continent and
the Nile river traverses the country from South to North, while the
Red Sea makes Sudan a bridge between Africa and the Middle
East.
Endowed with rich natural resources, Sudan was considered the
17th fastest-growing economy in the world in 2010 given the rapid
development of the country largely from oil profits, despite
international sanctions.
However, the secession of South Sudan after an independence
referendum in 2011 gravely affected the economy, as more than 80%
of Sudan's oil fields are located there. The situation was
further exacerbated by the continuing tensions between Sudan and
South Sudan.
The 27-year period of isolation left Sudan a diplomatic pariah
and blocked access to financial aid that it now urgently needs.
