Khartoum

Khartoum is the capital and largest city of Sudan, located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. It serves as the administrative center of Khartoum State and forms the core of the greater Khartoum metropolitan area, which includes the adjacent cities of Omdurman and Bahri (Khartoum North).

Geography and urban layout: The city sits on the banks of the Nile and is connected to the other Nile towns by several bridges. The tri-city area has long been Sudan’s political and economic heart, with the central district near the river hosting government offices, banks, and commercial activity, while Omdurman contains historic markets, mosques, and cultural sites.

History: Khartoum traces its modern origins to the 1821 Egyptian-Ottoman conquest. It developed as the capital of the late 19th and early 20th century regimes and became the capital of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan after 1899. The city grew rapidly after independence in 1956 but has faced periods of political instability and conflict in recent decades, with humanitarian impacts.

Economy and infrastructure: Khartoum is Sudan’s political and economic center, housing ministries, financial institutions, manufacturing, and service industries. It is home to the University of Khartoum and other higher education institutions. Transportation links include the international airport, road networks, and river connections, reinforcing the city’s role as a national transport hub.

Climate and demographics: Khartoum has a hot desert climate with very hot summers, mild winters, and low rainfall. The metropolitan population is several million, with Arabic as the dominant language and Islam the main religion; English is widely used in administration and education.

---