Mother Earth Travel > Country Index > Sudan > Map Economy History |
| Economy - overview: Sudan is buffeted by civil war, chronic
instability, adverse weather, weak world agricultural prices, a drop in
remittances from abroad, and counterproductive economic policies. The
private sector's main areas of activity are agriculture (which employs 80%
of the work force), trading, and light industry which is mostly processing
of agricultural goods. Most of the 1990s were characterized by sluggish
economic growth as the IMF suspended lending, declared Sudan a
non-cooperative state, and threatened to expel Sudan from the IMF.
Starting in 1997, Sudan began implementing IMF macroeconomic reforms which
have successfully stabilized inflation at 10% or less. Sudan continues to
have limited international credit resources as over 75% of Sudan's debt of
$24.9 billion is in arrears and Khartoum's continued prosecution of the
civil war works to isolate Sudan. In 1999, Sudan began exporting oil and
in 1999-2000 had recorded its first trade surpluses. Current oil
production stands at 185,000 barrels per day, of which about 70% is
exported and the rest refined for domestic consumption. Despite its many
infrastructure problems, Sudan's increased oil production, the return of
regular rainfall, and recent investments in irrigation schemes should
allow the country to achieve economic growth of 6% in 2001. GDP: purchasing power parity -
$35.7 billion (2000 est.) SOURCE: The World Factbook |
Mother Earth Travel > Country Index > Sudan > Map Economy History