The Republic of Sudan is the largest Arab country by area, as well as the largest in Africa.  In spite of headlines focused on internal strife, atrocities and conflict in Darfur, Sudan is gradually turning around its economy with growth-oriented, IMF-mandated infrastructure investments and economic policies.  Sudan began exporting crude oil in 1999 and has increased production to 500,000 bbl/d since the completion of an oil pipeline three years ago.

As oil revenues revitalize local light industry and expand export processing zones, annual real GDP growth rates are reaching the highest levels of the Arab world.  Chinese energy firms such as PetroChina and Sinopec are aggressively exploring for petroleum in Sudan, while Western firms with small stakes there - such as BP's 2 percent stake in PetroChina - have come under heavy pressure to divest from Sudan.

Links

Sudanese Businessmen and Employers Federation
CIA Factbook
World Bank
Embassy in the U.S.
U.S. Embassy in Sudan