Sudan today -- Geography. The life blood of Sudan -- The Middle Nile -- Sudan's deserts -- The mountains of Sudan -- Hot and dry -- Varied wildlife -- Plant life -- Cities -- History. Developing trade routes -- Early civilizations -- Kingdoms -- The spread of Christianity -- The birth of Islam -- The colonial era -- Sudanese independence -- First civil war -- Military coup -- Second civil war -- South Sudan independence -- Unrest in Darfur -- Border conflict with Chad -- Government. A presidential republic -- The office of president -- The national legislature -- The courts -- Sudan's military -- State government -- Human rights -- Economy. Farming -- Animal husbandry -- The woods and rivers -- Getting around Sudan -- Industry -- Minerals -- Power -- Environment. Animal life -- Clean water -- A growing desert -- Lack of rain -- Sudanese. The northern peoples -- The western peoples -- The eastern peoples -- The southern peoples -- Clothing -- Lifestyle. Life in Khartoum -- Nomads -- In the South -- Family life -- Women's roles -- Medicine -- School -- Hunger -- Religion. Islam -- Animist religions -- Traditional healing -- Christianity in modern Sudan -- Language. The primary language -- African languages -- Literacy --- Sudanese media -- Arts. Ancient monuments -- Coptic art and architecture -- Architecture of modern Sudan -- Traditional crafts -- Storytelling -- Traditional music -- Modern music -- Leisure. Relaxation -- Popular sports -- Children at play -- Festivals. Islamic celebrations -- The ceremonies of northern Sudan -- Christmas -- Animist festivals -- Food. Fresh food -- Illegal alcohol -- Daily meals -- The feast -- Dining taboos -- The kitchen -- Map of Sudan -- About the economy -- About the culture -- Timeline -- Glossary.