Port Sudan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Port Sudan | |
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  Port Sudan
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country |  Sudan |
| State | Red Sea State |
| Population (2007) | |
| - Total | 489, 275 (est) |
Port Sudan (Arabic: بورتسودان) is the capital of Red Sea State, Sudan and has 489,725 residents (2007). Located on the Red Sea, it is the Republic of Sudan's main port city. The city is widely regarded, by many Sudanese, as having one of the highest quality of life of any city in the country.
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[edit] History
Port Sudan was founded by the British in 1909 as the terminus of a rail line linking the Red Sea to the River Nile. It served as a new modern port to replace Sawakin. The railroad was used to transport the nation's cotton and sesame seed, as well as sorghum, from the agriculturally rich areas of the Nile valley to export markets.
[edit] Tourism
Port Sudan is known among tourists for its excellent diving and beaches. Tourists also use Port Sudan as a departure point to cross the Red Sea to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
The city is a popular honeymoon location amongst Sudanese couples.
[edit] Economy
The harbour is in the mouth of a gulf continuing seaward through a coral-free channel 60–85 feet (18–26 m) deep. Imports include machinery, vehicles, fuel oil, and building materials. Cotton, gum arabic, oilseeds, hides and skins, and senna are the chief exports. Port Sudan has an oil refinery to handle the petroleum from onshore wells, as well as an oil pipeline to Khartoum that was completed in 1977.
Merowe Dam is expected to revive the economy of the city, since a major grid will boost the electricity supply of Port Sudan.
A rail line linking the Red Sea to the River Nile. The railroad was used to transport the nation's cotton and sesame seed from salt-evaporating pans.
[edit] Geography
Port Sudan has a near-desert climate, necessitating the acquisition of fresh water from Wadi Arba'at in the Red Sea Hills and from salt-evaporating pans.
The weather is uncomfortable in the summer due to heat and humidity, unlike most of Sudan rainfall is in the winter.
[edit] Demographics
The population, mainly Arab, includes the indigenous Beja, West Africans, and small minorities of Asians (mainly Chinese)and Europeans.
| Year | Population[1] |
|---|---|
| 1906[2] | 4.289 |
| 1941 | 26.255 |
| 1973 | 132.632 |
| 1983 | 209.938 |
| 1993 | 305.385 |
| 2007 Estimate | 489.275 |
[edit] Transportation
One of Sudan's major motorways, links Port Sudan to Khartoum via, Wad Medani, Gedaref, and Kassala. There is a major road that goes north to Halaib, but it's neglected.
Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) is located close to the city.
Destination:
[edit] References
- Arckell, A.J., UNESCO General History of Africa, History of Darfur 1200-1700 A.D. SNR.
- Encyclopædia Britannica, "Port Sudan" (description), 2007, webpage: EB-PortSudan.
