Sudan is one of the largest and most diverse countries in Africa. It ranges from desert in the north to rainforests in the south. The country has been regularly affected by conflict, with two north-south civil wars and an ongoing continuing conflict in the western region of Darfur.
Around 4.7 million people have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Darfur, with a further 2.7 million forced to leave their homes. In March 2009, the Government of Sudan expelled 16 charities and non-governmental organisations, which has hindered humanitarian operations in Darfur. Those organisations that remained, including UNICEF, have strived to meet the most urgent needs of people in Darfur and Sudan as a whole.
On July 9, South Sudan will become independent from the north, part of a 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement to end the two-decade-long war between the two regions, which has claimed over two million lives. Read more about South Sudan here.
