Khartoum

Overview

Khartoum is the capital of Sudan and a port at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers. Founded in 1821 as an Egyptian army camp, Khartoum developed as a trade center and slave market.

The name Khartoum means 'Elephant's trunk'. The most interesting part for the visitor is the colonial downtown. Besides that there is not much to see although Khartoum is Sudan's second largest city and its administrative center. Food, beverages, cotton, gum, and oilseeds are processed in the city. Manufactures include cotton textiles, knitwear, glass, and tiles. Construction of an oil pipeline between Khartoum and

Port Sudan was completed in 1977. Khartoum is a railroad hub and is connected by road to the heart of the adjacent cotton-growing region. The city also has an international airport.

History