The Sudan Handbook is an authoritative and accessible introduction to Sudan, written and edited by leading Sudanese and international specialists. The book springs from the success of the Rift Valley Institute Sudan Field Course, which has been held in Sudan since 2005. The Handbook offers a concise introduction to all aspects of the country, rooted in a broad historical account of the development of the Sudanese state. The handbook consists of eighteen self-contained, cross-referenced chapters, covering essential topics in the geography, history, sociology, culture and politics of the country, written by outstanding Sudanese scholars and recognized international experts. The book includes numerous purpose-drawn maps and diagrams, glossaries of key terms, capsule biographies of key figures, a chronology and a bibliography. The Sudan Handbook is designed as a compact and useable introduction to the understanding of contemporary Sudan, one that can also serve as a convenient reference work. It is vividly written, authoritative and non-partisan.