Sudanese Pound

Overview

The Sudanese Pound is the currency of the Republic of Sudan and is issued by the Central Bank of Sudan.

Both Arabic and English names for the denominations appear on the country's banknotes and coins. After the secession of its south regions, Sudan issued new banknotes on July 24, 2011, featuring a redrawn map of the country.

Coins issued include denominations in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 piasters, and 1 pound. Banknotes include denominations in1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pounds.

Economy

• Agricultural production employs 80% of the work force and contributes a third of GDP. However, much of this production is subsistence agriculture, so much of the population remains at or below the poverty line.
• With the succession of South Sudan, where three-fourths of Sudan's total oil production originated, oil earnings no longer provide Sudan with needed hard currency.
• The country has struggled to maintain economic stability. Recent removal of fuel subsidies and rising inflation have led to rowdy protests on the streets of Khartoum as of July, 2012 . with a government crackdown on protestors.

History

• The SDP Pound was replaced in 1992 by the Dinar (SDD) at a rate of 1 Dinar = 10 Pounds. The Dinar circulated in northern Sudan, but prices were still negotiated in pounds in southern Sudan. In other regions, the Kenyan Shilling was also used and accepted.
• The "second Pound" (SDG) was introduced after a peace agreement was reached between the Government of the Republic of The Sudan and The Sudan People's Liberation Movement. The new Sudanese Pound became legal tender on July 1, 2007.
• After the secession of South Sudan, Sudan issued new banknotes on July 24, 2011 ("the third Pound"). These banknotes lack symbols associated with the south, and feature a redrawn map of the country. They replaced 2 billion Sudanese Pounds in circulation. The value of the currency has fallen since its introduction due to worsening economic conditions.