69 years ago today, on January 1, 1956 (November 19, 1955 lunar calendar), Sudan became independent. Sudanese flag On January 1, 1956, the East African country Sudan (the Republic of Sudan, TheRepublicoftheSudan) won independence. Area: 2.5058 million square kilometers. Population: 35.392 million (2005 estimate). There are 19 ethnic groups and 597 tribes in the country. Blacks make up 52%, Arabs 39%, Beja 6%, and other races 3%. The population of the southern region accounts for about 20% of the total population. Arabic is the official language and the speakers make up 60% of the total population. General English. More than 70% of the residents believe in Islam, mostly Sunni, mainly living in the north. The residents of the south mostly believe in primitive tribal religions and fetishism, and only 5% believe in Christianity. Most of them live in the south and the capital Khartoum. In 1899, Britain and Egypt signed an agreement to co-manage Sudan, and Sudan effectively became a British colony. At the end of 1945, the Sudanese National Party was established, advocating independence through consultation with the United Kingdom. In 1948, the Sudanese people boycotted the legislative assembly elections organized by the colonial authorities. Workers continued to go on large-scale strikes. In November 1950, the Sudanese Federation of Trade Unions was established. In October 1951, Egypt announced the abolition of the 1899 Anglo-Egyptian agreement to co-manage Sudan. The Sudanese people demonstrated, demanding the withdrawal of British troops and the independence of Sudan. In January 1954, the National Union Party won the parliamentary election and formed the Sudanese National Government. In December 1955, the upper and lower houses of the Sudanese parliament passed a resolution to declare independence. On December 31, the parliament passed an interim constitution. The following year, independence was officially declared on New Year's Day. Map of Sudan