Darfur, Sudan
Michelle LinJuly 27, 2010
Professor SchmidtGeography 1
Environment
Located in Sudan, Africa Has plateaus, gozes,
wadis, basement rocks, and a mountain range known an Marrah Mountain
Tropical climate: hot, moist summers (110 degrees F), and cold winters (40 degree F)
Receives more than 40 inches of rain each year
Sand storms known as the Haboobs
Region
Darfur is a region itself in Sudan
Split politically into three federal states by the Transnational Darfur Regional Authority
Gharb Darfur (west), Junub Darfur (north), and Shamal Darfur (south)
Capitals: Al-Junaynah, Al-Fashir, and Nyala, respectively
Economy
Developing nation Economy based on
agriculture and livestock
Raise cattle, sheep, and goat; all raised in the north
Live their lives as farmers and herders
Exports & Imports
Exports include cereal, fruits, and tobacco
Imports are received from the United Nations which provide food, shelter, and medical aid
Imports are received due to the ongoing genocide occurring today
Government
Since Darfur is a region not a country it does not have its’ own government
It is ran by two groups, the Sudanese government and the Resistance
Caused an ongoing civil war
Began when the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement began attacking the Sudanese government. Accusing them of favoring Arabs over non-Arabs
Darfur Genocide
Began in February 2003 Janjaweed attack villages,
and certain ethnic groups Coutnless casualties, 400
villages destroyed, and 400,000 lives were lost
Men are shot, and women and children are ganged raped, and killed
Out of 6 million people 4.7 million are affected
United States calls it a genocide and the United Nations call is the worse humanitarian crisis
Still continues today
World Systems
Peripheral region Disadvantage with trading
amongst other countries because of their lack of technology and corrupt government
Not part of any trade agreements since it is region. All trading acts are with Sudan as a country
United Nations helps Darfur due to the ongoing genocide.
Provide food, shelter, and medical aid
People of Darfur
Divided into different tribes
There are 6 main tribes: Fur, Zaghawa, Masalit, Sharafa, Rizeigat, and Taisha
Differences are whether they are Arab or non-Arab
All are of African descent, but different tribes may speak different languages
Population
6 million people Population
shrinking due to ongoing genocide
Religion
Significant in Darfur Part of their everyday
lives and traditions Nearly everyone is
Muslim Known to have some
of the most devout Muslims
65% of the civilians practice Islam
Why I Chose Darfur
Joined “Save Darfur” club in high school
Learned about the tragedies of Darfur
Raised money to help
Save Darfur, STAND, Amnesty, etc.