From the Publisher: Amid Sudan's dark history, saturated with conflicts and tragic current events, lies a culture with deep roots, going back as far as 8000 BC. With several hundred ethnic groups and languages, Sudan is one of the world's most diverse countries. Learn how these cultures have blended and collided throughout the centuries, and examine how traditions and customs are kept alive today. Religious beliefs, social customs, arts, literature, and cuisine are among the topics discussed in this volume, which is ideal for high school and undergraduate students. Chapters include coverage on historical background, religions and worldviews, literature and media, art and architecture, cuisine and traditional dress, gender roles, marriage, and family, social customs, and music and dance. A timeline of key events and bibliographical essay including print and nonprint sources supplement the work. Despite a turbulent past, and in the face of the Darfur conflict, Sudanese culture and traditions live on in this essential reference volume, ideal for high school and undergraduate students.