In Sudan, where Eid preparations begin in late Ramadan, about 97 percent of the population is Muslim.
That figure describes Sudan’s religious makeup and helps explain why Eid al-Fitr is such a major public occasion there. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and is traditionally celebrated with communal prayers, visiting relatives, special foods, new clothes, and charitable giving.
Most Muslims in Sudan are Sunni Muslims, with many following the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence. Sufi traditions have also played an important role in Sudanese religious and cultural life. The remaining population includes Christians and followers of traditional or indigenous beliefs.
A common source of confusion is the distinction between Sudan and South Sudan. South Sudan became independent in 2011 and has a substantially different religious profile. Population percentages can also vary by census date and methodology, so 97 percent should be understood as a widely cited estimate rather than a permanently fixed count.