Khartoum

Sudan's capital sits at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers, where the two streams merge to form the Nile proper — a geographic fact that has drawn settlers here since the Stone Age. The city became a capital during Egyptian-Ottoman rule in the early 19th century, and Anglo-Egyptian-era buildings survive at Khartoum University, the Finance Ministry, and along the Nile waterfront, some now open as public museums. A walkable centre with cafés and restaurants makes it a practical base for the wider region.

• Population1,974,647
• Nearest water from center 6.9 km4.3 mi
• Nearest mountain from center 12 km7.7 mi