After elementary school, students may attend junior secondary schools for three years. Sudan has five universities. About 3 percent of all Sudanese receive education above secondary school. Most of the nation's adults cannot read or write. For Sudan's literacy rate, see .
Traditional handicrafts are the most common form of art in Sudan.
Some Sudanese writers have achieved recognition in other countries. Tayab Salih is probably Sudan's best-known writer. Two of his novels, The Wedding of Zein and Season of Migration to the North, have been translated into English. Land and climate Sudan covers a larger area than any other African country. Its area includes plains, swamps, and desert.