South Sudan

In Sudan, a predominantly Muslim country (over 97% Sunni), the Quran holds a central place in religious, educational, and cultural life. Traditional Quranic schools known as khalwas (or khalawi) number around 30,000 and serve over 100,000 students, focusing on memorizing the Quran, learning Arabic, and studying Islamic jurisprudence while often providing free food, shelter, and basic literacy. These institutions have deep historical roots and have continued operating even amid recent conflict, reflecting the strong emphasis on Quranic learning across Sudanese society. Sudanese Quran reciters have also gained international recognition for their distinctive styles.