Sudan is a federal presidential republic with a dominant party. In terms of political and civil liberties, Sudan ranks third. Citizens in Sudan enjoy little or no civil liberties and political rights. Citizens are not free to express themselves and enjoy neither political freedom nor representative government. Countries with this political situation are dangerous for investment as an authoritarian government may have excessive control over economic affairs. The head of government is Omar al-Bashir.

According to the World Bank Group, Sudan's Government Effectiveness Index stands at -1.61. This indicates that the Sudanese government is very ineffective. The government is unable to provide civil and public services to its citizens and has fostered a situation that is causing political and social unrest. In Sudan, legislative power rests with a national legislature. The Global Peace Index (GPI) for Sudan is 3.295. The strength of the Legal Rights Index for Sudan is 3. Overall, it is considered to be rather weak – bankruptcy and collateral laws can protect the rights of borrowers and lenders to some extent; Credit information may be sufficient but scarcely available or, conversely, available but not sufficient. In 2013, Sudan received US$983.2 million in foreign aid. In 2014, foreign aid amounted to $1123.5. Sudan is a member of the United Nations (UN). On November 12, 1956, it joined the United Nations as a full member. Sudan is a member of the World Bank.