Time Zone |
Africa/Juba |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Asia/Damascus |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile State in South Sudan, located on the east bank of the White Nile River, about 650 kilometers from the capital, Juba. As an important river port city in South Sudan, it was once an oil industry hub, connecting oil-producing regions such as Bentiu. The city has a population of about 150,000 (2014 estimate), and is predominantly Dinka, with residents mostly engaged in fishing, agriculture, and trade.
Malakal is situated on a swampy plain and often faces the threat of flooding during the rainy season. The economy was once dependent on oil transportation, but the civil war (2013-2020) led to the closure of oil fields and destruction of infrastructure. Currently subsisting on local markets, Nile fishing and small-scale agriculture, the rebuilt port is a key node for transportation of goods.
The city was a strategic location during the Sudanese civil war and became the disputed site of the interim capital after the independence of South Sudan in 2011. Affected by the conflict in recent years, it has suffered from a severe humanitarian crisis and is dependent on the United Nations and aid organizations for support. As the peace process advances, Malakal is gradually regaining its function as a regional trade center.
Aleppo, a historic city in northern Syria, is located in Aleppo province near the Turkish border and was once an important trading hub on the ancient Silk Road. This ancient city of more than 8,000 years incorporates the imprints of Arab, Persian, and Roman civilizations, and its magnificent citadel, ancient mosques, and traditional bazaars (such as the Great Market of Aleppo) showcase a rich cultural heritage. As one of the largest cities in Syria, Erek has long been a regional economic and cultural center throughout its history, and despite the damage caused by the conflict in recent years, its unique architectural and human heritage continues to attract the world's attention, and it is now gradually moving towards recovery and reconstruction.