Marriage

Traditionally, the couple's parents arrange their children's marriages. Even among Sudanese who are more affluent and educated today, this is still the case. Matches between cousins, second cousins, and other family members are frequently formed; if not, at least matches between people from the same tribe and social status are made.

The talks are handled by the parents, and it's typical for the bride and groom to have never met before the wedding. The average age gap between a husband and wife is considerable. Before he can marry, a guy must be financially independent and able to support a family. He must be able to provide a suitable bride-price, which may include jewelry, clothing, furniture, and animals in some tribes.

Women in the middle class typically get married at age 19 or 20, after they graduate from high school; in poorer households or rural areas, the age is lower. In the past, polygyny was a popular practice. Even while divorce is still stigmatized, it is now more common than it formerly was. When a marriage is dissolved, the bride price is given back to the husband.