RUMBEK

town, capital of al-Buhayrah mudiriyah (province), Southern Region, southern Sudan, about 138 mi (222 km) northwest of Bor. Located at an elevation of 1,388 ft (423 m), it serves as an agricultural centre for the surrounding areas producing cassava durra (sorghum), pulses, and cereals; livestock is also raised. Cottage industries include leather tanning, and sawmills and woodworking. A road connects it with Tonj and it has a domestic airport. Rumbek is the headquarters of the Rumbek Rural Council, and of Lakes district. Pop. (1973) 17,748.