The Kordofan region, which was formerly part of the Sudan, is a vast area of desert and semi-desert. It is inhabited by a number of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, including the Kababish, the Baggara, and the Hawawir. These tribes are primarily pastoralists, raising cattle, sheep, and goats. The region is also home to a number of important towns and cities, such as El Obeid, the provincial capital, and Kadugli.