Somalia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Somalia, State of Eastern Africa; 638,000 km², 15 million residents (2019).Somalia, located on the Horn of Africa, borders on the west to Ethiopia and Kenya and on the northwest to Djibouti and has a coast to the Indian Ocean to the east. In 1991, the northwestern parts declared themselves independent under the name Somaliland, but the republic has not been recognized diplomatically. The capital is Mogadishu (1.7 million residents, 2015).

Country facts

Jamhuriyadda Dimuqraadiqa ee Soomaaliya / Republic of Somalia
Country abbreviation: SO
Area: 638 000 km²
Population (2019): 15 million residents
Capital: Mogadishu
Main language: Somali
State: Republic
Head of State: Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (President)
Head of Government: Hassan Ali Kheyre
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 315
GNI per capita: no data available
Currency unit: 1 Somali shilling = 100 cents
Currency code: SOS
Country number (telephony): 252
Internet Domain Name: so
Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
National Day: July 1 (Founding State, 1960)

Nature

Land use: forest (25%), agricultural land (2%), other (73%)
Highest mountain: Surud Ad (2,416 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 24 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 3.2%; birth rate 42 ‰, death rate 11 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (47%), 15-64 (50%), 65- (3%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 55 years, women 58 years
Infant mortality (2019): 70 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 35 million residents
HDI: no data available
Urbanization rate (2019): 45%
Most populous city (2015): Mogadishu (1.76 million residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2013): agriculture (60%), industry (7%), service (33%)
Exports (2014): US $ 819 million
Main export products: live cattle, bananas
Main exporting countries: United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman
Imports (2014): US $ 3 482 million
Main import products: manufacturing, oil products, foodstuffs
Main importing countries: Djibouti, India. China
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography of Somalia

Location and Size

Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, a region at the eastern tip of the African continent. It is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Kenya to the southwest. To the north, Somalia has a long coastline along the Red Sea, and to the east, it faces the Indian Ocean. The country spans an area of approximately 637,657 square kilometers (246,201 square miles), making it the 43rd largest country in the world. Somalia’s strategic location along key maritime routes has historically given it great importance for trade, both in the past and in contemporary global commerce.

Somalia is one of the most arid countries in Africa, with a terrain that consists largely of semi-desert and desert. The country is characterized by its long coastline, which stretches for about 3,333 kilometers (2,070 miles), the longest in mainland Africa. Somalia also has various landforms, including plateaus, mountains, and valleys, which are often located in the central and northern regions. The capital city, Mogadishu, is situated on the Indian Ocean coast, serving as the nation’s largest city and economic hub.

Topography and Natural Features

Somalia’s topography is highly varied, with vast flat plains and hills in the central and southern parts, while the northern region, particularly the Puntland and Somaliland areas, is more mountainous. The highest point in Somalia is Mount Shimbiris, which reaches 2,416 meters (7,927 feet) in the northern part of the country. In the central region, the land becomes more arid and less suitable for agriculture, but it is still home to the nomadic pastoralists who rely on livestock.

Somalia’s coastline is one of its most valuable geographical assets. The coast provides access to rich marine resources, particularly fish, and has played a key role in trade and fishing industries. Somalia has a number of important rivers, with the Juba and Shabelle rivers being the most significant, running from the Ethiopian highlands into Somalia and providing vital water sources for agriculture in the southern parts of the country.

The country’s natural resources also include minerals, such as uranium and salt, though extraction has historically been limited due to ongoing political instability. The country’s arid climate, coupled with its vulnerability to droughts, also significantly impacts its agricultural and water resources, contributing to the challenges Somalia faces in terms of food security and sustainable development.

Climate of Somalia

Hot and Arid Climate

Somalia experiences a predominantly hot and arid climate, particularly in the northern and central regions, which are desert-like and receive very little rainfall. The average temperature in Somalia ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) year-round, with the coastal areas often experiencing higher humidity levels. In some inland areas, temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), especially during the hottest months of the year.

Rainy and Dry Seasons

Somalia has two main rainy seasons: the Gu season and the Deyr season. The Gu season lasts from April to June and is the primary rainy period, providing much-needed moisture for agriculture, particularly in the southern regions. However, rainfall during this season is often erratic, and while some years can see substantial rainfalls, others are marked by drought. The Deyr season, which occurs from October to December, brings lighter rains, particularly to the central and southern parts of the country. These rains also support agriculture but are less consistent than the Gu season.

The rest of the year, from January to March and July to September, is characterized by dry conditions, with some areas experiencing near-desert-like conditions. Droughts are common and can lead to significant food and water shortages, which in turn contribute to humanitarian crises. Somalia’s vulnerability to climate change, with rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall, is expected to exacerbate these challenges in the future.

Winds and Dust Storms

Somalia is subject to seasonal winds, such as the Shabelle winds, which bring moisture to the coastal regions during the rainy seasons. Dust storms, known as “Haboob,” are also common in the arid regions of the country, particularly during the dry season, reducing visibility and affecting health and agriculture. These storms can be intense and have significant environmental impacts, contributing to desertification and soil erosion.

People of Somalia

Population and Demographics

Somalia has an estimated population of approximately 16 million people, though precise figures are difficult to determine due to the challenges of conducting accurate censuses in the country. The population is ethnically homogeneous, with Somali people making up more than 85% of the population. The remaining 15% includes smaller ethnic groups, such as Bantu, Arabs, and various other groups.

Somali society is largely divided along clan lines, and these clans play a significant role in the country’s social, political, and economic structure. The major Somali clans include the Darod, Hawiye, Isaaq, and Rahanweyn, and clan loyalty often shapes social and political dynamics. Clan affiliations have historically been a major factor in Somalia’s internal conflicts, contributing to instability in the country.

Somalia has a relatively young population, with a large proportion under the age of 30. The country’s youth bulge presents both opportunities and challenges, as young people face difficulties in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. The country also has a significant diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, which has been an important source of remittances and support for the Somali economy.

Language and Religion

The official languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic. Somali, a Cushitic language, is spoken by the vast majority of the population and is the most widely used language in daily life. Arabic is important due to Somalia’s historical ties with the Arab world, particularly for religious and educational purposes, as Islam is the predominant religion.

Islam is the dominant faith in Somalia, with nearly 100% of the population identifying as Muslim, primarily Sunni. Islam plays a central role in the daily lives of Somalis, influencing cultural practices, legal systems, and societal norms. The country is known for its religious conservatism, and Islamic practices, including fasting during Ramadan and daily prayers, are integral to Somali society.

Education and Health

Somalia’s education system faces significant challenges due to years of civil unrest, limited infrastructure, and a lack of resources. While education is nominally free, many children, particularly in rural areas, do not have access to quality schooling. The literacy rate is low, especially among women, and educational opportunities remain limited, particularly in the northern and southern regions of the country.

Higher education in Somalia is offered by universities such as the Somali National University and several private institutions, though access to these institutions is often limited by conflict, economic instability, and lack of resources. Many young Somalis seek education and employment opportunities abroad, contributing to a brain drain that hinders the country’s development.

The healthcare system in Somalia is also underdeveloped, with many areas lacking basic health services. The country has a shortage of healthcare workers and medical facilities, and access to healthcare is often difficult, especially in rural areas. The country faces significant health challenges, including high maternal and infant mortality rates, the spread of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, and malnutrition. International organizations and NGOs play an important role in providing healthcare services and humanitarian aid in the country.

Economy of Somalia

Key Industries

Somalia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and fishing. Livestock farming, particularly camel, cattle, and goats, is central to the country’s economy, accounting for a large portion of both domestic consumption and exports. Somalia has some of the best livestock in the region, and the country is a significant exporter of animal products, particularly to the Middle East.

Agriculture is also an important sector, with crops such as maize, sorghum, bananas, and sugarcane grown in the more fertile southern regions, particularly along the Shabelle and Juba rivers. However, agricultural production is heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall, and the country’s vulnerability to droughts can lead to food insecurity. The fishing industry, benefiting from the rich marine resources off the coast, is another key component of the economy, though it remains underdeveloped due to poor infrastructure and challenges in regulating the sector.

Somalia’s mineral resources, including natural gas and oil, are largely untapped due to the lack of infrastructure and instability. However, the potential for future development in these areas remains significant if political stability and investments in infrastructure can be achieved.

Economic Challenges

Somalia faces numerous economic challenges, primarily due to the ongoing conflict, lack of governance, and the absence of a fully functioning national infrastructure. The country’s economic output remains low, and unemployment rates are high, particularly among the youth. Access to finance and credit is limited, and the formal economy is often overshadowed by informal markets.

The country’s vulnerability to droughts, floods, and other natural disasters exacerbates its economic difficulties, with agriculture being the most affected sector. Despite international assistance, Somalia continues to face challenges in improving food security, infrastructure, and access to basic services.

Somalia’s lack of political stability has discouraged foreign investment, though some businesses have emerged, particularly in the telecommunications and financial sectors. The country’s informal economy, which includes activities such as remittances from the Somali diaspora and smuggling, remains a significant source of income for many Somalis.

Government of Somalia

Political System

Somalia has experienced long periods of political instability, and its current political system is still evolving. The country is a federal republic, with a system of government based on the constitution adopted in 2012. The president of Somalia is the head of state and is elected by the Federal Parliament. The president has executive powers, including the appointment of the prime minister and the cabinet, though the country’s system is still heavily influenced by clan-based politics.

The Federal Parliament of Somalia is bicameral, consisting of the Upper House and the Lower House. The Lower House, made up of 275 members, is directly elected by the people, while the Upper House represents the various federal member states. The parliamentary system is designed to ensure representation of the various regions and clans of Somalia, although clan-based politics continue to play a major role in shaping the political landscape.

The government has made significant progress in establishing institutions of governance, but Somalia still faces challenges related to corruption, weak institutions, and the lack of rule of law in many parts of the country. The central government’s control is limited outside of the capital, with several regions, particularly Puntland, Somaliland, and Jubaland, maintaining varying degrees of autonomy.

Legal System

Somalia’s legal system is a mixture of Islamic law (Sharia), customary law (Xeer), and civil law. The country’s legal framework is shaped by its historical and religious context, with Islamic law serving as the foundation for family law, inheritance, and criminal justice in most areas. Customary law plays an important role in resolving disputes within Somali communities, especially in rural areas, and in the context of clan relationships.

The formal judicial system is still in the process of reconstruction after years of conflict. The courts are underfunded and lack resources, and the legal process is often delayed due to instability. In areas outside of the government’s control, traditional justice systems or local militias may have more authority than the state.

Culture of Somalia

Arts and Music

Somali culture is deeply rooted in oral traditions, with poetry, storytelling, and music playing central roles in the cultural expression of the people. Somali music is diverse, incorporating traditional rhythms and instruments such as the drum and oud, alongside more modern genres like hip-hop and reggae, especially among younger generations. Somali folk songs, known as buraanbur and dhaanto, are an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and are often performed during weddings and other ceremonies.

Somali literature is also rich, with a long tradition of poetry that dates back centuries. Somali poets have historically been regarded as highly respected figures within society, and their works often reflect themes of history, identity, and social issues. The written word, particularly in the form of poetry, continues to be a powerful means of expression in Somali society.

Festivals and Traditions

Somali culture is shaped by both Islamic traditions and pre-Islamic customs. Religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and visits to family members. These occasions often bring communities together and are significant times for socializing and sharing food.

Somalia also celebrates various local festivals, many of which are linked to agricultural cycles and clan-based events. Traditional ceremonies such as weddings, circumcision rites, and naming ceremonies are important cultural milestones, and they often include music, dance, and feasts that reflect Somali hospitality and pride in family traditions.

Cuisine

Somali cuisine is a blend of flavors influenced by Arab, Indian, and African culinary traditions. The staple food is xalwo (a sweet dessert), and canjeero (similar to sourdough flatbread) is commonly served with stews, meat, and vegetables. Meat, particularly goat, lamb, and beef, plays a significant role in Somali cuisine. Fish, especially tuna and shark, is also widely consumed due to the country’s coastal location.

The use of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander is common in Somali cooking, which gives many dishes a rich and aromatic flavor. Somali cuisine also incorporates a wide range of grains, particularly rice and pasta, and sambusa (a type of pastry filled with meat or vegetables) is a popular snack.