East Africa.

GMT + 3.

637,657 sq km (246,201 sq miles).

9.5 million (UN estimate 2002).

14.9 per sq km.

Mogadishu. Population: 1.2 million (UN estimate 2000, including suburbs).

Somalia is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Aden, to the south and west by Kenya, to the west by Ethiopia and to the northwest by Djibouti. To the east lies the Indian Ocean. Somalia is an arid country and the scenery includes mountains in the north, the flat semi-desert plains in the interior and the subtropical region in the south. Separated from the sea by a narrow coastal plain, the mountains slope south and west to the central, almost waterless plateau which makes up most of the country. The beaches are protected by a coral reef that runs from Mogadishu to the Kenyan border in the south. They are among the longest in the world. There are only two rivers, the Jubba and the Shabeelle, and both rise in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. Along their banks is most of the country’s agricultural land. The Somali population is concentrated in the coastal towns, in the wetter, northern areas and in the south near the two rivers. A large nomadic population is scattered over the interior, although drought in recent years has led to many settling as farmers or fishermen in newly formed communities.

In the main part of the country, a Transitional National Government was elected (see above) in July 2000 by representatives of the country’s major clans, political and religious movements. It comprises a 245-member assembly in which the main blocs are supporters of the United Somali Congress and the Somali National Movement. The government is led by Abdul-Qasim Salad Hassan and Ali Khalifa Galaid, who hold the titles of President and Prime Minister respectively. It has UN recognition but, if the 2004 accord holds, will be replaced under a new constitution.

The northern territory of Somaliland has seceded from the rest of the country and now functions as an independent state, although it has achieved little international recognition. A constitution has been introduced under which Somaliland is governed by an executive president, who is elected every five years, and a bicameral parliament. The parliament comprises the Golaha Wakiilada (House of Representatives), which is elected every five years, and the Golaha Guurtida (House of Elders), which represents traditional and clan leaders. Both houses have 82 members.

Somalia gained independence from the UK and Italy in 1960. At the Arta Peace Conference in August 2000, an interim Parliament was established. Executive President: Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed since 2004. Prime Minister: Ali Mohamed Ghedi since 2004. The northern part of the country declared itself independent as the Republic of Somaliland with Dahir Riyale Kahin as acting President since 2002, although it has achieved little international recognition.

Somali and Arabic are the official languages. Swahili is spoken, particularly in the south. English and Italian are also widely spoken.

The state religion is Islam and the majority of Somalis are Sunni Muslims. There is a small Christian community, mostly Roman Catholic.

Traditional dance, music, song and craftsmanship flourish despite gradual modern development. Informal wear is acceptable and there is no objection to bikinis on the beach. Visitors should respect local customs.

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