Somalia

Country Somalia
Capital Mogadishu
Continent Africa
Currency Somali Shilling(SOS)
Languages Somali & Arabic

Mogadishu

Information

Introduction

Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed SIAD Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule that managed to impose a degree of stability in the country for more than two decades. After the regime's collapse early in 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. A two-year peace process, led by the Government of Kenya under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), concluded in October 2004 with the election of Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed as President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and the formation of an interim government, known as the Somalia Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs). The TFIs included a 275-member parliamentary body, known as the Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA). President YUSUF resigned late in 2008 while United Nations-sponsored talks between the TFG and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) were underway in Djibouti. In January 2009, following the creation of a TFG-ARS unity government, Ethiopian military forces, which had entered Somalia in December 2006 to support the TFG in the face of advances by the opposition Islamic Courts Union (ICU), withdrew from the country. The TFA was increased to 550 seats with the addition of 200 ARS and 75 civil society members of parliament. The expanded parliament elected Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed, the former CIC and ARS chairman as president on 31 January 2009, in Djibouti. Subsequently, President SHARIF appointed Omar Abdirashid ali SHARMARKE, son of a former president of Somalia, as prime minister on 13 February 2009. The TFIs are based on the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), which outlines a five-year mandate leading to the establishment of a new Somali constitution and a transition to a representative government following national elections. However, in January 2009 the TFA amended the TFC to extend TFG's mandate until 2011. While its institutions remain weak, the TFG continues to reach out to Somali stakeholders and to work with international donors to help build the governance capacity of the TFIs and to work toward national elections in 2011.

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References

Somalia - Wikipedia
Somalia - CIA World Fact Book
Somalia - BBC
Somalia - Timeline - BBC

Cities

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News Headlines

Google News
Egypt and Ethiopia’s Geostrategic Tug-of-War in Somalia - orfonline.orgEgypt and Ethiopia’s Geostrategic Tug-of-War in Somalia  orfonline.org

Somali TikTokers arrested for insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a dance video - BBCSomali TikTokers arrested for insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a dance video  BBC

Somalia Monthly Rainfall Performance, Jan 2006 - Aug 2025: Deviations from Short Term Averages - ReliefWebSomalia Monthly Rainfall Performance, Jan 2006 - Aug 2025: Deviations from Short Term Averages  ReliefWeb

Somalia launches historic national strategy to combat IED threat - africanews.comSomalia launches historic national strategy to combat IED threat  africanews.com

Climate resilience is key to peacebuilding in Somalia | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahClimate resilience is key to peacebuilding in Somalia | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

Badhaadhe Flash Flood advisory PSA No. 2 (Issued 17 Sep 2025) - ReliefWebBadhaadhe Flash Flood advisory PSA No. 2 (Issued 17 Sep 2025)  ReliefWeb

Shabelle Riverine Flood Advisory PSA No. 1 (Issued 17 Sep 2025) - ReliefWebShabelle Riverine Flood Advisory PSA No. 1 (Issued 17 Sep 2025)  ReliefWeb

IGAD population and migration statistics report, second edition | July 2025 - ReliefWebIGAD population and migration statistics report, second edition | July 2025  ReliefWeb

TIKA advances Somalia’s development with over 500 projects since 2011 | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahTIKA advances Somalia’s development with over 500 projects since 2011 | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

A two-way street: Reversing the brain drain in Somalia - UN NewsA two-way street: Reversing the brain drain in Somalia  UN News

Somalia Joins Global Leaders Network, Elevating Political Commitment to Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health - Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child HealthSomalia Joins Global Leaders Network, Elevating Political Commitment to Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health  Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Federal Republic of Somalia launches mass registration drive for its Digital ID - World Bank BlogsFederal Republic of Somalia launches mass registration drive for its Digital ID  World Bank Blogs

Counter-Terrorism Committee conducts assessment visit to Somalia - Welcome to the United NationsCounter-Terrorism Committee conducts assessment visit to Somalia  Welcome to the United Nations

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Somalia - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Somalia  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

“Somalia’s government once had no tires – now it just needs a jump-start” - UNDP“Somalia’s government once had no tires – now it just needs a jump-start”  UNDP

17 killed in flash floods in Somalia - Newsonair17 killed in flash floods in Somalia  Newsonair

To Halt the Jihadist Advance in Somalia, Work with Turkey and the UAE - The Washington InstituteTo Halt the Jihadist Advance in Somalia, Work with Turkey and the UAE  The Washington Institute

HH The Amir Receives President of Somalia - ??????? ???????HH The Amir Receives President of Somalia  ??????? ???????

Omar says Mace not ‘well or smart’ for suggesting ‘Somalia can take you back’ - The HillOmar says Mace not ‘well or smart’ for suggesting ‘Somalia can take you back’  The Hill

U.S. carries out strike against IS in Somalia - The HinduU.S. carries out strike against IS in Somalia  The Hindu

Evaluating Somalia’s humanitarian crisis (2021–2024): lessons for future action - World Health Organization (WHO)Evaluating Somalia’s humanitarian crisis (2021–2024): lessons for future action  World Health Organization (WHO)

When It Comes to Somalia, It’s Always Complicated - Council on Foreign RelationsWhen It Comes to Somalia, It’s Always Complicated  Council on Foreign Relations

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia - africom.milU.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia  africom.mil

Somalia, Saudi Arabia Sign Pact on AI and Space Technology - iAfrica.comSomalia, Saudi Arabia Sign Pact on AI and Space Technology  iAfrica.com

Top academic Amir: Somalia abandoned 'alone' before Türkiye's support came - TRT FrançaisTop academic Amir: Somalia abandoned 'alone' before Türkiye's support came  TRT Français

Universal health coverage in fragile and conflict-affected States: insights from Somalia - International Journal for Equity in HealthUniversal health coverage in fragile and conflict-affected States: insights from Somalia  International Journal for Equity in Health

Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Somalia - International Institute for Sustainable DevelopmentMining Policy Framework Assessment: Somalia  International Institute for Sustainable Development

Somalia: e-Visa disputed by Puntland and Somaliland - VisasNewsSomalia: e-Visa disputed by Puntland and Somaliland  VisasNews

Somalia and Saudi Arabia forge deal on AI and space technology - SatellitePro MESomalia and Saudi Arabia forge deal on AI and space technology  SatellitePro ME

React, rinse, repeat: How Europe can help break Somalia’s cycle of conflict | ECFR - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)React, rinse, repeat: How Europe can help break Somalia’s cycle of conflict | ECFR  European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Drought and dire hunger loom in Somalia, warns UN food agency WFP - UN NewsDrought and dire hunger loom in Somalia, warns UN food agency WFP  UN News

Response to Somalia’s 2021-24 drought: lessons learned - Welcome to the United NationsResponse to Somalia’s 2021-24 drought: lessons learned  Welcome to the United Nations

Power to the people; funding community-led development in Somalia - UN NewsPower to the people; funding community-led development in Somalia  UN News

Five Facts About Poverty in Somalia - World Bank BlogsFive Facts About Poverty in Somalia  World Bank Blogs

2025 News items - Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process - World Trade Organization2025 News items - Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process  World Trade Organization

Youth at the Heart of Peace: In Somalia, Over 700 Young People Step up to Lead - Welcome to the United NationsYouth at the Heart of Peace: In Somalia, Over 700 Young People Step up to Lead  Welcome to the United Nations

Climate change and migration dynamics in Somalia: a time series analysis of environmental displacement - FrontiersClimate change and migration dynamics in Somalia: a time series analysis of environmental displacement  Frontiers

This Somali Minnesotan is making his first international feature film - MPR NewsThis Somali Minnesotan is making his first international feature film  MPR News

Diphtheria cases spiralling in Somalia, health officials warn - The GuardianDiphtheria cases spiralling in Somalia, health officials warn  The Guardian

Dhows, Drones, and Dollars: Ansar Allah’s Expansion into Somalia - Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceDhows, Drones, and Dollars: Ansar Allah’s Expansion into Somalia  Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital: Advancing healthcare and brotherhood in Somalia - TRT FrançaisRecep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital: Advancing healthcare and brotherhood in Somalia  TRT Français

A security-development mission: How Europe can support the Ethiopia-Somalia trade corridor - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)A security-development mission: How Europe can support the Ethiopia-Somalia trade corridor  European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Somalia’s state-building project is in tatters - The EconomistSomalia’s state-building project is in tatters  The Economist

Empowering Somalia's economy beyond remittances for long-term stability - World Bank BlogsEmpowering Somalia's economy beyond remittances for long-term stability  World Bank Blogs

New e-Visa System in Somalia Streamlines Access for International Visitors - Travel And Tour WorldNew e-Visa System in Somalia Streamlines Access for International Visitors  Travel And Tour World

One optometrist’s mission to transform eye care in Somalia - World Health Organization (WHO)One optometrist’s mission to transform eye care in Somalia  World Health Organization (WHO)

Discussion Note: The Organisational Reset (July 2025) - ReliefWebDiscussion Note: The Organisational Reset (July 2025)  ReliefWeb

Ugbaad symbolizes hope: Somalia looks to boost climate resilient agriculture with new project - Food and Agriculture OrganizationUgbaad symbolizes hope: Somalia looks to boost climate resilient agriculture with new project  Food and Agriculture Organization

Somalia’s education crisis: why so few children attend school and what could be done to change that - The ConversationSomalia’s education crisis: why so few children attend school and what could be done to change that  The Conversation

Abdiweli M. Yusuf: Islamic State Financer Captured in Somalia - The Jamestown FoundationAbdiweli M. Yusuf: Islamic State Financer Captured in Somalia  The Jamestown Foundation

Somalia’s quiet transformation - Policy reforms, community resilience, and the road ahead - World Bank BlogsSomalia’s quiet transformation - Policy reforms, community resilience, and the road ahead  World Bank Blogs

AQAP Hails Attacks In Jerusalem & Somalia - MEMRIAQAP Hails Attacks In Jerusalem & Somalia  MEMRI

Somalia’s journey of hunger - UN World Food ProgrammeSomalia’s journey of hunger  UN World Food Programme

Under Trump, US strikes on Somalia have doubled since last year. Why? - Al JazeeraUnder Trump, US strikes on Somalia have doubled since last year. Why?  Al Jazeera

World News in Brief: Violence in Somalia, cholera in Haiti, tax support for sustainable development - UN NewsWorld News in Brief: Violence in Somalia, cholera in Haiti, tax support for sustainable development  UN News

'Breaking barriers': International student from Somalia hopes to inspire girls back home - University of Toronto'Breaking barriers': International student from Somalia hopes to inspire girls back home  University of Toronto

Disease spreads in Somalia as funding cuts leave 300,000 without safe water - nrc.noDisease spreads in Somalia as funding cuts leave 300,000 without safe water  nrc.no

Somalia resistance targets U.S. AFRICOM base over Gaza genocide - Workers WorldSomalia resistance targets U.S. AFRICOM base over Gaza genocide  Workers World

Somalia's hungry and most vulnerable: Child malnutrition surges amid clinic closures - International Committee of the Red CrossSomalia's hungry and most vulnerable: Child malnutrition surges amid clinic closures  International Committee of the Red Cross

FOCUS ON: How Somalia is advancing disaster preparedness through EW4All and beyond - UNDRRFOCUS ON: How Somalia is advancing disaster preparedness through EW4All and beyond  UNDRR

Somali people show 'great resilience' in fighting Al Shabab terrorists: Deputy PM Jama - TRT FrançaisSomali people show 'great resilience' in fighting Al Shabab terrorists: Deputy PM Jama  TRT Français

?Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Minister of Somalia Abdisalam Dhaay - fmprc.gov.cn?Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Minister of Somalia Abdisalam Dhaay  fmprc.gov.cn

Somalia pursues UN Water Convention accession for stronger water governance and development opportunities - UNECESomalia pursues UN Water Convention accession for stronger water governance and development opportunities  UNECE

Heavy rains cause flooding in Somalia’s Mogadishu, killing seven - Al JazeeraHeavy rains cause flooding in Somalia’s Mogadishu, killing seven  Al Jazeera

“There was no rain. We had to go.” - Surviving drought and displacement in Somalia - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations“There was no rain. We had to go.” - Surviving drought and displacement in Somalia  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Somalia: U.S. Confirms Airstrike Near Badhan Targeting Al-Shabaab Weapons Dealer - Horseed MediaSomalia: U.S. Confirms Airstrike Near Badhan Targeting Al-Shabaab Weapons Dealer  Horseed Media

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Documents Capture Of Town In Central Somalia; Claims Killing 61 Soldiers, Wounding 72 - MEMRIAl-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Documents Capture Of Town In Central Somalia; Claims Killing 61 Soldiers, Wounding 72  MEMRI

Somalia bans Taiwanese travellers citing 'one China' policy, ministry says - BBCSomalia bans Taiwanese travellers citing 'one China' policy, ministry says  BBC

A Comprehensive Study of Maize, Sorghum, and Cowpea Value Chains in Somaliland (May 2025) - ReliefWebA Comprehensive Study of Maize, Sorghum, and Cowpea Value Chains in Somaliland (May 2025)  ReliefWeb

Somalia’s thirst for survival: a deepening climate crisis - nrc.noSomalia’s thirst for survival: a deepening climate crisis  nrc.no

Somalia at a Crossroads: Resurgent Insurgents, Fragmented Politics, and the Uncertain Future of AUSSOM - Combating Terrorism Center at West PointSomalia at a Crossroads: Resurgent Insurgents, Fragmented Politics, and the Uncertain Future of AUSSOM  Combating Terrorism Center at West Point

How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia - The ConversationHow the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia  The Conversation

Somalia joins Afreximbank as it seeks to boost Intra-African trade and economic growth - African Export-Import BankSomalia joins Afreximbank as it seeks to boost Intra-African trade and economic growth  African Export-Import Bank

Somalia’s new e-Visa runs into federal turbulence - The EastAfricanSomalia’s new e-Visa runs into federal turbulence  The EastAfrican

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu and H.E. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), Minister of Internal Security of Somalia Jointly Announce the Launch of the Second Batch of Projects under Framework of “Action For A Mine-free Africa”_Ministry of Foreign - mfa.gov.cnChinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu and H.E. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), Minister of Internal Security of Somalia Jointly Announce the Launch of the Second Batch of Projects under Framework of “Action For A Mine-free Africa”_Ministry of Foreign  mfa.gov.cn

Somalia's construction boom in Mogadishu gives women high ambitions - BBCSomalia's construction boom in Mogadishu gives women high ambitions  BBC

‘I Will Never Run Against Him’: Somalia’s PM Affirms Loyalty to President Ahead of Polls - Garowe Online‘I Will Never Run Against Him’: Somalia’s PM Affirms Loyalty to President Ahead of Polls  Garowe Online

Turkish aid agency supports Somalia’s development through over 500 projects - Anadolu AjansiTurkish aid agency supports Somalia’s development through over 500 projects  Anadolu Ajansi

Somalia faces diphtheria surge amid vaccine shortages and aid cuts - ReutersSomalia faces diphtheria surge amid vaccine shortages and aid cuts  Reuters

Somalia Qahira Hotel attack: Al-Shabab siege ends leaving seven dead - BBCSomalia Qahira Hotel attack: Al-Shabab siege ends leaving seven dead  BBC

At least five dead after AU helicopter crashes at airport in Somalia - Al JazeeraAt least five dead after AU helicopter crashes at airport in Somalia  Al Jazeera

Scores killed in Somalia in clash between security forces, Islamic State - VOA - Voice of America English NewsScores killed in Somalia in clash between security forces, Islamic State  VOA - Voice of America English News

Somalia bans entry of Taiwan citizens in bid to please China: Taipei - Al JazeeraSomalia bans entry of Taiwan citizens in bid to please China: Taipei  Al Jazeera

Somalia at 65: what’s needed to address its dismal social development indicators - The ConversationSomalia at 65: what’s needed to address its dismal social development indicators  The Conversation

Government by social media in Somalia - The EconomistGovernment by social media in Somalia  The Economist

Rising Above Displacement: A Young Girl’s Vision to Improve Learning in Somalia’s Marginalized Communities - World BankRising Above Displacement: A Young Girl’s Vision to Improve Learning in Somalia’s Marginalized Communities  World Bank

World Report 2025: Rights Trends in Somalia - Human Rights WatchWorld Report 2025: Rights Trends in Somalia  Human Rights Watch

Hassan Sheikh says Somalia in talks with Puntland, Jubbaland to ease tensions - HiiraanHassan Sheikh says Somalia in talks with Puntland, Jubbaland to ease tensions  Hiiraan

Somalia faces escalating crisis amid drought, conflict and price hikes - UN NewsSomalia faces escalating crisis amid drought, conflict and price hikes  UN News

Musk says Starlink now available in Somalia - ReutersMusk says Starlink now available in Somalia  Reuters

Understanding Somalia’s Destruction - New Lines MagazineUnderstanding Somalia’s Destruction  New Lines Magazine

EUCAP Somalia and AGO Launch Internship Program for Young Law Graduates - EEASEUCAP Somalia and AGO Launch Internship Program for Young Law Graduates  EEAS

Green Climate Fund approves funding worth over $130 million for FAO-led projects in Somalia and Iraq - Food and Agriculture OrganizationGreen Climate Fund approves funding worth over $130 million for FAO-led projects in Somalia and Iraq  Food and Agriculture Organization

NRC Somalia Country Office Programme Update No. 15 (31st July 2025) - ReliefWebNRC Somalia Country Office Programme Update No. 15 (31st July 2025)  ReliefWeb

Ugandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia's Aden Adde airport in Mogadishu - BBCUgandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia's Aden Adde airport in Mogadishu  BBC

Breaking the silence: Somalia’s legislative journey to end female genital mutilation - UnicefBreaking the silence: Somalia’s legislative journey to end female genital mutilation  Unicef

Somali defense minister says relations with Türkiye at 'highest level' - Anadolu AjansiSomali defense minister says relations with Türkiye at 'highest level'  Anadolu Ajansi

Four TikTokers Arrested in Somalia for Allegedly Insulting President in Viral Dance Video - TekediaFour TikTokers Arrested in Somalia for Allegedly Insulting President in Viral Dance Video  Tekedia

Leyla was born into crisis – Drought and conflict in Somalia - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsLeyla was born into crisis – Drought and conflict in Somalia  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Why Donald Trump is on the warpath against Islamic State in Somalia - BBCWhy Donald Trump is on the warpath against Islamic State in Somalia  BBC