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

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Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital: Advancing healthcare and brotherhood in Somalia - TRT EspañolRecep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital: Advancing healthcare and brotherhood in Somalia  TRT Español

Somalia v Guinea: 'Playing for your country is the best feeling' - BBCSomalia v Guinea: 'Playing for your country is the best feeling'  BBC

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

Somaliland recognition for forced transfer of Palestinians? ‘Not worth it’ - Al JazeeraSomaliland recognition for forced transfer of Palestinians? ‘Not worth it’  Al Jazeera

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

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

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)

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

'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

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)

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

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

India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Somalia with 10 Tonnes of Medical Supplies: MEA - NewsonairIndia Sends Humanitarian Aid to Somalia with 10 Tonnes of Medical Supplies: MEA  Newsonair

Somalia condemns Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatari capital - Anadolu AjansiSomalia condemns Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatari capital  Anadolu Ajansi

How Somalia is unlocking opportunities with e-visas - TRT EspañolHow Somalia is unlocking opportunities with e-visas  TRT Español

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

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

Airstrikes on Al-Shabaab training camp in Somalia kill 12 terrorists - TRT EspañolAirstrikes on Al-Shabaab training camp in Somalia kill 12 terrorists  TRT Español

From Samsun to Somalia: Turkish graduate builds country’s major fragrance brand - TRT EspañolFrom Samsun to Somalia: Turkish graduate builds country’s major fragrance brand  TRT Español

Somalia: Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for a Modification of Quantitative Performance Criterion-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Somalia - International Monetary FundSomalia: Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for a Modification of Quantitative Performance Criterion-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Somalia  International Monetary Fund

Al-Shabaab expands territory in Somalia’s Hiran region amid government inaction - Somali GuardianAl-Shabaab expands territory in Somalia’s Hiran region amid government inaction  Somali Guardian

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

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

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)

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

Somali immigration agency ‘working very hard’ to fight extremism, cooperating with foreign partners - Anadolu AjansiSomali immigration agency ‘working very hard’ to fight extremism, cooperating with foreign partners  Anadolu Ajansi

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

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)

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

Somali forces kill mastermind of failed assassination attempt on President Hassan Sheikh - TRT EspañolSomali forces kill mastermind of failed assassination attempt on President Hassan Sheikh  TRT Español

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

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

Somalia — Emergency Trend Tracking Report — Week 27 (September 2025) - ReliefWebSomalia — Emergency Trend Tracking Report — Week 27 (September 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

Abdalle Mumin v. Somalia: Somali Authorities Target Journalist for Activism - Robert F. Kennedy Human RightsAbdalle Mumin v. Somalia: Somali Authorities Target Journalist for Activism  Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

Uganda vs Somalia – How to Watch & Score Prediction - Morocco World NewsUganda vs Somalia – How to Watch & Score Prediction  Morocco World News

Somalia - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsSomalia  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

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

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

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

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

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al Shabaab - africom.milU.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al Shabaab  africom.mil

Somaliland: The Horn of Africa’s Breakaway State - Council on Foreign RelationsSomaliland: The Horn of Africa’s Breakaway State  Council on Foreign Relations

African Union Launches New Mission in Somalia to Counter Terrorism and Stabilize Security - ShiaWavesAfrican Union Launches New Mission in Somalia to Counter Terrorism and Stabilize Security  ShiaWaves

WFP Somalia Country Brief, July 2025 - ReliefWebWFP Somalia Country Brief, July 2025  ReliefWeb

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

Somalia & Somaliland - August 2025 Snapshot Report - ReliefWebSomalia & Somaliland - August 2025 Snapshot Report  ReliefWeb

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

Somalia’s exports are threatened by climate change and conflict: what 30 years of data tell us - The ConversationSomalia’s exports are threatened by climate change and conflict: what 30 years of data tell us  The Conversation

Ethiopia/Somalia • Somali president keeps Addis guessing over GERD inauguration - Africa IntelligenceEthiopia/Somalia • Somali president keeps Addis guessing over GERD inauguration  Africa Intelligence

Somalia National Day - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Somalia National Day  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

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

HH The Amir Receives Phone Call from Somali President - ??????? ???????HH The Amir Receives Phone Call from Somali President  ??????? ???????

Somalia’s president to attend Ethiopia dam inauguration as Egypt watches warily - Somali GuardianSomalia’s president to attend Ethiopia dam inauguration as Egypt watches warily  Somali Guardian

How Somali passport is gaining strength in global rankings - TRT EspañolHow Somali passport is gaining strength in global rankings  TRT Español

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

From Germany, 'war influencers' incite violence in Somalia - DWFrom Germany, 'war influencers' incite violence in Somalia  DW

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

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

A Grandmother’s Relactation Success in Somalia - Action Against HungerA Grandmother’s Relactation Success in Somalia  Action Against Hunger

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

Uganda Cranes coach Put praises team after stopping Somalia - cecafaUganda Cranes coach Put praises team after stopping Somalia  cecafa

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

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

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

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

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

FIFA World Cup 2026: Somalia warm up for crucial qualifying match against Guinea - TRT EspañolFIFA World Cup 2026: Somalia warm up for crucial qualifying match against Guinea  TRT Español

U.S. and Partner Forces Respond to Indirect Fire Near Kismayo, Somalia - africom.milU.S. and Partner Forces Respond to Indirect Fire Near Kismayo, Somalia  africom.mil

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

IOM's Shelter and NFIs activities supporting humanitarian and early recovery operations in Somalia - ReliefWebIOM's Shelter and NFIs activities supporting humanitarian and early recovery operations in Somalia  ReliefWeb

Rooted in hope - UNDPRooted in hope  UNDP

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

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

Somalia attempting to speed up fishery infrastructure improvements after China eliminates tariffs on African goods - SeafoodSourceSomalia attempting to speed up fishery infrastructure improvements after China eliminates tariffs on African goods  SeafoodSource

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

2025 - Anticipatory action in Somalia: evidence and lessons learned from 2023 and 2024 activations - UN World Food Programme2025 - Anticipatory action in Somalia: evidence and lessons learned from 2023 and 2024 activations  UN World Food Programme

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

WHO EMR Polio Bulletin Issue No. 1405, Week 36 (ending on 07/09/2025 - ReliefWebWHO EMR Polio Bulletin Issue No. 1405, Week 36 (ending on 07/09/2025  ReliefWeb

Climate shock and water crisis in Somalia: the human and environmental consequences - The London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineClimate shock and water crisis in Somalia: the human and environmental consequences  The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

US strikes in Somalia killed ‘key’ ISIL figures, says regional government - Al JazeeraUS strikes in Somalia killed ‘key’ ISIL figures, says regional government  Al Jazeera

Senior ISIL Somalia commander captured in Puntland - Al JazeeraSenior ISIL Somalia commander captured in Puntland  Al Jazeera

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

Somalia s climate calamity: a nation adrift - nrc.noSomalia s climate calamity: a nation adrift  nrc.no

Illuminating the past: Mogadishu’s lighthouse leads a heritage revival in Somalia - UNESCOIlluminating the past: Mogadishu’s lighthouse leads a heritage revival in Somalia  UNESCO

Bangladesh, Kenya, Madagascar, Somalia, and Sri Lanka is Now Experiencing Outbreaks of Chikungunya Continues to Spread: Here is What You Need to Know - Travel And Tour WorldBangladesh, Kenya, Madagascar, Somalia, and Sri Lanka is Now Experiencing Outbreaks of Chikungunya Continues to Spread: Here is What You Need to Know  Travel And Tour World

Kenya Population Movement - DREF Operation (MDRKE067) - ReliefWebKenya Population Movement - DREF Operation (MDRKE067)  ReliefWeb

Ethiopia-Somalia tension: Dispute resolved according to Somali foreign minister - BBCEthiopia-Somalia tension: Dispute resolved according to Somali foreign minister  BBC

Somalia’s president holds ‘fruitful talks’ with Ethiopia’s PM - Somali GuardianSomalia’s president holds ‘fruitful talks’ with Ethiopia’s PM  Somali Guardian

Somalia's camel milk revolution helps boost health, jobs - DWSomalia's camel milk revolution helps boost health, jobs  DW

Trump is blasting away at Somalia with zero effect - Responsible StatecraftTrump is blasting away at Somalia with zero effect  Responsible Statecraft

Drought and funding gaps deepen Somalia’s malnutrition crisis - MSFDrought and funding gaps deepen Somalia’s malnutrition crisis  MSF

Al-Shabab battles Somalia’s army for strategic military base - Al JazeeraAl-Shabab battles Somalia’s army for strategic military base  Al Jazeera

Somalia: Drought, conflict and high food prices could push 4.4 million people into hunger, the Federal Government of Somalia and UN warn - UnicefSomalia: Drought, conflict and high food prices could push 4.4 million people into hunger, the Federal Government of Somalia and UN warn  Unicef

This Aspiring Nation Wants to Be Trump's New Weapon Against China in Africa - NewsweekThis Aspiring Nation Wants to Be Trump's New Weapon Against China in Africa  Newsweek

Egypt, Ethiopia in Somalia war games as Jubbaland tests Kenya - The EastAfricanEgypt, Ethiopia in Somalia war games as Jubbaland tests Kenya  The EastAfrican

The US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high - Atlantic CouncilThe US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high  Atlantic Council