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

Links

News Headlines

Google News
Localisation of Environment in Humanitarian Action (LEHA) Localised Training Material for Somalia - ReliefWebLocalisation of Environment in Humanitarian Action (LEHA) Localised Training Material for Somalia  ReliefWeb

AU Approves $10 Million to Support New Somalia Peace Mission Amid Funding Shortfalls - Garowe OnlineAU Approves $10 Million to Support New Somalia Peace Mission Amid Funding Shortfalls  Garowe Online

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

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

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

Ugandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia's Mogadishu airport, five dead - ReutersUgandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia's Mogadishu airport, five dead  Reuters

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

Analyzing factors affecting age at first birth among married women in Somalia: a Bayesian shared frailty modelling approach using SDHS 2020 - BMC Women's HealthAnalyzing factors affecting age at first birth among married women in Somalia: a Bayesian shared frailty modelling approach using SDHS 2020  BMC Women's Health

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

Al-Shabaab claims attack on Somalia military training school - Euronews.comAl-Shabaab claims attack on Somalia military training school  Euronews.com

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)

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

Is Israel heading for Somalia-style collapse? | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahIs Israel heading for Somalia-style collapse? | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

Trump should end the ‘forever war’ in Somalia - The HillTrump should end the ‘forever war’ in Somalia  The Hill

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

Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Sudan, Somalia - OCHAToday's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Sudan, Somalia  OCHA

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

Al-Shabab group claims responsibility for explosion at a military training school in Somalia - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and VideosAl-Shabab group claims responsibility for explosion at a military training school in Somalia  ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

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

Somalia: 3 killed in African Union helicopter crash - DWSomalia: 3 killed in African Union helicopter crash  DW

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

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)

Security forces kill at least 13 terrorists in Somalia - Anadolu AjansiSecurity forces kill at least 13 terrorists in Somalia  Anadolu Ajansi

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

Enhancing Climate Resilience in Somalia: Insights from the Gu 2025 Seasonal Outlook Forum - World Meteorological Organization WMOEnhancing Climate Resilience in Somalia: Insights from the Gu 2025 Seasonal Outlook Forum  World Meteorological Organization WMO

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)

Al-Shabab claims responsibility for an explosion at a Somalia military training school - AP NewsAl-Shabab claims responsibility for an explosion at a Somalia military training school  AP News

Displaced women in Somalia overcome drought and reclaim their independence - SOS Children's Villages CanadaDisplaced women in Somalia overcome drought and reclaim their independence  SOS Children's Villages Canada

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

Statement delivered by Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council briefing on Yemen - The America TimesStatement delivered by Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council briefing on Yemen  The America Times

Farming without soil helps to tackle Somalia's hunger crisis - DWFarming without soil helps to tackle Somalia's hunger crisis  DW

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

Airstrike kills at least 7 al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia’s Hiraan region - Anadolu AjansiAirstrike kills at least 7 al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia’s Hiraan region  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

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

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

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

Ethiopia/Somalia : End of the line for the Ankara process - Africa IntelligenceEthiopia/Somalia : End of the line for the Ankara process  Africa Intelligence

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

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

Exercise Green Shield – A Joint Step Toward Somalia’s Safer Future - EEASExercise Green Shield – A Joint Step Toward Somalia’s Safer Future  EEAS

African Union helicopter crashes in Mogadishu airport in Somalia | World News - Hindustan Times - Hindustan TimesAfrican Union helicopter crashes in Mogadishu airport in Somalia | World News - Hindustan Times  Hindustan Times

Al-Shabaab Claims Recapture of Tardo Village in Somalia’s Hiran Region - Garowe OnlineAl-Shabaab Claims Recapture of Tardo Village in Somalia’s Hiran Region  Garowe Online

Midwives are saving lives in Somalia, no matter the circumstances - United Nations Population FundMidwives are saving lives in Somalia, no matter the circumstances  United Nations Population Fund

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

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

Mapping Gulf State Actors’ Expanding Engagements in East Africa - Africa Center for Strategic StudiesMapping Gulf State Actors’ Expanding Engagements in East Africa  Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Uganda’s army chief urges troop withdrawal from Somalia, citing alleged U.S.-Al-Shabaab talks - Somali GuardianUganda’s army chief urges troop withdrawal from Somalia, citing alleged U.S.-Al-Shabaab talks  Somali Guardian

Somalia: 2024 Article IV Consultation and Second Review Under the Extended Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Somalia - International Monetary Fund (IMF)Somalia: 2024 Article IV Consultation and Second Review Under the Extended Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Somalia  International Monetary Fund (IMF)

“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

Uganda military chief calls for withdrawal of AU forces from Somalia - Garowe OnlineUganda military chief calls for withdrawal of AU forces from Somalia  Garowe Online

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

Women Break Gender Barriers in Somalia’s Construction Industry - World BankWomen Break Gender Barriers in Somalia’s Construction Industry  World Bank

An African Union military helicopter crashes in Somalia's capital, killing at least 3 - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and VideosAn African Union military helicopter crashes in Somalia's capital, killing at least 3  ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

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

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

Somalia chairs 25th Horn of Africa finance ministers meeting in Nairobi - HiiraanSomalia chairs 25th Horn of Africa finance ministers meeting in Nairobi  Hiiraan

Three Years of Somalia’s ‘Total War’: How Mogadishu’s Al-Shabaab offensive unraveled - Addis StandardThree Years of Somalia’s ‘Total War’: How Mogadishu’s Al-Shabaab offensive unraveled  Addis Standard

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 Seeks Stronger Digital Cooperation with Global Partners - We are TechSomalia Seeks Stronger Digital Cooperation with Global Partners  We are Tech

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 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

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

Egypt, Somalia leaders discuss strategic partnership, counterterrorism in New Alamein - DailynewsegyptEgypt, Somalia leaders discuss strategic partnership, counterterrorism in New Alamein  Dailynewsegypt

Somalia: Flash Update No.1 Clashes in Moqokori, Hiraan region (As of 10 July 2025) - ReliefWebSomalia: Flash Update No.1 Clashes in Moqokori, Hiraan region (As of 10 July 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

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

Russia, Myanmar, Somalia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Venezuela Designated Extreme Risk Zone as US Urges Citizens to Cancel All Travel Plans This Summer: Here’s What Travelers Need to Know - Travel And Tour WorldRussia, Myanmar, Somalia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Venezuela Designated Extreme Risk Zone as US Urges Citizens to Cancel All Travel Plans This Summer: Here’s What Travelers Need to Know  Travel And Tour World

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

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

UNHCR Somalia : Escalating Conflict Between Government Forces and Non-State Armed Groups Displaces Thousands in Bulo-Burte, Hiraan Region - Flash Alert #10 | July 2025 - ReliefWebUNHCR Somalia : Escalating Conflict Between Government Forces and Non-State Armed Groups Displaces Thousands in Bulo-Burte, Hiraan Region - Flash Alert #10 | July 2025  ReliefWeb

Helicopter on African Union mission crashes in Somalia, killing 5 Ugandan soldiers - AP NewsHelicopter on African Union mission crashes in Somalia, killing 5 Ugandan soldiers  AP News

Voices at the margin: Minorities, Women, PLWD and Survivors disproportionately affected - Quarterly Deep Dive (April to June 2025) - ReliefWebVoices at the margin: Minorities, Women, PLWD and Survivors disproportionately affected - Quarterly Deep Dive (April to June 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

Somalia-Ethiopia Maritime Deal Reportedly Collapses as Mogadishu Warms to Cairo, Ankara - DNE AfricaSomalia-Ethiopia Maritime Deal Reportedly Collapses as Mogadishu Warms to Cairo, Ankara  DNE Africa

US strikes stronghold of Islamic State affiliate in Somalia - VOA - Voice of America English NewsUS strikes stronghold of Islamic State affiliate in Somalia  VOA - Voice of America English News

Somalia - General DebateSomalia  General Debate

Five killed as military helicopter crashes at airport in Somalia - Telangana TodayFive killed as military helicopter crashes at airport in Somalia  Telangana Today

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

Somalia Independence Day Message from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission - African UnionSomalia Independence Day Message from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission  African Union

Engaging Al-Shabaab in Somalia: Military Failures and the Merits of Dialogue - Middle East Council on Global AffairsEngaging Al-Shabaab in Somalia: Military Failures and the Merits of Dialogue  Middle East Council on Global Affairs

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

Dowladda Somalia oo shaacisay in 15 kamid ah Alshabab lagu diley duqayn diyaaradeed. - Horseed MediaDowladda Somalia oo shaacisay in 15 kamid ah Alshabab lagu diley duqayn diyaaradeed.  Horseed Media

Ethiopia and Somalia on the Edge of War - Middle East Council on Global AffairsEthiopia and Somalia on the Edge of War  Middle East Council on Global Affairs

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

Somalia and Ethiopia agree to restore diplomatic ties after year-long rift - The GuardianSomalia and Ethiopia agree to restore diplomatic ties after year-long rift  The Guardian

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

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

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

Abdirahman Fiili: Refugee quarter to red carpet as muse for Somalia's cultural revival - TRT GlobalAbdirahman Fiili: Refugee quarter to red carpet as muse for Somalia's cultural revival  TRT Global

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

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

Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic town in central Somalia - Al JazeeraAl-Shabab fighters attack strategic town in central Somalia  Al Jazeera

Outrage in Somalia after man says he married missing eight-year-old - BBCOutrage in Somalia after man says he married missing eight-year-old  BBC

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

East Africa: Somalia-Ethiopia Talks Mediated By Türkiye Stall Over Somaliland Port Deal - allAfrica.comEast Africa: Somalia-Ethiopia Talks Mediated By Türkiye Stall Over Somaliland Port Deal  allAfrica.com

IOM Somalia Annual Report 2024 - ReliefWebIOM Somalia Annual Report 2024  ReliefWeb

Turkey is building a spaceport in Somalia - The EconomistTurkey is building a spaceport in Somalia  The Economist

Three’s a crowd: Why Egypt’s and Somalia’s row with Ethiopia can embolden al-Shabaab - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)Three’s a crowd: Why Egypt’s and Somalia’s row with Ethiopia can embolden al-Shabaab  European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)