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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News Headlines

Google News
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 Carves Out New State From Territories Seeking Autonomy - Bloomberg.comSomalia Carves Out New State From Territories Seeking Autonomy  Bloomberg.com

Radio Ergo Weekly Feedback Report, Issued: 31 July 2025 - ReliefWebRadio Ergo Weekly Feedback Report, Issued: 31 July 2025  ReliefWeb

Russia, US Compete in West Africa: Africa File, July 31, 2025 - Institute for the Study of WarRussia, US Compete in West Africa: Africa File, July 31, 2025  Institute for the Study of War

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia  ASEAN Main Portal

World News in Brief: Hunger in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, climate and displacement crisis in Somalia, World Breastfeeding Week - UN NewsWorld News in Brief: Hunger in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, climate and displacement crisis in Somalia, World Breastfeeding Week  UN News

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

US ground raid captures Islamic State leader in northern Somalia - Long War JournalUS ground raid captures Islamic State leader in northern Somalia  Long War Journal

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

US forces capture ISIS finance chief in Somalia - Task & PurposeUS forces capture ISIS finance chief in Somalia  Task & Purpose

Somalia to relaunch Somali Airlines after a three-decade break - TRT GlobalSomalia to relaunch Somali Airlines after a three-decade break  TRT Global

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’s Climate Crisis Demands Global Action, Says IOM Deputy Director General - International Organization for MigrationSomalia’s Climate Crisis Demands Global Action, Says IOM Deputy Director General  International Organization for Migration

Somalia’s New Climate Roadmap as a Blueprint for Peace - New Security BeatSomalia’s New Climate Roadmap as a Blueprint for Peace  New Security Beat

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

Reforming Somalia’s banking sector amid crisis and opportunity - African BusinessReforming Somalia’s banking sector amid crisis and opportunity  African Business

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

Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, Haiti, Sudan, Pacific tsunami warnings - OCHAToday's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, Haiti, Sudan, Pacific tsunami warnings  OCHA

NRC Somalia Country Office Programme Update No. 13 (31st May 2025) - ReliefWebNRC Somalia Country Office Programme Update No. 13 (31st May 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

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

Somalia makes national ID cards mandatory for banking transactions - TRT GlobalSomalia makes national ID cards mandatory for banking transactions  TRT Global

NRC Somalia Country Office Programme Update No. 14 (30th June 2025) - ReliefWebNRC Somalia Country Office Programme Update No. 14 (30th June 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

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

Breakaway Africa Region Seeks US Recognition With Base, Minerals - Bloomberg.comBreakaway Africa Region Seeks US Recognition With Base, Minerals  Bloomberg.com

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

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

Somalia: Al-Qaeda-Linked Al-Shabaab Captures Maxaas; Trump Ramps Up Strikes | Firstpost Africa| N18G - FirstpostSomalia: Al-Qaeda-Linked Al-Shabaab Captures Maxaas; Trump Ramps Up Strikes | Firstpost Africa| N18G  Firstpost

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)

Disunity in Somalia is al-Shabaab’s greatest weapon - ISS AfricaDisunity in Somalia is al-Shabaab’s greatest weapon  ISS Africa

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

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)

Shabaab seizes two towns in central Somalia - Long War JournalShabaab seizes two towns in central Somalia  Long War Journal

Sinan Yilmaz: Turkish police officer martyred in Somalia remembered - TRT GlobalSinan Yilmaz: Turkish police officer martyred in Somalia remembered  TRT Global

Somalia Key Message Update: Needs likely to increase with forecasted below-average October-December rains, July 2025 - ReliefWebSomalia Key Message Update: Needs likely to increase with forecasted below-average October-December rains, July 2025  ReliefWeb

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

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Negotiations between Addis Ababa and Somalia over sea access stalled - Agenzia FidesAFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Negotiations between Addis Ababa and Somalia over sea access stalled  Agenzia Fides

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

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

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

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

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

Somalia and ASEAN to Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties - Horseed MediaSomalia and ASEAN to Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties  Horseed Media

Somalia Sparks Tensions With Creation of New State from Contested Territories - Africa.comSomalia Sparks Tensions With Creation of New State from Contested Territories  Africa.com

Al-Shabaab claims killing 20 Ugandan peacekeepers in clashes near Somalia’s capital - Somali GuardianAl-Shabaab claims killing 20 Ugandan peacekeepers in clashes near Somalia’s capital  Somali Guardian

A chance to breathe: How life-saving incubators are transforming newborn care in Somalia - unfpa.orgA chance to breathe: How life-saving incubators are transforming newborn care in Somalia  unfpa.org

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

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

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 Between Red Sea And ‘GERD’ Faultline – OpEd - Eurasia ReviewSomalia Between Red Sea And ‘GERD’ Faultline – OpEd  Eurasia Review

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

Mogadishu Is Not in Tatters, It’s in Transformation - Modern DiplomacyMogadishu Is Not in Tatters, It’s in Transformation  Modern Diplomacy

Somalia - Humanitarian Response Dashboard - Re-Prioritized (32 Districts) January - June 2025 - ReliefWebSomalia - Humanitarian Response Dashboard - Re-Prioritized (32 Districts) January - June 2025  ReliefWeb

Puntland rejects new Northeast Somalia administration, calling it politically divisive - HiiraanPuntland rejects new Northeast Somalia administration, calling it politically divisive  Hiiraan

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)

?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 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

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

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

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

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

Somalia - General DebateSomalia  General Debate

Somalia to Require Digital National ID for Bank Account Services Starting September - Tech LabariSomalia to Require Digital National ID for Bank Account Services Starting September  Tech Labari

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

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

Houthis in Somalia: friends with technological benefits? - ISS AfricaHouthis in Somalia: friends with technological benefits?  ISS Africa

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu Meets with Chief of the Somali National Army Odawa Yusuf Rage - fmprc.gov.cnChinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu Meets with Chief of the Somali National Army Odawa Yusuf Rage  fmprc.gov.cn

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

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

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

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

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

Sickness and starvation stalk Somalia’s children in the ‘City of Death’ - The TelegraphSickness and starvation stalk Somalia’s children in the ‘City of Death’  The Telegraph

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

Indonesia, Somalia agree to boost bilateral ties - The Annapurna ExpressIndonesia, Somalia agree to boost bilateral ties  The Annapurna Express

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

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

Key Somalia town of Maxaas falls to Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab after heavy fighting - The Arab WeeklyKey Somalia town of Maxaas falls to Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab after heavy fighting  The Arab Weekly

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

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

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

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

Somalia: U.S.-trained Elite forces launch operations against Al-Shabaab - Garowe OnlineSomalia: U.S.-trained Elite forces launch operations against Al-Shabaab  Garowe Online

Somalia, Ethiopia agree on compromise to end tension, Turkish leader says - Al JazeeraSomalia, Ethiopia agree on compromise to end tension, Turkish leader says  Al Jazeera

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)

UNSOS praised for boosting Somalia’s aviation sector - Welcome to the United NationsUNSOS praised for boosting Somalia’s aviation sector  Welcome to the United Nations

Gateways to the Red Sea: The case for Israel–Somaliland normalization - Atlantic CouncilGateways to the Red Sea: The case for Israel–Somaliland normalization  Atlantic Council

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

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

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

Somali Airlines set for takeoff ‘in 2 months’ after 34-year hiatus - The EastAfricanSomali Airlines set for takeoff ‘in 2 months’ after 34-year hiatus  The EastAfrican

Gargaara Financing Facility in Somalia: Helping business grow - World BankGargaara Financing Facility in Somalia: Helping business grow  World Bank

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

Somalia Travel Advice & Safety - SmartravellerSomalia Travel Advice & Safety  Smartraveller