Somalia

Somalia Somalia's tourist infrastructure has unfortunately declines since the outbreak of war in 1990. This country has not had an officially acknowledge tourist in 14 years. Hopefully, war will end soon, since Somalia used to offer beatiful diving opportunities, and Mogadishu, the capital city used to be visited by many tourist. Time will tell how long will it take for war to come to an end. One hing is for sure if you decide and try to visit Somalia in these days, Beware of landmines.

Area: 637.305 Km²
Population: 7.489.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 12 pop/Km²

System of government: Transiction government
Capital: Mogadishu (997.000 pop.)
Major cities: Hargeisa 75.000 pop., Merca 60.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Somali 95%, Bantu, Arab, Indian, Pakistani, European and others 5%
Border countries: Djibouti NORTH-WEST, Ethiopia and Kenya EAST

Principal mountains: Surud Ad 2408 m
Principal rivers: Wabe Shebele 900 Km (somali tract, total 2050 Km), Jubba 875 Km (somali tract, total 1650 Km)
Principal lakes: -
Principal islands: Jubba's Islands
Climate: Equatorial - arid

Language: Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English
Religion: Sunni Muslim 99%
Currency: Somali Shilling (SOS)

Note: From May of 1991 the region of Somaliland (ex-british protectorate) it declared itself independent. The Republic of Somaliland is located between the border of Djibouti and Ethiopia and the 49° meridian EAST. Its area is 137.600 Km² and population is 3.500.000 ca. of inhabitant (55% nomads or seminomads). The capital is Hargeisa (300.000 pop.).

Also the regions of Bari and Nugaal (June 1998), in north-east of country, they declared theirself independent, with the name of Republic of Puntland.

Fixed public holidays: 26/6, 1/7
Dialling code: 00252
GMT: +3

World Heritage List: -