Overview

Location

Somalia, also called the Somali Democratic Republic, is located on the Horn of Africa, the easternmost part of the African continent. The total area is 637,657 sq. km, and the capital is Mogadishu.

Population

The 1995 estimated population was 8.9 million, though 13 million is an estimated average which includes Somalis living outside Somalia. About 70% of all Somalis are nomads who travel with their herds through Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. Somalia joined the Arab League in 1974.

Mogadishu (750,000 people)

Other main cities

Berbera, Merca, Kismayu Hargeisa and Boroma.

Language

The official language of Somalia is Somali, which, despite attempts to introduce Arabic script, uses the Roman alphabet. Arabic and English are also used widely.

Religion

The official religion is Islam. About 99% of Somalis are Sunni Muslims.

Area

637,657 sq. km

Date of independence

1 July 1960

Head of state

President Ali Mahdi Mohamed

Political structure

Since the overthrow of Siad Barre and the wars between factions, interim presidents and a fervent political climate have meant that no party has ever really gained full control of the government.

Currency

Somali shilling = 100 cents