Geography
Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Kenya to the southwest. Its landscape varies from arid plains to highlands and plateaus. The country has a coastline that stretches over 3,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest in Africa. This extensive coastline has historically made Somalia a strategic location for trade and piracy. The climate is predominantly hot and dry, with seasonal monsoon winds affecting the weather patterns.
History
The history of Somalia is rich with ancient trade routes, colonial influences, and periods of independence. From the ancient Land of Punt to the medieval Ajuran Empire, Somalia has been a hub of commerce and culture. European colonialism saw the division of Somalia among Britain, Italy, and Ethiopia. Post-independence in 1960, the country faced internal strife, leading to the collapse of the central government in 1991, which ushered in a period of civil war and fragmentation.
Economy
Somalia’s economy has been severely impacted by decades of conflict, leading to one of the lowest GDP per capita in the world. However, there are signs of recovery with sectors like telecommunications, remittances, and livestock showing resilience. Agriculture, particularly livestock, remains a backbone of the economy, although it is often disrupted by droughts and conflict. The informal sector, including trade and services, plays a significant role due to the lack of formal economic structures.
Politics
Politically, Somalia has been striving for stability. The Federal Government of Somalia, established in 2012, has been working towards national reconciliation and rebuilding state institutions. However, the country still faces challenges from Al-Shabaab, a militant group, and clan-based conflicts. Efforts towards federalism aim to decentralize power, but the process is fraught with difficulties due to ongoing security issues and political disagreements.
CIA World Factbook for Somalia
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