SOMALIA

Somalia formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic, is a coastal nation at the Horn of Africa in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the north and mid-west, Kenya on its south-west, and the Gulf of Aden on its north, and the Indian Ocean at its east. The Somalian state currently exists solely in a de jure capacity; Somalia has no recognized central government authority nor any other feature associated with an established independent state.

Location

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia.

Geography

Strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Capital

Mogadishu

Climate

Principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons.

Language

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Monetary Unit

Somali shilling (SOS)

Largest Cities

Mogadishu, Hargeysa, Berbera, Kisimayo, Marka

Principal rivers

Jubba, Wabe Shebele

Airports

Alula, Baidoa, Bardera, Berbera, Borama, Bossaso, Burao, Candala, Eil, Erigavo, Galcaio, Garbaharey, Gardo, Garoe, Hargeisa South, Kismayu, Las Korei, Lugh Ganane, Mogadishu Intl, Obbia, Scusciuban