Moving to Somalia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

11,757,124

Population - note

note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in 1975 by the Somali Government

population counting in Somalia is complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements in response to famine and clan warfare

Population Growth Rate

1.67%

Urban Population

37.700000

Population in Major Urban Areas

MOGADISHU (capital) 1.554 million

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Age Structure

43.420000

Median Age

17.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

41

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

14.22

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

6.17

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

14.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

14.6%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-10.55

Ethnic Groups

Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs 30,000)

Language Note

Standard Somali with its diverse scripts based on clan affiliation, is now written in Latin script. Literacy has increased dramatically. English, Italian and Arabic are spoken by educated Somali. The Somali language stems from the Cushitic language family.

Nationality Noun

Somali(s)

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Literacy - total population

37.8%

Literacy - male

49.7%

Literacy - female

25.8%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

0.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

51.190000

Infant Mortality Rate

101.910000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

101.910000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

1,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.04

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.8%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

69.600000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

52.000000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

32.8%

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Economic Overview

• Economy: Somalia's economy is largely characterized by the informal sector. Informal trade, livestock herding, and remittances from the Somali diaspora play crucial roles in sustaining the economy. 2. Agriculture and
• Livestock: Agriculture, including livestock farming, is a key component of Somalia's economy. Livestock exports, particularly of goats and sheep, are significant contributors to the country's income. However, the sector faces challenges such as droughts and inadequate infrastructure. 3.
• Remittances: Remittances from Somalis living abroad are a major source of income for many households. These funds contribute significantly to poverty alleviation and economic stability. 4. Political and Security
• Challenges: Persistent political instability and security challenges, including the presence of militant groups, have hampered economic development. The lack of a stable government has impeded infrastructure development and foreign investment. 5. Financial
• System: Somalia has a cash-based economy, with limited access to formal banking services. Mobile money services have gained popularity, providing a means for financial transactions in areas with limited banking infrastructure. 6. Humanitarian Aid
• Dependency: The country has been dependent on humanitarian aid due to recurring droughts, famine, and displacement caused by conflict. Humanitarian efforts play a crucial role in addressing immediate needs and supporting resilience. 7. Oil and Gas
• Potential: Somalia has potential oil and gas reserves off its coast, but exploration and development have been hampered by maritime disputes and security concerns. 8. Infrastructure
• Challenges: Decades of conflict have left Somalia with inadequate infrastructure, including roads, ports, and telecommunications. Rebuilding these essential structures is crucial for economic development. 9. International
• Assistance: International organizations and donor countries provide assistance to Somalia in various forms, including development aid, capacity-building, and humanitarian relief. 10. Economic
• Reforms: Efforts to rebuild the economy include economic reforms and institution-building initiatives. However, progress has been slow due to the complex political situation.

Industries

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, petroleum refining (mostly shut down), wireless communication

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.6%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$13,190,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.6%

GDP - official exchange rate

$5,800,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 72.7% government
• consumption: 8.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 19.9% investment in
• inventories: 0.4% exports of goods and
• services: 0.3% imports of goods and
• services: -1.7%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

60.2%

GDP by Sector- Industry

7.4%

GDP by Sector- services

32.5%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Somali shilling (SOS)

Currency Name and Code

Somali Shilling (SOS)

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Labor Force

3,447,000

Major Industries

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, petroleum refining (mostly shut down), wireless communication

Agriculture Products

• cattle, sheep, goats
• bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans
• fish

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

1,148,265

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

49%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

26%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

65%

Annual Budget

$0 (USD)

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Full Country Name

Federal Republic of Somalia

Country Name

Somalia

Local - Long

Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya (Somali)/ Jumhuriyat as Sumal al Fidiraliyah (Arabic)

Local - Short

Soomaaliya (Somali)/ As Sumal (Arabic)

Former Name

British Somaliland, Italian Somaliland, Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

Etymology- history of name

"Land of the Somali" (ethnic group)

Independence

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland, which became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic)

National Holiday

Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June (1960) in Somaliland

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Government Type

federal parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1961, 1979; latest drafted 12 June 2012, adopted 1 August 2012 (provisional)
• amendments: proposed by the federal government, by members of the state governments, the Federal Parliament, or by public petition; proposals require review by a joint committee of Parliament with inclusion of public comments and state legislatures’ comments; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament and approval by a majority of votes cast in a referendum; constitutional clauses on Islamic principles, the federal system, human rights and freedoms, powers and authorities of the government branches, and inclusion of women in national institutions cannot be amended; amended 2024

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic (sharia) law, and customary law (referred to as Xeer)

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (since 23 May 2022)
• head of government: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi BARRE (since 25 June 2022)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by the House of the People
• elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Federal Parliament by two-thirds majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term; election last held on 15 May 2022 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister appointed by the president, approved by the House of the People
• election results: 2022: HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud elected president in third round - Federal Parliament percent of vote in first round - Said ABDULLAHI DENI (Kaah) 20.2%, Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" (TPP) 18.3%, HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (PDP) 16.2%, Hassan Ali KHAYRE (independent) 14.6%, other 30.7%; Federal Parliament percent of vote in second round - HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud 34.1%, Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" 25.7%, Said ABDULLAHI DENI 21%, Hassan Ali KHAYRE 19.2%; Federal Parliament percent of vote in third round - HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud 66%, Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" 34% 2017: Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" elected president in second round; Federal Parliament number of votes in first round - HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (PDP) 88, Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" (TPP) 72, Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed (ARS) 49, other 37; Federal Parliament number of votes in second round - Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" 184, HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud 97, Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed 45

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Federal Parliament to consist of: Senate (54 seats; senators indirectly elected by state assemblies to serve 4-year terms) House of the People (275 seats; members indirectly elected by electoral colleges, each consisting of 51 delegates selected by the 136 Traditional Elders in consultation with sub-clan elders; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: Senate - first held on 10 October 2016; last held 27 July - 13 November 2021 (next to be held in 2024) House of the People - first held 23 October - 10 November 2016 (next scheduled for September - October 2021 but postponed to November 2021 and then extended several times until April 2022; next to be held in June 2024)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition as of February 2024 - men 40, women 14, percentage women 25.9% House of the People - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition as of February 2024 - men 221, women 54, percentage women 19.6%; total Federal Parliament percentage women 20.7% note 1: the inaugural House of the People was appointed in September 2012 by clan elders; in 2016 and 2017, the Federal Parliament became bicameral with indirect elections scheduled for 10 October 2016 for the Upper House - renamed 'Senate' and 23 October to 10 November 2016 for the House of the People; while the elections were delayed, they were eventually held in most regions despite voting irregularities; on 27 December 2016, 41 Upper House senators and 242 House of the People Members of Parliament were sworn in note 2: despite the formation of political parties in 2020, the 2021 parliamentary elections maintained a primarily clan-based system of appointments; seats in the legislature were apportioned to Somali member states and not by party representation

Judicial Branch:

• office: judges appointed by the president upon proposal of the Judicial Service Commission, a 9-member judicial and administrative body; judge tenure NA
• subordinate courts: federal courts; federal member state-level courts; military courts; sharia courts

Regions or States:

18 regions (plural - gobollo, singular - gobol); Awdal, Bakool, Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe (Middle Jubba), Jubbada Hoose (Lower Jubba), Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe (Middle Shabeelle), Shabeellaha Hoose (Lower Shabeelle), Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

Political Parties and Leaders:

• select National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) approved parties (as of 2020): Cosmopolitan Democratic Party [Yarow Sharef ADEN]
• Green Party [Ahmed HAJI]
• Himilo Qaran Party [Sharif SHEIKH AHMED]
• Ilays Party [Abdulkadir OSOBLE]
• Justice and Reconciliation Party National Progressive Party Peace and Unity Party [Asha ABDALLA]
• Qaransoor Party [Abdijabaar SHEIKH AHMED]
• Qiimo Qaran Party Security and Justice Party Social Justice Party [Mohamed NUR, chairman]
• Somali Labour Party[Ali Mohamed APOLLO, chairman]
• Somali Republic Party [Abdinur Ahmed DARMAN, chairman]
• Somali Social Unity Party or SSUP [Yaasiin Maaxi MACALIN]
• Union for Peace and Development Party or PDP [HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud]
• Wadajir Party [Abdirahman Abdishakur WARSAME]
• Note: in 2017 an independent electoral commission (the NIEC) was inaugurated with a mandate to oversee the process of registration of political parties in the country; as of 2021, the NIEC had registered a total of 110 parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal suffrage starting with 24 June 2024 local elections

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Somalia dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 7 years

Capital Name

Mogadishu

Capital - geographic coordinate

2 04 N, 45 20 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AFESD
• AMF
• AU
• CAEU (candidate)
• EAC
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IGAD
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ITSO
• ITU
• LAS
• NAM
• OIC
• OPCW
• OPCW (signatory)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UPU
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Shane L. DIXON (since 25 July 2023)
• Embassy: Mogadishu, (reopened October 2019 on the grounds of the Mogadishu Airport)
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 606 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
• Telephone: [254] 20 363-6451
• Email: SomaliaPublicAffairs@state.gov
• Website: https://so.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Ali Sharif AHMED (since 16 September 2019)
• Chancery: 1609 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 853-9164
• Email: info@somaliembassydc.net
• Website: https://somaliembassydc.net/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

10 00 N, 49 00 E

Total Area

246,199 Square Miles 637,657 Square Kilometers

Land Area

242,215 Square Miles 627,337 Square Kilometers

Water Area

3,985 Square Miles 10,320 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,454 Miles 2,340 Kilometers

Border Countries

Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline

1,880 Miles 3,025 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Highest Point

2,416 Meters

Highest Point Location

Shimbiris 2,416 m

Lowest Point Location

Indian Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

Irrigated Land

772 Square Miles 2,000 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Climate is the primary factor in much of Somali life.

For the large nomadic population, the timing and amount of rainfall are crucial determinants of the adequacy of grazing and the prospects of relative prosperity.

During droughts such as in 1974-75 and 1984-85, starvation can occur.

Somalis recognize four seasons, two rainy (gu and day) and two dry (jiilaal and hagaa).

The gu rains begin in April and last until June, producing a fresh supply of pasture and turning the desert into a flowering garden for a brief period.

Lush vegetation covers most of the land, especially the central grazing plateau, where grass grows tall.

The gu season is followed by the drought (July-September) and the hagaa by the day rains (October-November).

Next is jiilaal (December-March), the harshest season for pastoralists and their herds.

Most of the country receives less than 500 millimeters of rain annually, and a large area encompassing the northeast and much of northern Somalia gets as little as 50 to 150 millimeters.

However, certain higher areas in the north record more than 500 millimeters a year, as do some coastal sites.

The southwest receives 330 to 500 millimeters.

Generally, rainfall takes the form of showers or localized torrential rains and is highly variable.

Mean daily maximum temperatures throughout the country range from 30° C to 40° C, except at higher elevations and along the Indian Ocean coast.

Mean daily minimum temperatures vary from 20° C to more than 30° C.

Northern Somalia experiences the most significant temperature extremes, ranging from below-freezing in the highlands in December to more than 45° C in July in the coastal plain skirting the Gulf of Aden.

The north's relative humidity ranges from about 40 percent in midafternoon to 85 percent at night, varying somewhat with the season.

During the colder months, December to February, fog often restricts visibility at higher elevations.

Temperatures in the south are less extreme, ranging from about 20° C to 40° C.

The hottest months are February through April.

Coastal readings are usually five to ten degrees cooler than those inland.

The coastal zone's relative humidity usually remains about 70 percent, even during the dry seasons.

Terrain

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Location

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

Total Area

246,199 Square Miles 637,657 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Environment - Current Issues

• famine
• use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems
• deforestation
• overgrazing
• soil erosion
• desertification

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$300,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$798,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

Major Imports

manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, qat

Top Export Partners

UAE 41.8%, Yemen 22.8%, Oman 11.4%

Top Import Partners

Djibouti 30.2%, Kenya 14%, Brazil 8.7%, Thailand 4.9%, UK 4.7%, UAE 4.4%

Export Partners

UAE 41.8%, Yemen 22.8%, Oman 11.4%

Import Partners

Djibouti 30.2%, Kenya 14%, Brazil 8.7%, Thailand 4.9%, UK 4.7%, UAE 4.4%

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Country Description

Since the collapse of the central government in 1991, Somalia has been subject to widespread violence and instability.

A Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was established in 2004 to guide the country to a more representative government.

The TFG was succeeded by a new federal government in September 2012.

In January 2013 the United States officially recognized the Somali government for the first time since 1991.

However, the U.S. government does not maintain a diplomatic presence in Somalia at this time.

Somali security forces, with the assistance of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have liberated the capital city of Mogadishu and other key cities in southern and central Somalia from the control of al-Shabaab, a radical Islamist movement affiliated with al-Qa’ida, but the central government’s reach and ability to provide services remains limited.

Al-Shabaab still maintains control of towns and villages in Somalia’s countryside and retains the capability to conduct occasional terrorist attacks in Mogadishu.

Regional administrations have evolved in the rest of the country with the most notable being the semi-autonomous state of Puntland in the northeast and Somaliland, which has declared independence, but is unrecognized by any other country, in the northwest.

While al-Shabaab has lost ground in southern and central Somalia, it remains capable of terrorist acts and asymmetric warfare.

Criminal groups conduct kidnapping for ransom and piracy, particularly in the regions of Galmuduug and Puntland, although the number of incidents have been on the decline with the introduction of land and sea-based initiatives to counter piracy.

Inter- and intra-clan violence also frequently occurs throughout the country.

Somalia's infrastructure and economy were seriously damaged by the civil war and its aftermath, but the private sector is trying to reemerge and has been boosted by an influx of diaspora returning to Somalia since the end of the transitional period of governance.

Tourist facilities are non-existent.

Safety & Security

Since the United States does not have an Embassy or any other diplomatic presence in any part of Somalia, including Somaliland and Puntland, the U.S. government cannot provide any consular services to U.S. citizens in Somalia.

Limited services for U.S. citizens are available for travelers to Somalia at the U.S.

Embassies in Nairobi and Djibouti.

While Somaliland has experienced a level of stability that has not been present in other parts of Somalia, please note that the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed “Independent Republic of Somaliland” -- see the Department’s Travel Warning for Somalia.

Travelers insisting on visiting Somaliland despite this warning should check current conditions in Somaliland before embarking on their journey.

Terrorist attacks have occurred against international relief workers, including Westerners, throughout Somalia, including Puntland and Somaliland.

In every year since 2008, there have been violent kidnappings and assassinations, including by suicide bombing, of local and foreign staff working for international organizations.

Additionally, there have been threats against Westerners in Somalia, including Somaliland.

No area in Somalia should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other Western nationals at any time.

Despite improved security in Mogadishu, insurgents have conducted 12 high profile attacks in 2013.

These attacks have consisted of complex assaults, improvised explosive device (IED) detonations and suicide bombings.

Insurgents target various Somali government facilities continuously in Mogadishu.

On September 7, suicide bombers killed nearly 20 people at a restaurant popular with government officials and foreigners.The attempted kidnapping of a visiting Swedish politician and the death of her driver and translator on August 21, 2013 in Mogadishu is an example of the risks travelers face in Mogadishu.

Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated the intent to attack UN compounds and other places frequented by foreigners in Mogadishu, including Mogadishu International Airport.

Recent terrorist attacks, including a vehicular born improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack at the United Nations Common Compound in Mogadishu on June 19, 2013 and the VBIED attack on the Turkish diplomatic residence in Mogadishu on July 27, 2013, demonstrate that al-Shabaab retains the capability to target Westerners and international aid workers in Mogadishu.

Additionally, al-Shabaab controls portions of southern and central Somalia.

Persons traveling to Somalia should be aware that incidents such as armed banditry, road assaults, kidnappings for ransom, shootings and grenade attacks on public markets, and detonations of anti-personnel and-vehicle land mines occur in most parts of the country.

Al-Shabaab remains engaged in active warfare against the central government and regional administrations, including Puntland and Galmuduug.

Also, illegal roadblocks by armed men, sometimes in government uniforms, remain common throughout Somalia and have resulted in serious injury or death.

Cross-border violence occurs periodically.

The area near Somalia’s border with Kenya has been the site of numerous violent incidents, ranging from large-scale clashes between al-Shabaab and the central government to kidnappings, and grenade attacks on hostels used by international aid workers.

U.S. citizens who decide to visit the area should be aware that they could encounter such incidents.

U.S. citizens considering seaborne travel around Somalia’s coast should exercise extreme caution, given the threat of vessel hijacking and/or piracy off south central Somalia and Puntland.

When transiting in and around the Horn of Africa and/or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels convoy and maintain good communications con

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Crime

Pervasive and violent crime is an extension of the general state of insecurity in Somalia.

Serious, brutal, and often fatal crimes are very common.

Kidnapping and robbery are a particular problem in Mogadishu, other areas of the south, and in Galmuduug and Puntland.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Somalia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Somalia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating Somalia’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Somalia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

There is no organized system of criminal justice in Somalia, nor is there any recognized or established authority to administer a uniform application of due process.

Enforcement of criminal laws is, therefore, haphazard to nonexistent.

Locally established courts operate throughout Somalia under a combination of Somali customary and Islamic Shari'a law, some of which may be hostile towards foreigners.

Arrest notifications in host country: Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Somalia, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

However, this is unlikely to happen as there is no U.S. diplomatic representation in Somalia.

Languages Standard Somali with its diverse scripts based on clan affiliation, is now written in Latin script.

Literacy has increased dramatically.

English, Italian and Arabic are spoken by educated Somali.

The Somali language stems from the Cushitic language family.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Somalia are extremely limited.

Travelers should carry personal supplies of medications with them, as many of the health clinics in Somalia lack a doctor or a nurse and carry substandard supplies.

Malaria is endemic in Somalia; chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers without contraindications.

There have been cholera outbreaks in Mogadishu, Kismayo in the south, and Puntland in the northeast.

Presently there is a Polio out-break in Somalia.

The majority of cases have been reported in the region of Benadir, including Mogadishu.

Traffic Safety

While in Somalia you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

There are no traffic lights anywhere in Somalia.

The poor condition of most roads makes driving hazardous.

Night driving can be dangerous due to the absence of lighting.

In many areas, drivers risk explosion of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or landmines.

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Airports - total

61

Airports with Paved Runways

6

Roadways- total

13,732 Miles 22,100 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

1,621 Miles 2,608 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Boosaaso, Berbera, Chisimayu (Kismaayo), Merca, Mogadishu

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Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

9 Miles 15 Kilometers

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Telephones

100,000

Cell Phones

600,000

Internet Users

98,000

Internet Country Code

.so

Internet Hosts

3

Broadcast Media

• 2 private TV stations rebroadcast Al-Jazeera and CNN
• Somaliland has 1 government-operated TV station and Puntland has 1 private TV station
• the transitional government operates Radio Mogadishu
• 1 SW and roughly 10 private FM radio stations broadcast in Mogadishu
• several radio stations operate in central and southern regions
• Somaliland has 1 government-operated radio station
• Puntland has roughly a half dozen private radio stations
• transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• assessment: the public telecommunications system was almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the civil war; private companies offer limited local fixed-line service and private wireless companies offer service in most major cities while charging the lowest international rates on the continent
• domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in Mogadishu and in several other population centers with one company beginning to provide 3G services in late 2012
• international: country code - 252; Mogadishu is a landing point for the EASSy fiber-optic submarine cable system linking East Africa with Europe and North America

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

260,400,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

280,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

5,663,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

5,659

Anthem History

• name: "Qolobaa Calankeed" (Every Nation Has its own Flag)
• lyrics/music: lyrics/music: Abdullahi QARSHE
• note: adopted 2012; written in 1959

Anthem Lyrics

Somaliyaay toosoo Toosoo isku tiirsada ee Hadba kiina taag daranee Taageera waligiinee