Somalia
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<!--This article is in Commonwealth English-->
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = {{lang|so|''Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya''}}<br/>{{rtl-lang|ar|جمهورية الصومال}}<br/>{{rtl-lang|ar|''Jumhūriyyat as-Sūmāl''}}
|conventional_long_name = Somali Republic
|common_name = Somalia
|image_flag = Flag of Somalia.svg
|image_coat = Somalia arms.png
|image_map = LocationSomalia.svg
|national_anthem = {{lang|so|''[[Somalia, Wake Up|Soomaaliyeey Toosoow]]''}}<br>Somalia, Wake Up
|official_languages = [[Somali language|Somali]]<ref name="CIA">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/so.html#People CIA World Factbook]</ref>
|regional_languages = [[Arabic]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[English language|English]] (classed as secondary languages)<ref name="CIA"/>
|demonym = Somali
|government_type = [[Transitional Federal Parliament|Transitional Federal Government]] [[Semi-presidential]] [[Republic]]
|leader_title1 = [[President of Somalia|President]]
|leader_name1 = [[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]]
|leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Somalia|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name2 = [[Nur Hassan Hussein]]
|capital = [[Mogadishu]]
|latd=2 |latm=02 |latNS=N |longd=45 |longm=21 |longEW=E
|largest_city = Mogadishu
|area_km2 = 637,661
|area_sq_mi = 246,201 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|area_rank = 42nd
|area_magnitude = 1 E11
|percent_water = 1.6
|population_estimate = 9,558,666<ref name="CIA"/>
|population_estimate_year = 2008
|population_estimate_rank = 89th
|population_density_km2 = 13
|population_density_sq_mi = 34 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 198th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2004
|GDP_PPP = $5.26 billion <!--CIA-->
|GDP_PPP_rank = <small>157th</small>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $600
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = <small>148th</small>
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI = N/A
|HDI_rank = Not Ranked
|HDI_category = <font style="color:#e0584e">low</font>
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[Italy]]
|established_event1 = Date
|established_date1 = [[June 26]] & [[July 1]] [[1960]]
|cctld = [[.so]] (currently non-operational)
|calling_code = 252
|time_zone = [[East Africa Time|EAT]]
|utc_offset = +3
|time_zone_DST = not observed
|utc_offset_DST = +3
|currency = [[Somali shilling]]
|currency_code = SOS
|footnote1 = [[The World Factbook]]<ref name="CIA"/>
|footnote2 = [[BBC News]]<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1072592.stm BBC News country profile]</ref>
|footnote3 = [[Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic]]
}}
'''Somalia''' ({{lang-so|''Soomaaliya''}}; {{lang-ar|الصومال}} {{ArTranslit|''aṣ-Ṣūmāl''}}), officially the '''Somali Republic''' ({{lang-so|''Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya''}}, {{lang-ar|جمهورية الصومال}} {{ArTranslit|''Jumhūriyyat aṣ-Ṣūmāl''}}) and formerly known as the '''Somali Democratic Republic''', is a country located in the [[Horn of Africa]]. It is bordered by [[Djibouti]] to the northwest, [[Kenya]] on its southwest, the [[Gulf of Aden]] with [[Yemen]] on its north, the [[Indian Ocean]] at its east, and [[Ethiopia]] to the west.
[[Italian Somaliland]] gained its independence from Italy on [[1 July]] [[1960]]. On the same day, it united with [[British Somaliland]], which gained independence on [[26 June]] [[1960]], to form the Somali republic. The Somali [[state]] currently exists largely in a ''[[de jure]]'' capacity; Somalia has a weak but largely recognised central government authority, the [[Transitional Federal Government]] (TFG), but this currently controls only the central region of Somalia, and before the end of 2006 controlled only the city of [[Baidoa]].
[[De facto]] control of the north of the country resides in the local authorities; of these [[Puntland]], [[Maakhir]], [[Galmudug]], acknowledge the authority of the TFG and maintain their declaration of [[autonomy]] within a federated Somalia, while [[Southwestern Somalia]] and [[Jubaland]] in the south have largely abandoned the idea of autonomy. Their political capital, Baidoa, is currently the TFG capital, and their commercial capital, [[Kismayo]], is being disputed. On the other hand, [[Somaliland]] in the north, with its capital in [[Hargeisa]], has declared independence and does not recognise the TFG as governing authority.
==History==
{{main|History of Somalia}}
Continuously inhabited for the last 2,500 years by numerous and varied ethnic groups, some [[Afar]] or other [[Cushitic]]-speaking populations, and the majority [[Somali people|Somalis]]. From the 1st century numerous ports including [[Hafun]] and [[Mosylon-Bandar Gori]] were trading with [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] and [[ancient Greece|Greek]] sailors.
The northwest was part of the [[Aksumite Empire]] from about the 3rd century to the 7th but between 700 AD and 1200 AD [[Islam]] became firmly established, especially with the founding of [[Mogadishu]] in 900.
The period following, 1200 AD to 1500 AD, saw the rise of numerous Somali [[city-state]]s and kingdoms. In northwestern Somalia, the [[Adal Sultanate|Sultanate of Adal]] (a multi-ethnic state comprised of [[Afar people|Afars]], Somalis and [[Harari people|Hararis]]) with [[Ahmad ibn Ibrihim al-Ghazi]] as their leader in 1520, successfully conquered three-quarters of Ethiopia before being defeated by a joint Ethiopian-[[Portugal|Portuguese]] force at the [[Battle of Wayna Daga]] on [[February 21]] [[1543]].
The [[Ajuran|Ajuuraan Sultanate]] flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Following the collapse of Adal and Ajuuraan in the 17th century, the region saw the emergence of new city states such as the [[Sultan]]ates of eastern [[Sanaag]], of [[Bari, Somalia|Bari]], of [[Geledi-Afgoye]], of [[Gasar Gudde-Lugh Ganane]], of Mogadishu and the [[Benadir]] coast, and of [[Hobyo]].
===Colonial period===
[[Image:Mogadishu1936.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Downtown [[Mogadishu]] in 1936. Arba Rucun [[mosque]] to the center right.]]
Competition between the [[Somali clan]]s that lived in these states persisted through the [[Colonialism|colonial]] period, when various parts of the region were colonised by [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Britain]] and [[Italy]]. This era began in the year 1884, the end of a long period of comparative peace. At the [[Berlin Conference]] of 1884, the [[scramble for Africa]] started the long and bloody process of the imperial partition of Somali lands. The [[France|French]], British, and Italians came to Somalia in the late 19th century.
The British signed treaties with the clans in what was known after as British Somaliland which was a [[protectorate]] in 1886 after the withdrawal of [[Egypt]]. Egypt sought to prevent [[Europe]]an colonial expansion in Northeast Africa. The southern area, was colonised by Italy in 1889, became known as [[Italian Somalia|Italian Somaliland]].
[[Mohammed Abdullah Hassan]] (Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan, Sayyid), born in the north of the Somali peninsula, was a religious, nationalist and controversial leader. Known to the British as the "Mad Mullah", he spent 20 years leading armed resistance to the British, Italian, and Ethiopian forces in Somalia. Born into the [[Ogaden (clan)|Ogaden]] sub-clan of the [[Darod]], Hassan grew up in among the Dhulbahante [[Pastoralism|pastoralists]] who were good [[herder|herdsmen]] and [[warrior]]s and who used [[camel]]s as well as [[horse]]s. Young Hassan's hero was his maternal grandfather Sade Mogan who was a great warrior chief.
Between 1900 and 1907, the Italian leaders tried several times to negotiate a land deal with the [[Geledi]] Sultan based in Afgoye and his [[Biyo-maal]] and [[Digil]] warriors. In 1905 more than 1,000 Biyo-maal and Tunni warriors, along with a large number of Italians, were killed when the Italian army attacked in an attempt to gain their objectives. Though many Somali warriors were killed during the war, they still defeated the enemy and succeeded in protecting the Benadir coast. After a long and bloody battle, the Italian leaders allied with other Somali tribes and their combined strength finally destroyed the Sultan's forces.
[[Sheikh]] [[Uways al-Barawi]] of the [[Tunni]] sub-clan of the [[Rahanweyn]] (Digil and Mirifle) in [[Barawa]], lived at the same time as Hassan and led the [[Qadiriyyah]] sect. He resisted the Italian occupation in a [[Nonviolence|non-violent]] method. He was murdered in Biyoley, in today's [[Bakool]] region, by the [[Dervish]] in 1920 as Hassan was seeking to recruit forces from Italian Somaliland. This was after the British used aircraft to destroy Hassan's base in [[Taleex]]. Sheikh Aweys rejected violence and Hassan's ways were based on violent resistance.
As a result of Hassan and his followers being chased by the followers of Sheikh al-Barawi, Hassan had to escape through the thick forest along the [[Jubba River]] until he reached [[Imi]], Ethiopia, where he died of [[influenza]], and, reportedly, wounds inflicted on him during his escape.
To this day the annual pilgrimage to Sheikh al-Barawi's grave in Biyoley is held where people of the Qadiriyyah sect and admirers of al-Barawi attend.
Sheikh [[Hassan Barsane]] of the [[Gugundhabe]], a sub-clan of the [[Hawiye]], and a member of the [[Ahmadi]], was another Somali religious leader who resisted the Italian rule in a non-violent manner. He, like al-Barawi, rejected Hassan's approaches.
===World War II===
[[Image:SYL-Freedom.jpg|thumb|right|[[Somali Youth League]] Monument]]
[[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Fascist Italy]], under [[Benito Mussolini]] attacked Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), with an aim to colonize it, in 1935. The invasion was condemned by the [[League of Nations]], but little was done to stop it or to liberate occupied Ethiopia.
On [[August 3]] [[1940]], Italian troops, including Somali colonial units, crossed from Ethiopia to [[Italian conquest of British Somaliland|invade British Somalia]] and by [[August 14]] succeeded in taking [[Berbera]] from the British.
A British force, including Somali troops, launched a [[East African Campaign (World War II)|campaign in January 1941]] from Kenya to liberate British Somaliland and Italian-occupied Ethiopia and conquer Italian Somaliland. By February, most of Italian Somaliland was captured and in March, British Somaliland was retaken from the sea. The [[British Empire]] forces operating in Somaliland comprised three divisions of South African, West and East African troops. They were assisted by Somali patriot forces led by [[Abdulahi Hassan]] with Somalis of the [[Isaaq]], [[Dhulbahante]], and [[Warsangali]] clans.
===The State of Somalia ===
{{main|Greater Somalia}}
Following [[World War II]], although Somalis aided the [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] powers in their struggle against the [[Axis powers|Axis]] powers, Britain retained control of both [[British Somaliland]] and [[Italian Somaliland]] as [[protectorate]]s. In November 1949, the United Nations granted Italy trusteeship of Italian Somaliland, but only under close supervision and on the condition -- first proposed by the [[Somali Youth League]] (SYL) and other nascent Somali political organizations, such as Hizbia Digil Mirifle Somali (HDMS) (which later became Hizbia Dastur Mustaqbal Somali [[HDMS]]) and the Somali National League (SNL), that were then agitating for independence -- that Somalia achieve independence within ten years.<ref name="Zolberg">Aristide R. Zolberg et al., ''Escape from Violence: Conflict and the Refugee Crisis in the Developing World'', (Oxford University Press: 1992), p.106</ref><ref>Henry Louis Gates, ''Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience'', (Oxford University Press: 1999), p.1749</ref> British Somaliland remained a protectorate of Britain until 1960.<ref>Tripodi, Paolo. ''The Colonial Legacy in Somalia'' p. 68 New York, 1999.</ref>
Meanwhile, in 1948, under pressure from their World War II allies and to the dismay of the Somalis,<ref name="Federal">Federal Research Division, ''Somalia: A Country Study'', (Kessinger Publishing, LLC: 2004), p.38</ref> the British "returned" the ''Hawd'' (an important Somali grazing area that was presumably 'protected' by British treaties with the Somalis in 1884 and 1886) and the Ogaden to Ethiopia, based on a treaty they signed in 1897 in which the British ceded Somali territory to the Ethiopian Emperor [[Menelik]] in exchange for his help against plundering by Somali clans.<ref>David D. Laitin, ''Politics, Language, and Thought: The Somali Experience'', (University Of Chicago Press: 1977), p.73</ref> Britain included the [[proviso]] that the Somali nomads would retain their autonomy, but Ethiopia immediately claimed sovereignty over them.<ref name="Zolberg">Aristide R. Zolberg et al., ''Escape from Violence: Conflict and the Refugee Crisis in the Developing World'', (Oxford University Press: 1992), p.106</ref> This prompted an unsuccessful bid by Britain in 1956 to buy back the Somali lands it had turned over.<ref name="Zolberg"/>
[[Djibouti]] gained its independence in 1977, but a referendum was held in 1958 on the eve of Somalia's independence in 1960 to decide whether or not to join the Somali Republic or to remain with France. The referendum turned out in favor of a continued association with France, largely due to a combined yes vote by the sizable [[Afar people|Afar]] ethnic group and resident Europeans. However, the majority of those who voted no were Somalis who were strongly in favor of joining a united Somalia as had been proposed by [[Mahmoud Harbi]], Vice President of the Government Council. Harbi was killed in a plane crash two years later, and [[Hassan Gouled Aptidon]], a French-groomed Somali who campaigned for a yes vote in the referendum of 1958, eventually wound up as Djibouti's first president post-independence (1977-1991).<ref>Lowell Barrington, ''After Independence: Making and Protecting the Nation in Postcolonial and Postcommunist States'', (University of Michigan Press: 2006), p.115</ref>
British Somaliland became independent on [[June 26]] [[1960]], and the former Italian Somaliland followed suit five days later.<ref>Encyclopaedia Britannica, ''The New Encyclopaedia Britannica'', (Encyclopaedia Britannica: 2002), p.835</ref> On [[July 1]], [[1960]], the two territories united to form the Somali Republic, albeit within boundaries drawn up by Italy and Britain.<ref>[http://www.worldsat.ca/image_gallery/ngs/ngs_somalia.html The beginning of the Somali nation after independence]</ref><ref>[http://www.buluugleey.com/warkiidanbe/Governance.htm The dawn of the Somali nation-state in 1960]</ref><ref>[http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htwin/articles/20060809.aspx The making of a Somalia state]</ref> A government was formed by [[Abdullahi Issa]] with [[Aden Abdullah Osman Daar]] as [[List of Presidents of Somalia|President]],<ref>[http://www.mudulood.com/PageAadan%20Cabdulle%20Cusman.html Aden Abdullah Osman the founding father]</ref><ref>[http://www.mudulood.com/OpinionPage546.htm The founding father of Somalia]</ref><ref>[http://www.markacadeey.com/june/aden_cadde_20070609_1.htm A tribute to the Somalia founding father, its president in 1960s]</ref> and [[Abdirashid Ali Shermarke]] as [[Prime Minister of Somalia|Prime Minister]], later to become President (from 1967-1969). On July 20, 1961 and through a popular [[referendum]], the Somali people ratified a new [[constitution]], which was first drafted in 1960.<ref>Greystone Press Staff, ''The Illustrated Library of The World and Its Peoples: Africa, North and East'', (Greystone Press: 1967), p.338</ref>
However, inter-clan rivalry persisted<ref>[http://www.somalilandtimes.net/2003/139/13904.shtml The making of Somalia, Somaliland]</ref><ref>[http://www.radiobuuhoodle.com/goodgovernance.htm The beginning of the Somalia state]</ref><ref>[http://www.buluugleey.com/warkiidanbe/Governance.htm The dawn of the Somali nation-state in 1960]</ref><ref>[http://media.maps.com/magellan/Images/SOMCLA-W2.gif Historical self-governing clan factors in present day Somalia]</ref> with many clans claiming to have been forced into the state of Somalia. In 1967, [[Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal]] became Prime Minister, appointed by Shermarke (Egal was later to become President of the breakaway independent Somaliland).
In late 1969 following the assassination of President Shermarke, a military government assumed power in a [[coup d'état]] led by General [[Siad Barre]] and Chief of Police [[Jama Korshel]]. Barre became President and Korshel vice-president. The revolutionary army established large-scale public works programmes and successfully implemented an urban and rural [[literacy]] campaign, which helped dramatically increase the literacy rate from 5% to 55% by the mid-1980s.
However, struggles continued during Barre's rule. At one point he assassinated a major figure in his cabinet, Major General Gabiere, and two other officials.
It was in July 1976 when the real dictatorship of the Somali military commenced with the founding of the [[Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party]] (Xisbiga Hantiwadaagga Kacaanka Soomaaliyeed, XHKS). It was the single party that ruled Somalia until the fall of the military government in December 1990 - January 1991. It was violently overthrown by the combined armed revolt of the [[Somali Salvation Democratic Front]] (Jabhadda Diimuqraadiga Badbaadinta Soomaaliyeed, SSDF), [[United Somali Congress]] (USC), [[Somali National Movement]] (SNM), and the [[Somali Patriotic Movement]] (SPM) together with the non-violent political oppositions of the [[Factions in the Somali Civil War#Somali Democratic Movement (SDM)|Somali Democratic Movement]] (SDM), the [[Factions in the Somali Civil War#Somali Democratic Alliance (SDA)|Somali Democratic Alliance]] (SDA) and the Somali Manifesto Group (SMG).
===The Ogaden War===
[[Image:Fakr Ud Din Mosque.jpg|thumb|right|[[Fakr ad-Din mosque]]]]
In 1977 and 1978, Somalia fought with its neighbour Ethiopia in the [[Ogaden War]], in which Somalia aimed to liberate and unite the Somali lands that had been partitioned by the former colonial powers, and to win the right of self-determination for ethnic Somalis in those territories. Somalia first engaged Kenya and Ethiopia diplomatically, but this failed. Somalia, already preparing for war, created the [[Ogaden National Liberation Front]] (ONLF, then called the [[Western Somali Liberation Front]], WSLF) and eventually sought to capture Ogaden. Somalia acted unilaterally without consulting the [[international community]], which was generally opposed to redrawing colonial boundaries, while the [[Soviet Union]] and the [[Warsaw Pact]] countries, refused to help Somalia, and instead, backed [[Communist]] Ethiopia. For most of the war, Somalia appeared to be winning in most of Ogaden, but with Somali forces at the gates of [[Addis Ababa]], Soviet and [[Cuban]] forces and weapons came to the aid of Ethiopia. The [[Somali Army]] was decimated and Somalia sought the help of the [[United States]]. Although the [[Carter Administration]] originally expressed interest in helping Somalia he later declined, as did American allies in the [[Middle East]] and [[Asia]]. The Americans perhaps did not want to engage the Soviets in this period of [[détente]].
===The Somali Civil War===
{{main|Somali Civil War}}
By 1978, the moral authority of the Somali government had collapsed. Many Somalis had become disillusioned with life under military dictatorship and the regime was weakened further in the 1980s as the [[Cold War]] drew to a close and Somalia's strategic importance was diminished. The government became increasingly [[Totalitarianism|totalitarian]], and [[resistance movement]]s, encouraged by Ethiopia, sprang up across the country, eventually leading to the [[Somali Civil War]].
1991 saw great changes in Somalia. President Barre was ousted by a combined northern and southern clan based forces all of whom were backed and armed by Ethiopia. And following a meeting of the [[SNM]] and northern clans' elders, the northern former British portion of the country declared its independence as Somaliland in May 1991; although de facto independent and relatively stable compared to the tumultuous south, it has not been recognised by any foreign government.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1367554.stm Somaliland citizens ask to be recognised as a state]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1361394.stm Somaliland votes for independence]</ref>
In January 1991, President [[Ali Mahdi Muhammad]] was selected by the manisfesto group as an interim president for the whole of Somalia until a conference between all stakeholders to be held in Djibouti in February of the same year to select a national leader. However, [[United Somali Congress]] military leader General [[Mohamed Farrah Aidid]], the [[Somali National Movement]] leader [[Abdirahman Toor]] and the [[Somali Patriotic Movement]] leader [[Col Jess]] refused to recognize Mahdi as president. This caused a split between the SNM, USC and SPM and the armed groups Manifesto, [[Somali Democratic Movement]] (SDM) and [[Somali National Alliance]] (SNA) on the one hand and within the USC forces. This led efforts to remove Barre who still claimed to be the legitimate president of Somalia. He and his armed supporters remained in the south of the country until mid 1992, causing further escalation in violence, especially in the Gedo, Bay, Bakool, Lower Shabelle, Lower Juba, and Middle Juba regions. The armed conflict within the USC devastated the Mogadishu area.
The civil war disrupted agriculture and food distribution in southern Somalia. The basis of most of the conflicts was clan allegiances and competition for resources between the warring clans. James Bishop, the United States last ambassador to Somalia, explained that there is "competition for water, pasturage, and... cattle. It is a competition that used to be fought out with arrows and sabers... Now it is fought out with AK-47s."<ref>[http://hprsite.squarespace.com/remember-somalia-112007/ It is a competition that used to be fought out with arrows and sabers... Now it is fought out with AK-47s]</ref> The resulting famine caused the [[United Nations Security Council]] in 1992 to authorize the limited peacekeeping operation [[United Nations Operation in Somalia I]] (UNOSOM I). UNOSOM's use of force was limited to self-defence and it was soon disregarded by the warring factions. In reaction to the continued violence and the humanitarian disaster, the United States organised a military coalition with the purpose of creating a secure environment in southern Somalia for the conduct of humanitarian operations. This coalition, ([[Unified Task Force]] or UNITAF) entered Somalia in December 1992 on [[War in Somalia (1992–1993)|Operation Restore Hope]] and was successful in restoring order and alleviating the famine. In May 1993, most of the United States troops withdrew and UNITAF was replaced by the [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II]] (UNOSOM II).
However, Aidid saw UNOSOM II as a threat to his power and in June 1993 his militia attacked [[Pakistan Army]] troops, attached to UNOSOM II, (see [[UN peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan#Somalia (March 1992 to February 1996)|Somalia (March 1992 to February 1996)]]) in Mogadishu inflicting over 80 casualties. Fighting escalated until 18 American troops and more than 1,000 Somalis were killed in a [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|raid in Mogadishu]] during October 1993. The UN withdrew [[Operation United Shield]] in [[3 March]] [[1995]], having suffered significant casualties, and with the rule of government still not restored.
In June 1996, Mohamed Farrah Aidid was killed in Mogadishu.
===2000 – Present===
[[Image:location federal.png|thumb|right|Areas directly administered by the Transitional Federal Government<!--latest situation map denies that-->]]
Following the civil war the [[Majeerteen]] clan declared a self-governing state in the northeast, which took the name [[Puntland]], but maintained that it would participate in any Somali reconciliation to form a new central government.
Then in 2002, [[Southwestern Somalia]], comprising [[Bay, Somalia|Bay]], [[Bakool]], [[Jubbada Dhexe]] (Middle Juba), [[Gedo]], [[Shabeellaha Hoose]] (Lower Shabele) and [[Jubbada Hoose]] (Lower Juba) [[regions of Somalia]] declared itself autonomous. Although initially the instigators of this, the [[Rahanweyn Resistance Army]], which had been established in 1995, was only in full control of Bay, Bakool and parts of Gedo and Jubbada Dhexe, they quickly established the de facto autonomy of Southwestern Somalia. Although conflict between [[Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud]] and his two deputies, weakened the Rahanweyn militarily from February 2006, the Southwest became central to the TFG based in the city of Baidoa. Shatigadud became Finance Minister, his first deputy [[Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe]] became Parliamentary Speaker and his second deputy [[Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade]] became Minister of Transport. Shatigadud also held the Chairmanship of the Rahanwein Traditional Elders' Court.
In 2004, the TFG met in [[Nairobi]], Kenya and published a charter for the government of the nation.<ref>{{cite web
| title =The Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic
| publisher = Somalia.cc
|date=February 2004
| url =http://www.somalia.cc/article_read.asp?item=6
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title =The Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic
| publisher = iss.co.za
|date=February 2004
| url =http://www.iss.co.za/AF/profiles/Somalia/charterfeb04.pdf
| format=pdf
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref> The TFG capital is presently in Baidoa.
Meanwhile Somalia was one of the many countries affected by the [[tsunami]] which struck the [[Indian Ocean]] coast following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]], destroying entire villages and killing an estimated 300 people and in 2006, Somalia was deluged by torrential rains and flooding that struck the entire [[Horn of Africa]] affecting 350,000 people.<ref>{{cite press release
| title =No end in sight for flood-stricken Somalia
| publisher =[[ICRC]]
| date =[[2006-12-11]]
| url =http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/YSAR-6WDSRM?OpenDocument
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
[[Image:2006 ICU.png|thumb|Somalia at the height of I.C.U. power, December 2006]]
The tribal rivalry continued in 2006 with the declaration of regional autonomy by the state of Jubaland, consisting of parts of Gedo, Jubbada Dhexe, and the whole of Jubbada Hoose. [[Barre Adan Shire Hiiraale]], chairman of the [[Juba Valley Alliance]], who comes from [[Galguduud]] in central Somalia is the most powerful leader there. Like Puntland this regional government did not want full statehood, but some sort of federal autonomy.
====The 2006 civil war and invasion by Ethiopia ====
{{See also|Battle of Mogadishu (2006)|Rise of the Islamic Courts Union (2006)|War in Somalia (2006–present)|Diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in the Somali Civil War|2008 timeline of the War in Somalia}}
Conflict broke out again in early 2006 between an alliance of Mogadishu warlords known as the [[Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism]] (or "ARPCT") and a [[militia]] loyal to the [[Islamic Courts Union]] (or "I.C.U."), seeking to institute [[Sharia]] law in Somalia. Social law changes, such as the forbidding of chewing [[khat]],<ref>{{cite news
| title =Regional court orders closure of khat kiosks
| publisher =Garowe Online
| date =[[2006-11-22]]
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref> and even the prohibition against watching movies and football in public,<ref>{{cite news
| first=Mohamed Abdi
| last =Farah
| title =Islamists put curfew on Bulo-Burde town after unrest
| publisher =SomaliNet
| date =[[2006-11-22]]
| url =http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5246
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref> were part of moves by the ICU to change behaviours and impose strict social morals.
The Union was led by Sheikh [[Sharif Ahmed]]. When asked if the ICU plans to extend its control to the rest of Somalia, Sheikh Ahmed responded in an interview:
{{quotation
| "Land is not our priority. Our priority is the people's peace, dignity and that they could live in liberty, that they could decide their own fate. That is our priority. Our priority is not land; the people are important to us."
| [http://www.awdalnews.com/wmview.php?ArtID=7404 Sheikh Sherif welcomes dialogue with Washington], ANN, [[June 9]], [[2006]]]
}}
Several hundred people, mostly civilians caught in the crossfire, died during this conflict. Mogadishu residents described it as the worst fighting in more than a decade. The Islamic Courts Union accused the U.S. of funding the warlords through the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] and supplying them with arms in an effort to prevent the Islamic Courts Union from gaining power. The [[United States Department of State]], while neither admitting nor denying this, said the U.S. had taken no action that violated the international arms embargo of Somalia. A few e-mails describing covert illegal operations by private military companies in breach of U.N. regulations have been reported<ref>{{cite news
| last =Barnett
| first =Antony
| coauthors =Patrick Smith
| title =US accused of covert operations in Somalia
| publisher =[[The Observer]]
| date =[[September 10]] [[2006]]
| url =http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1868920,00.html
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref> by the UK Sunday newspaper ''[[The Observer]]''.
By early June 2006 the Islamic Militia had control of Mogadishu, following the [[Battle of Mogadishu (2006)|Second Battle of Mogadishu]], and the last A.R.P.C.T. stronghold in southern Somalia, the town of [[Jowhar]], then fell with little resistance. The remaining A.R.P.C.T. forces fled to the east or across the border into Ethiopia and the alliance effectively collapsed.
The Ethiopian-supported Transitional Government then called for intervention by a regional East African [[peacekeeping]] force. The I.C.U. meanwhile were fiercely opposed to foreign troops — particularly Ethiopians — in Somalia.<ref name = "Reuters2006-09-09">Somali Islamists to ask AU to end peace force plan, Reuters, [[September 9]], [[2006]].</ref> claiming that Ethiopia, with its long history as an imperial power including the occupation of Ogaden, seeks to occupy Somalia, or rule it by proxy.
Meanwhile the I.C.U. and their militia took control of much of the southern half of Somalia, normally through negotiation with local clan chiefs rather than by the use of force. However, the Islamic militia stayed clear of areas close to the Ethiopian border, which had become a place of refuge for many Somalis including the Transitional Government itself, headquartered in the town of Baidoa. Ethiopia said it would protect Baidoa if threatened. On [[September 25]] [[2006]], the I.C.U. moved into the southern port of Kismayo, the last remaining port held by the transitional government.<ref name="CNN2006-09-25">{{cite news.
| title =Islamists seize Somalia port
| publisher =[[CNN]]
| date =[[2006-09-25]]
| accessdate = }}</ref>
Ethiopian troops entered Somalia and seized the town of Buur Hakaba on [[October 9]], and later that day the I.C.U. issued a declaration of war against Ethiopia.<ref>{{cite news
| last =Pflanz
| first =Mike
| title =Somalia Extremists Declare Jihad On Ethiopia
| publisher =[[New York Sun]], [[The Daily Telegraph]]
| date =[[2006-10-10]]
| url =http://www.nysun.com/article/41275
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
On [[November 1]] [[2006]], peace talks between the Transitional Government and the ICU broke down. The international community feared an all-out civil war, with Ethiopian and rival [[Eritrea]]n forces backing opposing sides in the power-struggle.<ref>{{cite news
| last =Gollust
| first =David
| title =US Concerned Somalia Conflict Could Spread
| publisher =[[Voice of America]]
| date =[[2 November]] [[2006]]
| url =http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-11-02-voa65.cfm
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
[[War]] erupted on [[December 21]] [[2006]] when the leader of ICU, Sheikh [[Hassan Dahir Aweys]] said: "Somalia is in a state of war, and all Somalis should take part in this struggle against Ethiopia", and heavy fighting broke out between the Islamic militia on one side and the Somali Transitional Government allied with Ethiopian forces on the other.<ref>{{cite news
| title =Carnage as Somalia 'in state of war'
| publisher =[[CNN]]
| date =[[December 22]] [[2006]]
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
In late December 2006, Ethiopia launched [[airstrike]]s against Islamic troops and strong points across Somalia. Ethiopian Information Minister [[Berhan Hailu]] stated that targets included the town of [[Buurhakaba]], near the Transitional Government base in Baidoa. An Ethiopian jet fighter strafed [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu International Airport]] (now Aden Adde International Airport), without apparently causing serious damage but prompting the airport to be shut down. Other Ethiopian jet fighters attacked a military airport west of Mogadishu.<ref>{{cite news
| title =Ethiopia attacks Somalia airports
| publisher =[[BBC]]
| date =[[2006-12-25]]
| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6208549.stm
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| first=Jeffrey
| last=Gentleman
| title =Ethiopian Jets Strafe Mogadishu Airports
| publisher =[[The New York Times]]
| date =[[2006-12-26]]
| url =http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/26/world/africa/26somalia.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
Ethiopian Prime Minister [[Meles Zenawi]] then announced that his country was waging war against the ICU to protect his country's sovereignty. "Ethiopian defence forces were forced to enter into war to the protect the sovereignty of the nation and to blunt repeated attacks by Islamic courts terrorists and anti-Ethiopian elements they are supporting," he said.<ref>{{cite news
| last =Yare
| first =Hassan
| title =Ethiopia says forced into war with Somali Islamists
| publisher =[[Yahoo!]], [[Reuters]]
| date =[[2006-12-24]]
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| title =Ethiopia declares war on Somalia
| publisher =[[Al Jazeera]]
| date =[[December 25]] [[2006]]
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
Days of heavy fighting followed as Ethiopian and government troops backed by tanks and jets pushed against Islamic forces between Baidoa and Mogadishu. Both sides claimed to have inflicted hundreds of casualties, but the Islamic infantry and vehicle artillery were badly beaten and forced to retreat toward Mogadishu. On [[28 December]], [[2006]], the allies entered Mogadishu after Islamic fighters fled the city. Prime Minister [[Ali Mohammed Ghedi]] declared that Mogadishu had been secured, after meeting with local clan leaders to discuss the peaceful hand-over of the city.<ref name = "Yahoo2006-12-28">{{cite news
| url =http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061228/ap_on_re_af/somalia
| last =Mohamed Olad
| first =Hassan
| title =Somali troops enter Mogadishu to cheers
| publisher =[[Associated Press]]
| date =[[2006-12-28]]
| accessdate = 2007-01-02
| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070109102653/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061228/ap_on_re_af/somalia
| archivedate=2007-01-09}}</ref> Yet as of April 2008, the Transitional Federal Government and its Ethiopian allies still face frequent attacks from an Islamic insurgency.
=====The Battle of Ras Kamboni=====
The Islamists retreated south, towards their stronghold in Kismayo, fighting rearguard actions in several towns. They abandoned Kismayo, too, without a fight, claiming that their flight was a strategic withdrawal to avoid civilian casualties, and entrenched around the small town of [[Ras Kamboni]], at the southernmost tip of Somalia and on the border with Kenya. In early January, the Ethiopians and the Somali government attacked, resulting in the [[Battle of Ras Kamboni]], and capturing the Islamic positions and driving the surviving fighters into the hills and forests after several days of combat. On [[January 9]], [[2007]], the United States openly intervened in Somalia by sending [[Lockheed AC-130]] gunships to attack Islamic positions in Ras Kamboni. Dozens were killed and by then the ICU were largely defeated.
As of [[November 30]], [[2007]], the fighting continued in Mogadishu between transitional government Somali and Ethiopian official troops, on one hand, and Islamic militants, on the other.
==Politics==
[[Image:Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.jpg|thumb|right|[[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]]: President of Somalia]]
{{main|Politics of Somalia}}
Somalia has had no effective national government since 1991. The internationally recognized ''Transitional Federal Government'', controls only parts of Southern Somalia from its base in the town of [[Baidoa]], and is not recognized by most Somalis. On [[October 14]], [[2004]], the Somali [[Transitional Federal Parliament]] elected [[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]], previously president of [[Puntland]], to be president of Somalia. Because of the situation in Mogadishu, the election was held in a sports centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Yusuf was elected with 189 of the 275 votes from members of parliament.
Many other small political organisations exist, some clan-based, others seeking a Somalia free from clan-based politics. Many of them have come into existence since the civil war. The political situation therefore remains unstable; for example, on [[September 18]] [[2006]], Abdullah Yusuf barely survived a suicide attack on his convoy in Baidoa, although twelve other people were killed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gettleman |first=Jeffrey |title=Somali President Survives Suicide Bomb; 8 Others Are Killed |publisher=[[The New York Times]] |date=2006-09-18 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/19/world/africa/19somalia.html?ex=1316318400&en=71813932881e45e7&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |accessdate=2006-09-19
}}</ref>
In the northwest, there is the secessionist region of [[Somaliland]] with its capital in [[Hargeisa]] that declared its independence in 1991. This [[Isaaq]]-dominated governing zone is not recognized by any major international organization or country, although it has remained more stable and certainly more peaceful than the rest of Somalia, neighboring [[Puntland]] notwithstanding.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/05/world/africa/05somaliland.html The Signs Say Somaliland, but the World Says Somalia]</ref><ref>[http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia991.pdf UN in Action: Reforming Somaliland's Judiciary]</ref>
[[Puntland]] in the northeast also remains autonomous but supports the Transitional Government and, unlike Somaliland, still considers itself a part of the Somali Republic.
[[Sanaag]] Region and some parts of [[Bari]] region there is newly declared state of [[Maakhir]] which is a self-proclaimed autonomous state within [[Somalia]] on an area disputed by Somaliland and Puntland. Declared in [[July 1]], [[2007]], it remains unrecognized by the [[Transitional Federal Government]] of Somalia.
[[Maakhir]] is mainly inhabited by the [[Warsangali]] clan, a member of the [[Harti]] confederation of clans (along with the [[Dhulbahante]] and [[Majeerteen]]) and a clan of the [[Darod]] tribe.
In the southwestern interior, [[Jubaland]] and [[Southwestern Somalia]] have both recognised the TFG and local leaders are part of the government.
The southern half of the country, with the bulk of the population, as of November 2007, is unstable, following the 2006 Civil War between the Transitional Government and the Islamic Courts Union.
Westerners and those working for western organisations continue to be targets of the violence. Two aid workers, one British and the other Kenyan, were abducted in Puntland on [[8 May]] [[2007]] and a western nurse and her escort were shot dead in Mogadishu on [[17 September]] [[2006]].
The inhabitants of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions of the Northern Somalia have announced formations of a new political party – Northern Somali Unionist Movement (NSUM) as a grass roots Somali organization whose members and supporters hail from Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions in the Northern regions of Somalia(formerly British Somaliland) and whose clan in these regions do not identify with the Somaliland secession. NSUM stands for the promotion of peace and unity among all people of Somalia.
==Capital==
[[Mogadishu]] is the capital of Somalia. However, during the conflict in 2006, Mogadishu became part of the territory controlled by the Islamic Courts Union, while the Transitional Federal Government had its seat in [[Baidoa]]. The Government returned to Mogadishu in December 2006 with the help of Ethiopian troops.
==Geography==
[[Image:Naasa Hablood2.jpg|right|thumb|290px|[[Hargeisa]] and much of northwestern Somalia is desert or hilly terrain. Here, the [[Naasa Hablood]] hills are shown.]]
{{main|Geography of Somalia}}
Somalia is located in the [[Horn of Africa]] with the [[Gulf of Aden]] to the north and the [[Indian Ocean]] to the east. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Kenya to the southwest. Somalia has the longest [[coast]]line on the continent.<ref name = "Time">{{cite news
| last =Robinson
| first =Simon
| coauthors =Xan Rice
| title =In Peril on The Sea
| publisher =[[Time]]
| date =[[2005-11-07]]
| url =http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501051114-1126762,00.html
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref>
==Climate==
Major climatic factors are a year-round hot climate, seasonal [[monsoon]] winds, and irregular rainfall with recurring [[drought]]s. Mean daily maximum temperatures range from 30 °C to 40 °C (85–105 °F), except at higher elevations and along the east coast. Mean daily minimums usually vary from about 15 °C to 30 °C (60–85 °F). The southwest monsoon, a sea breeze, makes the period from about May to October the mildest season at Mogadishu. The December-February period of the northeast monsoon is also relatively mild, although prevailing climatic conditions in Mogadishu are rarely pleasant. The "tangambili" periods that intervene between the two monsoons (October–November and March–May) are hot and humid.
{{clear}}
== Regions and districts ==
[[Image:Somalia map states regions districts.png|thumb|Political map of Somalia]]
{{main|Regions of Somalia|Districts of Somalia}}
Prior to the civil war, Somalia was divided into eighteen regions (''gobollada'', singular ''gobol''), which were in turn subdivided into districts. The regions are:
{{columns
|width = 150px
|gap = 10px
|col1 = 1 [[Awdal]]<br/>2 [[Bakool]]<br/>3 [[Banaadir]]<br/>4 [[Bari, Somalia|Bari]]<br/>5 [[Bay, Somalia|Bay]]<br/>6 [[Galguduud]]
|col2 = {{nbsp|2}}7 [[Gedo]]<br/>{{nbsp|2}}8 [[Hiiraan]]<br/>{{nbsp|2}}9 [[Jubbada Hoose]]<br/>10 [[Shabeellaha Hoose]]<br/>11 [[Mudug]]<br/>12 [[Jubbada Dhexe]]<br/>
|col3 = 13 [[Shabeellaha Dhexe]]<br/>14 [[Nugaal]]<br/>15 [[Sanaag]]<br/>16 [[Sool]]<br/>17 [[Togdheer]]<br/>18 [[Woqooyi Galbeed]] }}
On a ''de facto'' basis, northern Somalia is now divided up among the quasi-independent states of [[Puntland]], [[Somaliland]], [[Galmudug]] and [[Maakhir]]. The south is at least nominally controlled by the Transitional Federal Government, although resistance by Islamic groups continues in many areas. Under the ''de facto'' arrangements there are now [[Regions of Somalia|27 regions]].
==HIV/AIDS==
Despite being caught up in a civil war for over 15 years now, Somalia has one of the lowest [[HIV]] infection rates in all of Africa. This is attributed to the [[Muslim]] nature of Somali society and adherence of Somalis to Islamic morals.<ref>[http://ams.ac.ir/aim/07104/0012.pdf Religious and cultural traits in HIV/AIDS epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa]</ref>
{{quotation | The breadth of the [[AIDS]] pandemic has led to the idea in the West that the entire continent is ravaged by the disease. But Somalia — isolated for 14 years since the civil war began and populated by devout Muslims — has an infection rate of perhaps only 1.5 or 2 per cent of the adult population.|Stephanie Nolan<ref>In Somalia, isolation has kept AIDS at bay ? Stephanie Nolan</ref>
}}
==Education==
[[Image:Somaliclassroom.jpg|thumb|left|School classroom in [[Hargeisa]]]]
[[Image:Somalischoolroster.jpg|thumb|right|150px|A Somali school roster board]]
With the collapse of the central government in 1991, the education system is now private. [[Primary school]]s have risen from 600 before the civil war to 1,172 schools today, with an increase of 28% in primary school enrollment over the last 3 years.<ref>{{cite web
| last =Ihebuzor
| first =Noel
| title =EC and UNICEF join hands to support education in Somalia
| publisher =United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
| date = 2005 01 31
| url =http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/VBOL-696HBA?OpenDocument
| accessdate = 2007-02-09 }}</ref> In 2006, Puntland, an autonomous state, was the second in Somalia (after Somaliland) to introduce free primary schools with teachers now receiving their salaries from the Puntland administration.<ref>{{cite web
| last =Staff writer
| first =Staff writer
| title =Puntland (Somalia) to introduce free primary schools
| publisher =Afrol News
| date = 2006 04 06
| url =http://www.afrol.com/articles/16083
| accessdate = 2007-02-09 }}</ref> In Mogadishu, the [[Benadir University]], the [[Somalia National University]], and the [[Mogadishu University]] are three of the eight universities that teach Higher education in Southern Somalia. In Puntland, higher education is provided by the [[Puntland State University]] and East Africa University. In Somaliland, it is provided by [[Amoud University]], [[University of Hargeisa]] and [[Burao University]]. Three Somali Universities are currently ranked in the top 100 of Africa. [[Qur'an]]ic schools (also known as duqsis) remain the basic system of instruction for religion in Somalia. They provide [[Islamic studies|Islamic education]] for children, thereby filling a clear religious and social role in the country. Known as the most stable, local, and non-formal education providing basic religious and moral instruction, their strength rests on community support and their use of locally made and widely available teaching materials.
The Qu'ranic system, which teaches the greatest number of students relative to the other education sub-sectors, is the only system accessible to nomadic Somalis compared to the urban Somalis who have easier access to education. In 1993, a survey by the [[United Nations Children's Fund]] (UNICEF) was conducted in which it found, among other things, that about 40% of pupils in Qu'ranic schools were girls.<ref>[http://www.pitt.edu/~ginie/somalia/pdf/koran.pdf University of Pittsburgh]</ref>
==Economy==
[[Image:Bosaso2.jpg|thumb|[[Bosaso]] is the fastest growing city in Somalia, having quadrupled in size during the Somali civil war.]]
{{main|Economy of Somalia}}
Since the collapse of the state, Somalia has transformed from what [[Siad Barre]] referred to as "[[Scientific Socialism]]" to a free [[market economy]].
[[Agriculture]] is the most important sector, with [[livestock]] accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. [[Nomad]]s and semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population.
After livestock, [[banana]]s are the principal export; [[sugar]], [[sorghum]], [[maize]], and [[fish]] are products for the domestic market.
The small [[industrial sector]], based on the processing of agricultural products, accounts for 10% of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]].
==Telecommunications==
Somalia's public [[telecommunication]]s system has been almost completely destroyed or dismantled. However, private wireless companies thrive in most major cities and actually provide better services than in neighbouring countries. Wireless service and [[Internet café]]s are provided. Somalia was the last African country to access the Internet in August 2000, with only 57 web sites known as of 2003.<ref>{{cite web
| last =Landreville
| first =Kristen
| title =Journalists online in Somalia
| publisher =World Watch
| date =[[November 28]] [[2003]]
| url =http://www.kristenlandreville.com/2003_11_01_world-watch_archive.html
| accessdate = 2007-01-02 }}</ref> Internet usage in Somalia grew 44,900% from 2000 to 2007, registering the highest growth rate in Africa.<ref>[http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats1.htm#africa Internet Usage Statistics for Africa]</ref> Somalia has the cheapest [[Cellular network|cellular]] calling rates in Africa, with some companies charging less than a cent a minute.<ref name = "BBCNewsAfrica">{{cite news
| last =Winter
| first =Joseph
| title =Telecoms thriving in lawless Somalia
| publisher =[[BBC]]
| date =[[2004-11-19]]
| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4020259.stm
| accessdate =2007-01-02 }}</ref> Competing phone companies have agreed on interconnection standards, which were brokered by the [[United Nations]] funded [[Somali Telecom Association]].
Companies providing telecommunication services are:
{{columns
|width=180px
|col1 =
*[[Golis Telecom Somalia]]
*[[Somali Telecom Group]]
*[[Galkom]]
*[[Global Internet Company]]
*[[Hormuud]]
|col2 =
*[[Telcom]]
*[[NationLink Telecom]]
*[[Netco (Somalia)|Netco]]
*[[Somafone]]
}}
==Environment==
Somalia is a [[Semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] country with about 2% [[arable land]]. The civil war had a huge impact on the country’s [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|tropical forests]] by facilitating the production of [[charcoal]] with ever present, recurring, but damaging droughts. Somali environmentalist and [[Goldman Environmental Prize]] winner, [[Fatima Jibrell]], became the first Somali to step in and do a much-needed effort to save the rest of the environment through local initiatives that organised local communities to protect the rural and coastal habitat. Jibrell trained a team of young people to organise awareness campaigns about the irreversible damage of unrestricted charcoal production. Jibrell also joined the Buran rural institute that formed and organised the Camel Caravan program in which young people loaded tents and equipment on camels to walk for three weeks through a nomadic locale and educate the people about the careful use of fragile resources, [[health care]], livestock management and peace.
[[Fatima Jibrell]] has consistently fought against the burning of charcoal, [[logging]] and other man-induced environmental degradation. Her efforts have born fruits to the local communities across Somalia and international recognition when she won the prestigious Environmental Goldman award from [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]]. Jibrell is also the executive director of Horn Relief and Development Organisation.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Fatima Jibrell: Nursing Nature
| publisher = Worldpress
| date = July 2002
| url = http://www.worldpress.org/Africa/597.cfm
| accessdate = 2007-03-16}}</ref>
==Demographics==
[[Image:Somalia pop 2002.jpg|thumb|left|This 2002 [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] map shows population density throughout Somalia.]]
[[Image:Somaliland somali nomad girls.jpg|right|thumb|200 px|[[Somali people|Somali]] nomad girls]]
{{main|Demography of Somalia}}
Somalia has a population of around 10.7 million according to U.N. estimates in 2003, 85% of which constitute [[Somali people|ethnic Somalis]].
There is little reliable statistical information on urbanisation in Somalia. However, rough estimates have been made indicating an [[urbanization|urbanisation]] of 5% and 8% per [[annum]] with many towns rapidly growing into cities. Currently, 34% of the Somali population live in towns and cities with the percentage rapidly increasing.<ref>[http://www.delken.ec.europa.eu/en/publications/Urban%20Programme%20Report_final.pdf An Urban Development Programme for the European Commission in Somalia]</ref>
Because of the civil war, the country has a large [[Somali diaspora|diaspora community]], one of the largest of the whole continent. Millions of Somalis live abroad, and this excludes those who inhabit the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, Yemen, northeastern Kenya, and Djibouti.
==Languages==
{{main|Languages of Somalia}}
[[Somali language|Somali]] is the national language of the Somali people and is used virtually everywhere by almost all ethnic Somalis as well as a few minority groups. Minority languages do exist, such as [[Af-Maay]], which is spoken in areas in South-Central Somalia mainly by the [[Rahanweyn]]. Variants of [[Swahili language|Swahili]] ([[Bravanese language|Barawe]]) are also spoken along the coast by [[Arab]]s and some [[Somali Bantu|Bantus]] (Jareer).
A considerable number of Somalis speak [[Arabic language|Arabic]] due to close ties with the [[Arab World]], the far-reaching influence of the Arabic media, and religious education. [[English language|English]] is also widely used and taught. [[Italian language|Italian]] used to be a major language but now because of the civil war and lack of education, it is most frequently heard among older generations.
==Religion==
[[Image:Somaliamosque11.jpg|thumb|right|[[Eid]] celebrations in [[Mogadishu]] year 2006]]
{{main|Islam in Somalia}}
The Somalis are entirely [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Muslim]]s.<ref>[http://www.mepc.org/workshops/popstat.asp Middle East Policy Council - Muslim Populations Worldwide]</ref>
[[Christianity]]'s influence was significantly reduced in the 1970s when church-run schools were closed and [[Missionary|missionaries]] sent home. There has been no [[Archbishop]] of the [[Catholic]] [[cathedral]] in the country since 1989; the cathedral in Mogadishu was severely damaged in the civil war of January-February 1992.
The Somali constitution discourages the promotion and propagation of any religion other than [[Islam]]. This sets Somalis apart from their immediate African neighbours, many of whom are either Christians (particularly the [[Amhara people|Amhara]] and others of Ethiopia) or adherents of indigenous faiths.
==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Somalia}}
===Cuisine===
[[Image:Banadir3.jpg|thumb|right|Variety of Somali dishes incorporating rice, vegetables, salads and stews.]]
{{main|Cuisine of Somalia}}
The cuisine of Somalia varies from region to region and it encompasses different styles of cooking. One thing that unites the Somali food is its being [[Halal]]. Therefore, there are no [[pork]] dishes, [[alcohol]] is not served, nothing that died on its own is eaten and no blood is incorporated. Somali people serve dinner as late as 9 pm. During [[Ramadan (calendar month)|Ramadan]], it is often eaten after [[Tarawih]] prayers – sometimes as late as 11 pm. ''Cambuulo'' is one of Somalia's most popular dishes and is enjoyed throughout the country as a dinner meal. The dish is made out of well-cooked [[azuki bean]]s, mixed with butter and sugar. The beans, which by themselves are called ''digir'', are often left on the stove for as many as five hours, on low heat, to achieve the most desired taste.
===Literature===
{{main|Somali literature}}
Somalia produced a large amount of literature through Islamic [[poetry]] and [[Hadith]] from Somali scholars of the last centuries. With the adoption of the [[Latin alphabet]] in 1973 numerous Somali authors have released books over the years which received widespread success, [[Nuruddin Farah]] being one of them. Novels like ''From a Crooked Rib'' and ''Links'' are considered important literary achievements which earned him the 1998 [[Neustadt International Prize for Literature]].
===Music===
{{main|Music of Somalia}}
Somalia has the distinction of being one of only a handful of African countries that are composed almost entirely of one ethnic group, the Somalis. Traditional bands like [[Waaberi Horseed]] have gained a small following outside the country. Others, like [[Maryam Mursal]], have fused Somali traditional music with [[Rock music|rock]], [[bossa nova]], [[hip hop]], and [[jazz]] influences. Most Somali music is love oriented.
[[Toronto]], where a sizable Somali community exists, replaced Mogadishu (because of the instability) as the centre of the Somali music industry, which is also present in [[London]], [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]], and [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]]. One popular musician from the Somali diaspora is [[K'naan]], a young rapper from Toronto, whose songs talk about the struggles of life in Somalia during the outbreak of the civil war.
==See also==
*[[Anarchy in Somalia]]
*[[Communications in Somalia]]
*[[Foreign relations of Somalia]]
*[[Krytocracy]]
*[[Scouting in Somalia]]
*[[Transport in Somalia]]
*[[List of Somalians]]
*[[List of Somali companies]]
*[[List of Somalia-related topics]]
*[[Adal Sultanate]]
*[[Land of Punt]]
*[[Osmanya script]]
*[[Borama script]]
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Bibliography==
*Hess, Robert L. ''Italian Colonialism in Somalia''. Chicago: University of Chicago , 1966.
*Fitzgerald, Nina J. ''Somalia''. New York: Nova Science, Inc., 2002.
* Lewis. I.M. ''Pastoral Democracy: A study on Pastoralism and Politics among the Northern Somali clans''. Ohio: Ohio University Press, 1958. ISBN 978-3825830847
*Mwakikagile, Godfrey. ''The Modern African State: Quest for Transformation'', Chapter Four: Somalia: A Stateless State - What Next?, pp. 109 - 132, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Huntington, New York, 2001.
*Tripodi, Paolo. ''The Colonial Legacy in Somalia''. New York: St. Martin's P Inc,, 1999.
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Somalia}}
* [http://www.hcss.nl/en/column/672/Turbulent-Waters-in-a-Maritime-Black-Hole-.html Turbulent Waters in a Maritime Black Hole] The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies May 2008
* [http://www.lalkar.org/issues/contents/jan2007/somalia.php Condemn US-Ethiopian aggression against Somalia] Lalkar January 2007
*[http://www.dodccrp.org/files/Allard_Somalia.pdf Somalia Operations: Lessons Learned] by Kenneth Allard (CCRP, 1995)
*[http://www.liberalia.com/htm/mvn_stateless_somalis.htm From Nation-State to Stateless Nation: The Somali Experience] by Michael van Notten (Amsterdam, 2000)
*[http://www.netnomad.com/heritage.html "Preserving American Security Ties to Somalia,"] by Michael Johns, [[Heritage Foundation]], [[December 26]], [[1989]].
*[http://heyetnet.org/en/content/view/2346/30/ Changed Arab attitudes to Somalia Conflict]
*[http://walrusmagazine.com/articles/2008.03-field-notes-chronic-ptsd/ "Separation Anxiety", article in [[The Walrus]] about post-traumatic stress disorder among Somali warriors]
'''Government'''
*[http://www.somali-gov.info Official Website of the Federal Government of Somalia]
''Geography''
* [http://www.mapsyou.com/mapsFrame.aspx?p1=117 Bissig Addo] ]
'''News'''
*[http://www.france24.com/france24Public/en/special-reports/20070105-somalia.html Somalia - War situation since 1991 on France 24] – Special Report about Somalia on France 24 International News Channel
*[http://allafrica.com/somalia/ Somalia news headlines]
*[http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/africa/somalia/index.html Somalia's Struggle for Stability], Online NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
*[http://www.breakinglegalnews.com/entry/HRW-claims-US-involved-in-secret-detention-of-Somalis HRW claims US involved in secret detention of Somalis],Breaking Legal News 2007/04/01
*[http://www.irinnews.org/Africa-Country.aspx?Country=SO IRIN Somalia] humanitarian news and analysis
*[http://www.cfr.org/publication/14247/ U.S. Special Envoy Cites Widespread ‘Lack of Confidence’ in Somali Government] Council on Foreign Relations
*[http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2007/10/10/elbagir.somalia.bad.situation.itn?iref=videosearch ITN/CNN Report "War tears Somalia apart"], an up-to-date report on Mogadishu, October, 10th, 2007.
'''Economy'''
*[http://rru.worldbank.org/Documents/PapersLinks/280-nenova-harford.pdf Anarchy and Invention: How Does Somalia's Private Sector Cope without Government?]
*[http://www.breakinglegalnews.com/entry/HRW-claims-US-involved-in-secret-detention-of-Somalis Breaking Legal News 2007/04/01]
'''General information'''
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Africa/Somalia Open Directory Project - Somalia]
*[http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-71-723/conflict_war/somalia/ CBC Digital Archives - The Somalia Affair]
*[http://www.somaliaonline.com/ News and Discussions]
'''Religion'''
*[http://www.kataaib.net Mustaqbalka Ummadda Somaaliyeed]
'''UNESCO'''
*[http://education.nairobi-unesco.org/ UNESCO Nairobi office on education in Somalia]
*[http://education.nairobi-unesco.org/PDFs/somalia.pdf UNESCO Nairobi Office - Fact Book on Education For All, Somalia 2006]
{{Template group
|title = Geographic locale
|list =
{{States of Somalia|state=collapsed}}
{{Countries and territories of the Middle East|state=collapsed}}
{{Countries of Africa|state=collapsed}}
{{Countries bordering the Red Sea|state=collapsed}}
{{Countries and territories bordering the Indian Ocean|state=collapsed}}
}}
{{Template group
|title = International membership
|list =
{{African Union (AU)|state=collapsed}}
{{Arab League|state=collapsed}}
{{Community of Sahel-Saharan States|state=collapsed}}
{{Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)|state=collapsed}}
{{Afro-Asiatic-speaking nations}}
}}
{{War on Terror|state=collapsed}}
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Somalia| ]]
[[Category:East Africa]]
[[Category:African Union member states]]
[[Category:Arab League member states]]
[[Category:Divided regions]]
[[Category:Least Developed Countries]]
[[Category:Arabic-speaking countries]]
<!--Other languages-->
[[af:Somalië]]
[[als:Somalia]]
[[am:ሶማሊያ]]
[[ar:الصومال]]
[[an:Somalia]]
[[frp:Somalie]]
[[ast:Somalia]]
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[[bn:সোমালিয়া]]
[[zh-min-nan:Somalia]]
[[be-x-old:Самалі]]
[[bo:སོ་མ་ལི]]
[[bs:Somalija]]
[[br:Somalia]]
[[bg:Сомалия]]
[[ca:Somàlia]]
[[ceb:Somalia]]
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[[da:Somalia]]
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[[et:Somaalia]]
[[el:Σομαλία]]
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[[fa:سومالی]]
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[[ga:An tSomáil]]
[[gv:Yn Tomaal]]
[[gd:Somàilia]]
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[[ko:소말리아]]
[[hi:सोमालिया]]
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[[id:Somalia]]
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[[is:Sómalía]]
[[it:Somalia]]
[[he:סומליה]]
[[jv:Somalia]]
[[pam:Somalia]]
[[kn:ಸೊಮಾಲಿಯ]]
[[ka:სომალი]]
[[kk:Сомалия]]
[[kw:Somali]]
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[[ku:Somaliya]]
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[[crh:Somaliya]]
[[ro:Somalia]]
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[[ru:Сомали]]
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[[sq:Somalia]]
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[[ta:சோமாலியா]]
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[[vi:Somalia]]
[[tg:Сумолӣ]]
[[tr:Somali]]
[[uk:Сомалі]]
[[ur:صومالیہ]]
[[vec:Somałia]]
[[vo:Somalän]]
[[wo:Somali]]
[[yi:סאמאליע]]
[[yo:Somalia]]
[[diq:Somalya]]
[[bat-smg:Suomalis]]
[[zh:索马里]]
[[sk:Somálsko]]