Somalia

National Flag

Somalia officially the Republic of Somalia 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 to the southwest, the Gulf of Aden with Yemen to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Ethiopia to the west. Somalia gained its independence from Italy on 1 July 1960.

Emblem

Profile:

Official Name - Republic of Somalia

Nationality - Somali

Chief City - Mogadishu

Location - Horn of Africa

Population - 9,558,666 (85th) (Estimated 2008)

Area - 637,661 km (42nd)

Official Languages - Somali

Government - Coalition Government

Currency - Somali Shilling (SOS)

Independence - 1 July 1960

Map

national anthem

Soomaaliyeey toosoo
Toosoo isku tiirsada ee
Hadba kiina taagdaranee
Taageera waligiinee
Idinkaa isu tooqaayoo
Idinkaa isu taamaayee
Aadamuhu tacliin barayoo
Waddankiisa taamyeeloo
Sharcigaa isku kiin tolayoo
Luuqadaa tuwaaxid ahoo
Arligiina taaka ahoo

Tooreyda dhaafayn
Kuma kala tegeysaan oo
Tiro ari ah oo dhaxalaa
Sideed laydin soo tubayoo
Ninba toban la meel marayoo
Cadowgiin idiin talin oo
Tuldo geel ah oo dhacan baad
Toogasho u badheedhanee
Ma dhulkaas dhanee tegeybaan
Ninna dhagax u tuurayn
Quaran aan hubkuu tumayo

Oo aan taar samayn karin
Uur kutaallo weynaa
Hadba waxaan la taahaayoo
Togagga uga qaylshaa
Nin dalkiisii cadow taaboo
U tol waayey baan ahayee
Hadba waxaan laa ooyaayoo
Oo ilmadu iiga qubaneysaa
Iqtiyaar nin loo diidoo
La addoon sadaan ahayee

TRANSLATION

Somalia wake up,
wake up and lean on
each other
And whoever is most
in need of
support
Support them forever.

Basket weaver

A herd of camels

Gunman protecting locally grown maize

climate

Major climatic factors are a year-round hot climate, seasonal monsoon winds, and irregular rainfall with recurring droughts. Daily temperatures range from 30 °C to 40 °C (85–105 °F)

economy

Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Major exports are bananas, sugar, sorghum, , and fish are products for the domestic market. The small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, accounts for 10% of GDP. The prospect of oil and other natural resources in Somalia are also expected.

people

Somalia has a population of around 10.7 million according to U.N. estimates in 2003, 85% of which constitute ethnic Somalis. Millions of Somalis live abroad, and in Yemen, northeastern Kenya, and Djibouti.

cuisine

One thing that unites the Somali food is its being Halal. Alcohol is not served. 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 beans, mixed with butter and sugar. The beans, are referred to as digir left on the stove. Barriss (rice) and basto (pasta) are common foods.