East Africa.

GMT + 3.

637,657 sq km (246,201 sq miles).

9.1 million (2007).

14.2 per sq km.

Mogadishu. Population: 2.3 million (2007).

Somalia is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Aden, to the south and west by Kenya, to the west by Ethiopia and to the northwest by Djibouti. To the east lies the Indian Ocean. 

Somalia is a semi-arid country and the scenery includes mountains in the north, flat semi-desert plains in the interior and a subtropical region in the south. Separated from the sea by a narrow coastal plain, the mountains slope south and west to the central, almost waterless plateau which makes up most of the country. The beaches are protected by a coral reef that runs from Mogadishu to the Kenyan border in the south.

Somalia gained independence from the UK and Italy in 1960. At the Arta Peace Conference in 2000, an interim parliament was established. The northern part of the country declared itself independent as the Republic of Somaliland with Dahir Riyale Kahin as acting president since 2002, although it has not achieved international recognition.

President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad since 2009.

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke since 2009.

In 1970 a socialist state was proclaimed by Said Barre, who became president until he was overthrown in 1991. However, no replacement leader could be agreed on, leading to bloody civil war.

Eventually, in 2000, senior figures appointed Abdulkassim Salat Hassan president of a transitional government, which aimed to reconcile the warring clans within an appointed time. This was not achieved and in 2004 clan leaders and politicians signed a deal for a new administration (the 14th attempt to establish a government since President Said Barre was overthrown), again with the aim of reuniting a country torn apart into warring fiefdoms.

The rise of rival administration, the Union of Islamic Courts, in 2006 further compromised the new interim government's already struggling hold over the country. The Islamists took over much of the south, including Mogadishu. With the help of Ethiopian troops, the interim government took back control by the end of 2006 but not without a huge rise in violence, resulting in more rape, kidnappings and banditry. It is thought that around 60% of the capital's inhabitants have since fled.

The Republic of Somalia, a self-declared independent territory, and the autonomous region of Puntland have managed to avoid most of the issues now affecting the rest of Somalia.

Somali and Arabic are the official languages. Swahili is spoken, particularly in the south. English and Italian are also widely spoken.

The state religion is Islam and the majority of Somalis are Sunni Muslims. There is a small Christian community, mostly Roman Catholic.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Traditional dance, music, song and craftsmanship flourish despite gradual modern development. Informal wear is acceptable and there is no objection to bikinis on the beach. Visitors should respect local customs.