Somalia was historically home to powerful trade kingdoms and sultanates before becoming an Italian and British colony. It gained independence in 1960 but later fell into civil war and state collapse in the 1990s. Efforts to rebuild have been ongoing, with a focus on governance and security, though instability remains a challenge.
Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Kenya to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 637,657 square kilometers, it has a population of about 15.9 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Mogadishu. The official languages are Somali and Arabic. Somalia operates as a federal parliamentary republic. The economy is largely based on agriculture, livestock, remittances, and telecommunications. Somalia is known for its long coastline, cultural heritage, and as the historic center of the ancient Somali civilization. The country has faced challenges, including civil conflict and instability, but efforts are ongoing toward peace and development. Somalia is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League.