Somalia: Background & Geography

Introduction Somalia
Background:
 The SIAD BARRE regime was ousted in January 1991; turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy have followed for thirteen years. In May of 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence, aided by the overwhelming dominance of a ruling clan and economic infrastructure left behind by British, Russian, and American military assistance programs. The regions of Bari and Nugaal and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring self-declared autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998, but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides towards reconstructing a legitimate, representative government, but has suffered civil strife in 2002. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. The mandate of the Transitional National Government (TNG), created in August 2000 in Arta, Djibouti, expired in August 2003. Discussions regarding the establishment of a new government are ongoing in Kenya. Numerous warlords and factions are still fighting for control of Mogadishu and the other southern regions. Suspicion of Somali links with global terrorism further complicates the picture.
Geography Somalia
Location:
 Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia
Geographic coordinates:
 10 00 N, 49 00 E
Map references:
 Africa
Area:
 total: 637,657 sq km
water: 10,320 sq km
land: 627,337 sq km
Area - comparative:
 slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries:
 total: 2,340 km
border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km
Coastline:
 3,025 km
Maritime claims - as described in UNCLOS 1982 (see Notes and Definitions):
 territorial sea: 200 NM
Climate:
 principally desert; December to February - northeast monsoon, moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; May to October - southwest monsoon, torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons
Terrain:
 mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north
Elevation extremes:
 lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m
Natural resources:
 uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves
Land use:
 arable land: 1.66%
other: 98.3% (1998 est.)
permanent crops: 0.04%
Irrigated land:
 2,000 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:
 recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; floods during rainy season
Environment - current issues:
 famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
Environment - international agreements:
 party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
Geography - note:
 strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

See Also: