Difference between revisions 84406473 and 84451955 on enwiki

{{Infobox Country |
native_name = <br>''Soomaaliya''<br>  الصومال <br> Somalía <br> |
common_name = Somalia |
image_flag = Flag of Somalia.svg|
image_coat = Coat of arms of Somalia.png|
national_motto = None |
image_map = LocationSomalia.png |
national_anthem = [[Soomaaliyeey Toosoow]] |
official_languages = [[Somali language|Somali]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[ Italian language|Italian]]|
government_type = Interim Transitional Government |
leader_title1 = [[Interim President of Somalia|President]] |leader_title2 = [[Interim Prime Minister of Somalia|Prime Minister]] |
leader_name1 =[[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]] |
leader_name2 = [[Ali Mohammed Ghedi]]|
capital = [[Mogadishu]] |
latd=2|latm=02|latNS=N|longd=45|longm=21|longEW=E|
largest_city = [[Mogadishu]] |
area = 637,657 |
areami² = 246,201 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->|
area_rank = 42nd |
area_magnitude = 1 E11 |
percent_water = 1.6% |
population_estimate = 8,228,000 |
population_estimate_year = July 2005 | 
population_estimate_rank = 91st |
population_census = 7,114,431 |
population_census_year = 1987 |
population_density = 13 |
population_densitymi² = 34<!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->|
population_density_rank = 198th |
GDP_PPP_year = 2005 |
GDP_PPP = $4.809 billion<!--CIA--> |
GDP_PPP_rank = <small>not ranked</small> |
GDP_PPP_per_capita = 600 |
GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = <small>not ranked</small> |
HDI_year = 2003 |
HDI = NA |
HDI_rank = unranked |
HDI_category = <font color=gray>NA</font> |
sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |
sovereignty_note = From [[United Kingdom]], [[Italy]] |
established_event1 = Date |
established_date1 = [[July 1]], [[1960]] |
cctld=[[.so]]|
calling_code=252|
time_zone=[[East Africa Time|EAT]]|
utc_offset=+3|
time_zone_DST=not observed|
utc_offset_DST=+3|
currency = [[Somali shilling|Shilling]] |
currency_code = SOS |Third world country
}}[[Image:Canadian Military in Somalia 1992.jpg|thumb|[[Canadian Forces|Canadian Military]] in Somalia, 1992|right]]
[[Image:Black Hawk Down Super64 over Mogadishu coast.jpg|thumb|[[United States Army|US Army]] helicopter shortly before [[Battle of Mogadishu]], 1993|right]]
'''Somalia''' ([[Somali language|Somali]]: ''Soomaaliya''; [[Arabic language|Arabic]]: الصومال, ''As-Suumaal''), formerly known as the '''Somali Democratic Republic''', is a coastal nation at the [[Horn of Africa]] in [[East Africa]]. It is bordered by [[Ethiopia]] to the west, [[Djibouti]] to the north and mid-west, [[Kenya]] on its south-west, and the [[Gulf of Aden]] on its north, and  the [[Indian Ocean]] at its east. The Somalian [[state]] currently exists solely in a ''[[de jure]]'' capacity; Somalia has no recognized central government authority nor any other feature associated with an established independent state. [[De facto]] authority resides in the hands of the governments for the unrecognized entities of [[Somaliland]], [[Puntland]], the [[Supreme Islamic Courts Council]] and the weak, but [[United Nations]]-recognized, Interim transitional government in [[Baidoa]] about 250 kilometers north-west of the capital Mogadishu. Violence has plagued Somalia since warlords ousted former dictator [[Siad Barre|Mohamed Siad Barre]] in [[1991]].<ref name=reuter090906>[http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=reutersEdge&storyID=2006-09-09T061747Z_01_L09446351_RTRUKOC_0_US-SOMALIA.xml Somali Islamists to ask AU to end peace force plan], Reuters, September 9, 2006</ref>

==History==
{{Main article|History of Somalia}}

The independence of the [[British Somaliland Protectorate]] from the [[United Kingdom]] was proclaimed on June 26, 1960. On July 1, 1960, unification of the [[British Empire|British]] and ex-[[Italian Somaliland]] took place. The government was formed by Abdullahi Issa. [[Aden Abdullah Osman Daar]] was appointed as [[President of Somalia|President]] and [[Abdirashid Ali Shermarke]] as [[Prime Minister of Somalia|Prime Minister]]. Later, in [[1967]], Mohammed [[Ibrahim Egal]] became Prime Minister in the government appointed by Abdirishid Ali Shermarke. Egal was later chosen as President of the self-declared independent [[Somaliland]]. He died in a hospital in [[Pretoria]] on May 3, 2002.

In late 1969, a [[military government]] assumed power following the assassination of Shermarke, who had been chosen, and served as, President from 1967&ndash;1969. [[Siad Barre|Mohamed Siad Barre]], a [[General]] in the armed forces, became the President in 1969 following a [[coup d'état]]. The revolutionary army leaders, headed by Siad Barre, established large-scale public works programmes. They also successfully implemented an urban and rural [[literacy]] campaign, in which they helped to dramatically increase the literacy rate from a mere 5% to 55% by the mid-[[1980s]].

In the meantime, Barre assassinated a major figure in his cabinet, Major General Gabiere, and two other officials. Intermittent [[civil war]] has been a fact of life in Somalia since 1977. In 1991, first insurgent forces led by [[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]], leader of the (SSDF), and President Ali Mahdi Mohamed officially was unrecognised head of the government. The same year, the northern portion of the country declared its independence as [[Somaliland]]; although de facto independent and relatively stable compared to the tumultuous south, it has not been recognized by any foreign government.

Following the failure of [[Operation Restore Hope]] and beginning in 1993, a two-year [[United nations|UN]] effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions. The UN contingent included some US troops, 18 of whom were killed in fighting after a helicopter was shot down in Mogadishu (as shown in the film "[[Black Hawk Down]]"). 

The UN withdrew in [[Operation United Shield]] by March 3, 1995, having suffered significant casualties, and the rule of government has not yet been restored.

Yet another [[secession]] from Somalia took place in the northeastern region. The self-proclaimed state took the name [[Puntland]] after declaring "temporary" independence in [[1998]], with the intention that it would participate in any Somali reconciliation to form a new central government.
 
A third secession occurred in July 2006 with the declaration of the state of [[Jubaland]]. The territory of Jubaland is now declared its Regional Autonomy by its people. Col. Barre Aden Shire Hiiraale, chairman of the Administration of Jubba Valley Alliance [[Dooxada Jubba]]is the most powerful leader there.
 
A fourth self-proclaimed entity led by the [[Rahanweyn Resistance Army]] (RRA) was set up in 1999. This "temporary" secession was reasserted in 2002, leading to de facto autonomy of Southwestern Somalia. The RRA had originally set up an autonomous administration over the [[Bay, Somalia|Bay]] and [[Bakool]] regions of south and central Somalia in 1999.

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.

The [[2nd Battle of Mogadishu]] started in May 2006. The battle was fought between an alliance of Mogadishu secular warlords known as the [[Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism]] or "ARPCT" and a militia loyal to [[Union of Islamic Courts]] or "UIC". The conflict began in mid-February. Several hundred people, mostly civilians, died in the crossfire. Mogadishu residents described it as the worst fighting in more than a decade of lawlessness.  The Islamists accused the [[United States|U.S.]] of funding the warlords through the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] in an effort to prevent the Islamists gaining power. The U.S. State Department, while neither admitting nor denying this, said the U.S. had taken no action that violated the international arms embargo of Somalia. A few emails describing covert illegal operations by private military companies in breach of UN regulations have been reported <ref>[http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1868920,00.html US accused of covert operations in Somalia] The Observer, September 10, 2006 </ref> by the UK sunday newspaper [[The Observer]].

The Somali transitional government president [[Abdullahi Yusuf]] told the BBC the alliance of warlords was not fighting on behalf of the transitional government -- even though several of the warlords held cabinet posts.Four powerful warlords who had been serving as ministers were sacked.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/5047766.stm Islamists claim Mogadishu victory''], BBC, June 5, 2006</ref> 

On June 5, 2006 the Islamic Militia said it had taken control of the whole of Mogadishu. On 14 June 2006 the last ARPCT stronghold in southern Somalia, the town of [[Jowhar]], fell with little resistance to the ICU. The remaining ARPCT forces fled to the east or across the border into Ethiopia. The warlords' alliance effectively collapsed. 

The transitional government called for intervention by a regional East African peacekeeping force. UIC leaders opposed this, and lobbied [[African Union]] (AU) member states at an AU ceremony in [[Libya]] on [[September 9]] [[2006]] to abandon plans to send peacekeepers to Somalia. The Islamists are fiercely opposed to foreign troops -- and particularly [[Ethiopia|Ethiopians]] -- in Somalia.<ref>[http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=reutersEdge&storyID=2006-09-09T061747Z_01_L09446351_RTRUKOC_0_US-SOMALIA.xml Somali Islamists to ask AU to end peace force plan], Reuters, September 9, 2006</ref>

Steadily the Islamist militia backing the UIC took control of the much of the southern half of Somalia -- normally by negotiation with local clan chiefs rather than the use of force. The Islamists stayed clear of the government headquarters town of Baidoa, which Ethiopia said it would protect if threatened. But on [[September 25]] [[2006]], the UIC moved into the southern port of Kismayo -- the last remaining port held by the government. <ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/09/25/somalia.ap/index.html Islamists seize Somalia port''], CNN, September 25, 2006</ref>

==Politics== 	 
[[Image:Somali land 2006 10 26.png|thumb|400px|left|Political Situation of lands inhabited by Somalis, October 26th 2006]]
<!--Please add new information into relevant articles of the series-->
{{morepolitics|country=Somalia}}
Somalia has had no effective national government since 1991, though there is an internationally recognized government in Baidoa.  This government, called the ''Transitional National Government'', controls only Baidoa, and is not domestically recognized by most Somalis to be legitimate. In the northwest, there is the breakaway republic of [[Somaliland]], which declared its independence in 1991.  [[Puntland]] in the northeast declared itself autonamous in 1998 and has not joined the Transitional Government, though the former president of Puntland is now the president of the Baidoa government and Puntland has stated its desire to join a future theoretical federated state.  In the southeastern interior, [[Jubaland]] and [[Southwestern Somalia]] have both joined the Baidoa government, and its leaders are part of the Baidoa parliament.  The other half of the country, with the bulk of the population, is controlled by the [[Supreme Islamic Courts Council]], which controls the critically important cities of Mogadishu and, since September 24th, Kismayo.

On October 14, 2004 Somali [[members of parliament]] elected warlord [[Abdullahi Yusuf]], previously president of Puntland, to be the next president. Because of the situation in Mogadishu, the election was held in a sports centre in [[Nairobi]], [[Kenya]]. Yusuf was elected transitional President by [[Transitional Federal Parliament|Somalia's transitional parliament]]. He won 189 of the 275 votes from members of parliament. The session of Parliament was also held in neighbouring Kenya. His government is recognized by most western nations as legitimate, although his actual authority is questionable.

Many other small political organizations exist, some clan-based, others seeking a Somalia free from clan-based politics (such as the [[United-SF|United Somali Front]]). Many of them have come into existence since the new president was chosen.

As of late [[2006]], however, the ''Transitional National Government'' remains in control of only a relatively small portion of the country - by some accounts its control barely extends beyond the limits of its capital city of [[Baidoa]]. In addition, the political situation 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>

''See also [[List of notable Somali leaders]].''

<br clear="both">

==Geography==
[[Image:Somalia&land_map.png|thumb|Map of Somalia including the self-proclaimed boundary of Somaliland]]
{{MapLibrary|Somalia sat.png|Somalia}}
{{main|Geography of Somalia}}

Somalia is located on the east coast of Africa on and north of the Equator between the [[Gulf of Aden]] on the north and [[Indian Ocean]] on the east. Together with Ethiopia and Djibouti it is often referred to as the [[Horn of Africa]]. It borders [[Djibouti]] on the northwest, [[Ethiopia]] on the west, and [[Kenya]] on southwest. Somalia comprises Italy's former [[Italian Somaliland|Trust Territory of Somalia]] and the former [[British Somaliland|British Protectorate of Somaliland]] (now seeking recognition as an independent state). The coastline extends 3,025 kilometres (1,880&nbsp;[[mile|mi]]) -- the longest coastline in Africa.

At 246,184 [[square miles|mi²]] (637,657 [[square kilometre|km²]]), Somalia is the world's 42nd-largest country (after [[Afghanistan]]). It is comparable in size to the [[Central African Republic]], and is somewhat smaller than the US state of [[Texas]].

The northern part of the country is hilly, and in many places the altitude ranges between 900 and 2,100 metres (3,000&nbsp;ft.-7,000&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length)|ft]]) above sea level. The central and southern areas are flat, with an average altitude of less than 180 metres (600&nbsp;ft). The [[Juba River|Juba]] and the [[Shabelle River|Shebelle]] Rivers rise in Ethiopia and flow south across the country towards the Indian Ocean. The Shebelle, however, does not reach the sea except during seasons of high rain.

Major climatic factors are a year-round hot climate, seasonal monsoon winds, and irregular rainfall with recurring droughts. Mean daily maximum temperatures range from 30°C to 40°C (85°F-105°F), except at higher elevations and along the east coast. Mean daily minimums usually vary from about 15°C to 30°C (60°F-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.

==Administrative divisions==

''Main articles: [[Regions of Somalia]], [[Districts of Somalia]]''

Somalia is divided into 18 [[region]]s (sing. ''[[gobolka]]'', pl. ''gobollada''), and subdivided into [[district]]s.

The [[Regions of Somalia|regions]] are:
<table><td><ol>
<li>[[Awdal]]
<li>[[Bakool]]
<li>[[Banaadir]]
<li>[[Bari, Somalia|Bari]]
<li>[[Bay, Somalia|Bay]]
<li>[[Galguduud]]
<li>[[Gedo]]
<li>[[Hiiraan]]
<li>[[Jubbada Dhexe]]
</td></ol><td><ol start=10>
<li>[[Jubbada Hoose]]
<li>[[Mudug]]
<li>[[Nugaal]]
<li>[[Sanaag]]
<li>[[Shabeellaha Dhexe]]
<li>[[Shabeellaha Hoose]]
<li>[[Sool]]
<li>[[Togdheer]]
<li>[[Woqooyi Galbeed]]
<li>[[Saaxil]]
</td></ol></table>

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Somalia}}
[[Image:Somali cattle.JPG|300px|right|thumb|A Somali rancher herds cattle in Kismayo. Livestock accounts for about 40% of Somalia's GDP]]
Since the collapse of the state, Somalia has transformed from what Mohamed Siad Barre referred to as "scientific socialism" to a [[free market economy]]. It has long been one of the world's poorest and least developed countries and has relatively few natural resources. Somalia's poverty was even further aggravated by the hostilities of the civil war started in 1991. Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads 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 GDP. Somalia continues to have one of the highest [[child mortality]] rates in the world, with 10% of children dying at birth and 25% of those surviving birth dying before age five. The international aid group, [[Medecins Sans Frontieres]] (Doctors Without Borders) has further stated that the level of daily violence due to the lack of government is "catastrophic." According to  a report in the APC-EC Courier, published in 1997 by the [[Commission of the European Communities]] in Brussels, "The outside world’s picture of Somalia has been distorted by the natural tendency of the foreign media to focus on bad news” and that "[p]eace reigns in most of the country " and "as a result regional and local governments have been able to resume working in many areas." The article quotes former Somalia ambassador to Washington, Omar Mohalim Mohamoud as "Somalis consider themselves born free. To them, the State equals registration, regulation and restriction" and attributes this prejudice against a new central government to the nomadic culture and the bad experiences of the Barre regime. The article concludes by stating that "Somalia can only deal with its massive material and social problems once the pieces of the jigsaw have been fitted back together."<ref>Horner, Simon. ''Somalia: Can The Jigsaw be Pieced Together'', Africa, Caribbean, Pacific  Courier, Commission of the European Communities in Brussels, No. 162, pp. 46 - 66.</ref>

There are signs of growth in Somalia. The [http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/so.html#Econ CIA Factbook] says:
"Despite the seeming anarchy, Somalia's service sector has managed to survive and grow. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to operate, and militias provide security." Infrastructure, such as roads are as numerous as those in neighboring countries but of much lower quality. A [[World Bank]] report states that the private sector has found it too hard to build roads due to high transaction costs and the fact that those who pay road fees are not the only ones using the road (see [[free rider problem]]), presenting a problem with recuperation of investment. The thriving telecommunications industry is private, offering wireless service and [[internet café]]s. Competing phone companies have agreed on interconnection standards, which were brokered by the [[United Nations]] funded [[Somali Telecom Association]]. [[Electricity]] is furnished by entrepreneurs, who have purchased generators and divided cities into manageable sectors. In 1989, before the collapse of the government, the national airline had only one airplane. Now there are approximately 15 airlines, over 60 aircraft, 6 international destinations, and more domestic routes.  According to a World Bank report, the "private airline business in Somalia is now thriving with more than five carriers and price wars between the companies." The owner of Daallo Airlines says, "Sometimes it's difficult without a government and sometimes it's a plus," but "Corruption is not a problem, because there is no government."<ref>[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/SOMALIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20398872~menuPK:367671~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:367665,00.html ''Africa Open for Business''], World Bank, March 18, 2005</ref>

The private sector also supplies water. However, a statistic from 2000 indicated that only 21% of the population had access to safe drinking water at that time. With the collapse of the central government, the education system is now private. A World Bank study reports "modest gains in education." As last measured in 2001, primary school enrollment, which stood at 17%, was nearly at pre-war levels, and secondary school enrollment had been increasing since 1998. However, "adult literacy is estimated to have declined from the already low level of 24% in 1989 to 17.1% in 2001." [http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2004/03/25/000112742_20040325090551/Rendered/PDF/282760Somalia0Country0reengagement0note.pdf] A more recent 2003 study reported that the literacy rate had risen to 19%. [http://rru.worldbank.org/Documents/PapersLinks/280-nenova-harford.pdf] In comparison, literacy is at 49% in wealthier West Africa and 35% among its neighbours. Higher education ended completely in the civil war of 1991, but [[Mogadishu University]] reopened in 1998 and its first class graduated in 2001. Other universities have opened in other cities. In addition to customer fees, much of the funding for the education system comes from international Islamic charities such as [[Al-Islah]].[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2004/35382.htm]

[[Image:MogadishuCoke.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Some signs of investment. The [[Coca-Cola]] bottling plant opened a new coke company in Mogadishu in 2003.]]
The main problem affecting economic growth is the lack of stability, or the perception of it. For businesses to operate, it is necessary to provide some level of security and internationally recognized governments are widely perceived as being more reliable in this than the traditional tribal leadership that currently holds sway in Somalia. However, investors are feeling more comfortable lately; for example, a [[Coca-Cola]] bottling plant opened in Mogadishu in 2004.<ref>BBC News, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3865595.stm ''Coca-Cola Makes Somalia Return''] by Grant Ferrett</ref>

[[Remittance]] services has become a large industry in Somalia. Successful people from the world-wide [[diaspora]] who fled because of the war contribute to the economy around $2 billion annually. In the absence of a formal banking sector, money exchange services have sprouted throughout the country, handling between $500 million and $1 billion in remittances annually. Wireless communications has also become a giant economic force in Somalia. Because of the war, nobody really knows the size of the economy or how much it is growing.

References:
*[http://rru.worldbank.org/Documents/PapersLinks/280-nenova-harford.pdf Anarchy and Invention: How Does Somalia's Private Sector Cope without Government?]

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Somalia}}

[[Image:Somalia pop 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|This 2002 [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] map shows population density throughout Somalia.]]

Somalia has a population of around 8,591,000. However, estimates are very difficult because of the political situation and the mostly nomadic nature of the Somalis. The last census was in [[1975]]. Most outside analysts use this estimate but Somalia is one of the fastest growing countries in Africa and the world. Some estimates range between 15 and 25 million{{citation needed}}.


Today, about 60% of all Somalis are [[nomadic]] or semi-nomadic pastoralists who raise [[cattle]], [[camel]]s, [[sheep]], and [[goat]]s. About 25% of the population are settled farmers who live mainly in the fertile agricultural region between the [[Juba River|Juba]] and [[Shebelle River|Shebelle]] rivers in southern Somalia. The remainder of the population (15%-20%) is urban.

Because of the war, Somalia has a large [[diaspora]] community, one of the largest of the whole continent. There are over a million Somalis (including the minorities) outside Africa.

By far the largest ethnic group within Somalia is the [[Somali people]]. The [[Somali clan]] structure is extremely important to their identity and way of life. 

Other ethnic groups in the country include:
*[[Bajuni people]] who live in the coastal settlements and [[Bajuni Islands|islands]] south of [[Kismayu|Kismayo]] and are of East African Swahili origin
*[[Bravanese]] who live in [[Barawa|Brawa]] and are believed to be of mixed [[Arab]], [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] and other descent
*[[Benadiri]] (Reer Hamar), an urban people of East African Swahili origin who live in cities in the [[Benadir]] coastal region
*[[Bantu]] agricultural workers who live along the [[Juba River]]
*several thousand [[Arab]]s
*some hundreds of [[India]]ns and [[Pakistan]]is

A population of [[Italian people|Italian descent]], which dated back to Somalia's colonial era, began to emigrate following independence and by the outbreak of war most Italian Somalis had left the country.

===Languages===
{{main|Languages of Somalia}}

Nearly all inhabitants speak [[Somali language|Somali]], the official language. This standard was  based on dialects from the Mudug province. The Bajuni people speak Kibajuni and the [[Bravanese]] speak Chimwiini. Both of these are dialects of [[Swahili language|Swahili]]. Maay, a language closely related to Somali is spoken by the [[Rahanweyn]].

The Somali language was not used extensively for writing until [[1973]], when a standard orthography using the [[Latin alphabet]] was decreed by the Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC). Somali is now the language of instruction in schools, although these are few.

[[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Italian]] and [[English language|English]] are also used extensively.

==Culture==
''Main article: [[Culture of Somalia]]''
*[[Islam in Somalia]]
*[[List of African writers (by country)#Somalia|List of writers from Somalia]]
*[[Music of Somalia]]


==Telecommunications==
[[Image:SomaliaInternet.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An internet service provider in Mogadishu]]
Somalia's public telecommunications system was almost completely destroyed or dismantled; however, private wireless companies exist in most major cities and actually provide better services than in neighbouring countries, despite (or perhaps due to) Somalia's lack of government. Somalia has the cheapest cellular calling rates in Africa, with some companies charging less than a cent a minute. ([http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4020259.stm ''Telecoms thriving in lawless Somalia''])
Companies providing telecommunication services are:
*[[Golis Telecom]]
*[[SOMTEL]]
*[[Galkom]]
*[[Global Internet Company]]
*[[Hormuud]]
*[[Telcom]]
*[[Nationlink]]
*[[Netco]]
*STG
*[[Dahabshiil]]

==References==
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==See also==
*[[Battle of Mogadishu]]
*[[Second Battle of Mogadishu]]
*[[Building block theory]]
*[[Communications in Somalia]]
*[[Foreign relations of Somalia]]
*[[List of notable Somali leaders]]
*[[List of Somali companies]]
*[[List of Somalia-related topics]]
*[[Military of Somalia]]
*[[Scouting in Somalia]]
*[[Transportation in Somalia]]

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Somalia}}
===Government===
*[http://www.somali-gov.info Official Website of the Federal Government of Somalia]

===News===
*[http://www.akhbaarta.com/news.online.html Somalia: Counter-terrorism Alliance militiamen surrendered to Islamic courts.]
*[http://www.shabellenews.com/news/ne1022.htm Malaria Kills dozens in Somalia Gedo region]
*[http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/05/19/somalia.hyenas.reut/index.html  Hyenas killing people in Somaliland]
*[http://allafrica.com/somalia/ AllAfrica.com - ''Somalia''] news headline links
*[http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/41/ International Freedom of Expression eXchange: Somalia]
*[http://pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=527&language_id=1  Somalia Enters a Revolutionary Situation]
*[http://pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=560&language_id=1  Somalia's Islamists Resume Their Momentum and Embark on a Diplomatic Path]

===General information===
*[http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/yearman/somalia.htm  Conoco-Somalia Declassification Project maintained by Professor Keith Yearman, College of DuPage]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1072592.stm BBC News Country Profile - Somalia]
*[http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/africa/2004/somalia/default.stm BBC News In Depth - Somalia: Emerging from Ruins?]
*[http://politicalworld.wordpress.com/2006/09/13/somalia-no-government-no-peace/ Somalia: No Government, No Peace]
*[http://english.pravda.ru/usa/2002/02/28/26693.html The case of the unwanted US Somalis - Somalia]
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Africa/Somalia Open Directory Project - Somalia] directory category
*[http://www.somplanet.com Somali Planet Networks]
*[http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-71-723/conflict_war/somalia/ CBC Digital Archives - The Somalia Affair]
*[http://www.hornafrik.com/ HornAfrik] Widely-listened-to private FM radio station in Mogadishu
*[http://www.somaliaonline.com/ News and Discussions] News and Discussions
{{AU countries}}
{{Africa}}
{{Arab League}}
[[Category:African Union member states]]
[[Category:Arab League]]
[[Category:Divided regions]]
[[Category:East Africa]]
[[Category:Somalia| ]]

[[af:Somalië]]
[[am:ሶማሊያ]]
[[ar:الصومال]]
[[an:Somalia]]
[[id:Somalia]]
[[ms:Somalia]]
[[bn:সোমালিয়া]]
[[zh-min-nan:Somalia]]
[[bs:Somalija]]
[[bg:Сомалия]]
[[ca:Somàlia]]
[[cs:Somálsko]]
[[da:Somalia]]
[[de:Somalia]]
[[et:Somaalia]]
[[el:Σομαλία]]
[[es:Somalia]]
[[eo:Somalio]]
[[eu:Somalia]]
[[fa:سومالی]]
[[fr:Somalie]]
[[gd:Somalia]]
[[gl:Somalia - Soomaaliya]]
[[ko:소말리아]]
[[hi:सोमालिया]]
[[hr:Somalija]]
[[io:Somalia]]
[[ilo:Somalia]]
[[is:Sómalía]]
[[it:Somalia]]
[[he:סומליה]]
[[ka:სომალი]]
[[kw:Somali]]
[[sw:Somalia]]
[[ku:Somaliya]]
[[la:Somalia]]
[[lv:Somālija]]
[[lt:Somalis]]
[[lij:Somalia]]
[[hu:Szomália]]
[[mk:Сомалија]]
[[nl:Somalië]]
[[ja:ソマリア]]
[[no:Somalia]]
[[nn:Somalia]]
[[oc:Somalia]]
[[ug:سومالى]]
[[pam:Somalia]]
[[nds:Somalia]]
[[pl:Somalia]]
[[pt:Somália]]
[[ro:Somalia]]
[[rm:Somalia]]
[[ru:Сомали]]
[[sa:सोमालिया]]
[[sq:Somalia]]
[[simple:Somalia]]
[[sk:Somálsko]]
[[sl:Somalija]]
[[so:Soomaaliya]]
[[sr:Сомалија]]
[[sh:Somalija]]
[[fi:Somalia]]
[[sv:Somalia]]
[[tl:Somalia]]
[[th:ประเทศโซมาเลีย]]
[[vi:Somalia]]
[[tg:Сумолӣ]]
[[tr:Somali]]
[[uk:Сомалі]]
[[zh:索马里]]Heej Jeg er Mahad..!