Somalia

Quick Facts

Languages

Somali, Arabic

Religion

Predominantly Sunni Islam

Climate

Principally desert; hot and dry year-round

Culture & History

Known for: having Africa's longest coastline, decades of civil war and instability, piracy off its coast (reduced now), and strong nomadic traditions

Also famous for: Frankincense and myrrh, Al-Shabaab insurgency, distinct Horn of Africa culture

Food: Canjeero (sourdough pancake), Bariis Iskukaris (spiced rice), Suqaar (diced meat)

Brief History

British and Italian Somaliland unified 1960, Siad Barre dictatorship, state collapse 1991, ongoing conflict and efforts toward stability, Somaliland declared independence (unrecognized)