Somaliland
Capital
Hargeisa
Population
~4.5 million
Currency
Somaliland Shilling (SLSH)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Somali, Arabic, English
- Religion
- Sunni Islam
- Climate
- Arid to semi-arid; hot with irregular rainfall
Culture & History
Known for: being a self-declared independent state (unrecognized internationally), stable governance compared to Somalia, and ancient cave paintings at Laas Geel
Also famous for: thriving livestock trade, Berbera port, and traditional camel herding
Food: Cambuulo (azuki beans with rice), Canjeero (flatbread)
Brief History
Former British protectorate (1884-1960); united with Italian Somaliland to form Somalia; declared independence in 1991 after fall of Siad Barre regime; maintains stability but lacks international recognition