Somalia, officially known as the Federal Republic of Somalia, is situated in the Horn of Africa. It borders Ethiopia, Djibouti, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, and Kenya.
Somalia has a rich historical background, once being an important commercial centre and home to powerful empires during the Middle Ages. In the late 19th century, it was colonized by the Italian and British Empires, which eventually led to the formation of Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland. In 1960, these territories united to form the independent Somali Republic.
Political instability has marked much of Somalia’s recent history, including a civil war that began in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic. Various transitional governments have been established since then, with ongoing conflicts involving insurgent groups like al-Shabaab. Despite these challenges, efforts toward reconstruction and governance reforms continue, particularly in Mogadishu.
Somalia remains one of the least developed countries globally, facing significant challenges in economic development, human development, and state stability. Its economy relies heavily on livestock, remittances from the Somali diaspora, and telecommunications.
Capital: Mogadishu
Currency: Somali Shilling
Population: Somalia Population (2024)
Languages: Somali and Arabic
Religion: Islam
Tax rate: Somalia – Customs Regulations
Crime rate
Somalia has a high crime rate with significant safety concerns. As of 2024, Somalia’s crime index is around 65.86, with a safety index of 34.14. Various types of crimes are prevalent, including violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery, which have a high problem rating of 69.1. Property crimes like vandalism and theft also pose substantial issues (World Population Review) (Numbeo).
Organized crime, particularly involving the militant group Al-Shabaab, is a major concern. This group engages in illicit activities like trafficking, extortion, and racketeering, heavily influencing the criminal landscape in Somalia (The Organized Crime Index). Financial crimes, including fraud and embezzlement, are widespread due to weak regulatory frameworks (Numbeo).
Despite efforts to curb certain illegal activities, such as the charcoal trade, internal and international trafficking of various goods continues to be problematic. Wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing, and unregulated mining also contribute to the crime situation in Somalia (The Organized Crime Index) (Numbeo).
GDP
As of 2024, Somalia’s GDP is estimated at approximately $10.42 billion. The country’s GDP growth has been influenced by various factors including climatic shocks, insecurity, and global economic conditions. In recent years, the economy experienced a GDP growth of 1.7% in 2022, a decrease from 2.9% in 2021. However, projections indicate a potential growth rate of 3.1% in 2023 due to improved agricultural production and exports (African Development Bank Group) (World Bank).
Somalia’s economic recovery and growth are supported by remittances, private investment, and external financial aid. Despite these positive trends, the economy remains fragile with significant challenges such as a high trade deficit and widespread poverty (African Development Bank Group) (World Bank).
Openness to tourists
Somalia’s tourism sector is slowly reopening, despite the ongoing security challenges. Several tour companies offer specialized tours in the region, such as photography tours and historical tours, particularly in Mogadishu and parts of Somaliland. These tours are carefully managed with security measures, including armed escorts for safety.
The country features a range of attractions, from historical sites and ancient ruins to beautiful beaches and national parks. Key places of interest include Mogadishu, Zeila, Gondershe, and various national parks like Lag Badana and Hargeisa National Park. These spots highlight Somalia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
However, traveling in Somalia requires careful planning and is often recommended to be done through reputable tour operators who can ensure safety. Additionally, recent efforts have been made to improve tourism infrastructure and attract investments to bolster the sector, indicating a growing openness to international tourists.
For those interested in visiting, it is crucial to stay informed about current travel advisories and safety guidelines from official sources such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia(Young Pioneer Tours) (Wikipedia) (Wakaaladda Wararka Qaranka Soomaaliyeed) (MFAIC)
Employment rate
As of 2024, Somalia’s unemployment rate is estimated to be around 19.19%. This high rate is influenced by various economic challenges, including ongoing security issues and limited access to stable employment opportunities. The labor force participation rate is also relatively low, reflecting the difficulties many Somalis face in finding work. Significant efforts are needed to improve employment prospects, particularly for the youth and those in rural areas (World Bank Open Data) .
Climate
Somalia has a predominantly arid to semi-arid climate, characterized by hot temperatures and irregular rainfall. The country experiences four distinct seasons: two rainy seasons, Gu (April to June) and Dayr (October to December), and two dry seasons, Jilaal (December to March) and Hagaa (July to September). Average annual temperatures range from 20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F). Rainfall is typically low and sporadic, with most areas receiving less than 500 mm (20 inches) annually, leading to frequent droughts. Somalia
Cost of living
Cost of Living in Somalia
Mode of transport
Somalia — Transportation
Visa requirement
(Visa List) (MFAIC).