Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliland جمهورية أرض الصومال Jumhūrīyat Arḍ Aṣ-ṣūmālِ Republic of Somaliland
Flag National Emblem
Motto: لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله  (Arabic) Lā ilāhā illā-llāhu; muhammadun rasūlu-llāhi  (transliteration) "There is no God but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" And also : Somaliland is the name of the unrecognised, de facto sovereign, state formerly known as British Somaliland and now generally known as Somaliland. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Somaliland. ... Image File history File links Somaliland_COA.gif Licensing File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Flag of Somaliland The old flag The current flag of Somaliland, the former British part of Somalia, was introduced on October 14, 1996, when it was approved by the National Conference. ... Coat of Arms of Somaliland The Emblem of Somaliland, the former British protectorate of Somalia, was introduced on 14 October 1996 along with the Flag of Somaliland, when it was approved by the National Conference. ... For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation). ... , // Shāhāda is a town in the northwest corner of Maharashtra state in India, now in Nandurbār District (formerly in Dhule District). ... Arabic redirects here. ... Transliteration is the practice of transcribing a word or text written in one writing system into another writing system. ... "Justice, Peace, Freedom, Democracy and Success for All"
Anthem: Saamo ku waar
Capital		Hargeisa 9°33′N, 44°03′E
Official languages		Somali and Arabic
Government		Representative democracy
-	President	Dahir Riyale Kahin
-	Vice-President	Ahmed Yusuf Yasin
Independence		from Somalia
-	Proclaimed	18 May 1991
-	Recognition	Unrecognized
Area
-	Total	134,000 km²  51,738 sq mi
Population
-	2005 estimate	3.5 million [citation needed]
-	Density	26/km²  67.3/sq mi
Currency		Somaliland shilling (SLSH)
Time zone		EAT (UTC+3)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+3)
Internet TLD		none
Calling code		+252
Rankings may not be available because of its unrecognized de facto state. Developments in the eastern half of the country have made area and population estimates unreliable until the situation settles.

Somaliland (Somali: Soomaaliland) is the former territory ruled by Great Britain before becoming independent on June 26, 1960 and uniting with Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. It is a de facto independent republic located in the Horn of Africa within the internationally recognized borders of Somalia. On May 18, 1991, the people of Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. However, it was not recognized by any other country or international organization. A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a countrys government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... Hargeisa (Somali: Hargeysa, Arabic: هرجيسا) is a city in Northwestern Somalia and the second largest city in Somalia. ... An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... Arabic redirects here. ... Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of popular sovereignty by the peoples representatives. ... This is a list of presidents of Somaliland. ... Dahir Rayale Kahin (Somali: Daahir Rayaale Kaahin, born 1952) is the President of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. ... Ahmed Yusud Yasin is the current Vice-President of Somaliland, serving from 2001. ... Ahmed Yusud Yasin is the current Vice-President of Somaliland, serving from 2001. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... The list of unrecognized countries enumerates those geo-political entities which lack general diplomatic recognition, but wish to be recognized as sovereign states. ... This article is about the physical quantity. ... To help compare orders of magnitude of different geographical regions, we list here surface areas between 100,000 km² and 1,000,000 km². See also areas of other orders of magnitude. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Population density per square kilometre by country, 2006 Population density map of the world in 1994. ... ISO 4217 Code None User(s) Somaliland Symbol Sl. ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... Timezone and TimeZone redirect here. ... Time zones of Africa: Striped colours indicate countries observing daylight saving East Africa Time, or EAT, is a time zone used in eastern Africa. ... UTC redirects here. ... Although DST is common in Europe and North America, most of the worlds people do not use it. ... UTC redirects here. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... De facto is a Latin expression that means in fact or in practice. It is commonly used as opposed to de jure (meaning by law) when referring to matters of law or governance or technique (such as standards), that are found in the common experience as created or developed without... Look up republic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Horn of Africa. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ...

The Republic of Somaliland considers itself to be the successor state of the former British Somaliland protectorate, which had an area of about 137,600 km² (53,128 sq mi), briefly an independent country for five days in 1960. It is bordered by Ethiopia in the south and west, Djibouti in the northwest, the Gulf of Aden in the north, and the autonomous regions of Maakhir and Puntland in the east. Flag Capital Aden Religion Islam Political structure Protectorate History  - Established 1884  - Independence June 26, 1960  - Somaliland established 18 May, 1991 Currency British pound British Somaliland was a British protectorate in the north part of the Horn of Africa, and later part of Somalia and presently the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... This article is about states protected and/or dominated by a foreign power. ... Square kilometre (U.S. spelling: square kilometer), symbol km², is a decimal multiple of SI unit of surface area square metre, one of the SI derived units. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Gulf of Aden in 1860 The Gulf of Aden (Arabic: خليج عدن; transliterated: Khalyj Adan) is located in the Indian Ocean between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in Africa. ... Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Badhan Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Jibrell Ali Salad Autonomy from Somaliland, Puntland and Somalia   -  Proclaimed July 1, 2007   -  Unrecognised  Area  -  Total 35,000 km²  13,514 sq mi  Population  -   estimate 700,000  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer... Motto None Anthem Puntland Somali National Anthem Capital Garowe (Administrative), Bosaso (Commercial) Largest city Bosaso Official languages Somali and Arabic Government  -  President Mohamud Muse Hersi  -  Vice-President Hassan Dahir Mohamud Autonomy Inside Somalia   -  Declared 1998   -  Recognition   Area  -  Total 212,510 km km² (84th) n/a sq mi   -  Water (%) Negl. ...

Control over eastern borders of Somaliland is unclear, due to disputes with Puntland^[1] and separatist movements.^[2]

History

Main article: History of Somaliland

The origins of the Somalis and their time of entry into present-day Somaliland have been debated, with some Somalis claiming descent from Arab patriarchs who settled on the coast 1,000 years ago, although genetics do not bear this out and show Somalis to be for the most part native to the Horn of Africa. By the 12th century, the ancestors of some of the clan families were already established in their present territories, while others moved southward through the 19th century. The borders of Somalia were set at the end of the 19th century and a great number of Somalis were left out by the border placement, leaving them in eastern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. The History of Somaliland encompasses a wide range of historical Somali issues and archaeological sources which date back to Prehistoric times. ... Arabia redirects here. ... This 2002 CIA map shows the distribution of Somali clan populations across the Somali homelands, and their percentages within Somalia: Hawiye (25%), Isaaq (22%), Darod (20%), Rahanweyn (17%), Dir (7%), Digil (3%), and ethnic minorities (6%) Somali clan refers to the clan grouping of the Somali people. ...

Historical Somaliland

The Laas Geel cave paintings.

Evidence of early human habitation in what is modern-day Somaliland are the significant Neolithic cave paintings at Laas Gaal (Laas Geel), a site outside the capital Hargeisa. The paintings show people worshipping cattle, the cows wearing ceremonial robes while next to them are some of these people prostrating themselves in front of the animals. Paintings of giraffes, domesticated canines and wild antelopes are also present. The caves were discovered by a French archaeological team during November and December 2002, and have become a major tourist attraction and a national treasure. Image File history File links Laas_Geel. ... Image File history File links Laas_Geel. ... An array of Neolithic artifacts, including bracelets, axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools. ... Cave or Rock Paintings are paintings on cave or rock walls and ceilings, usually dating to prehistoric times. ... Some of the paintings in the Laas Geel caves Laas Gaal or Laas Geel (Somali Laas Geel) is a complex of caves and rock shelters in Somaliland famous for its recent discovery of cave paintings. ... Hargeisa (Somali: Hargeysa, Arabic: هرجيسا) is a city in Northwestern Somalia and the second largest city in Somalia. ... For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 Range map The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest of all land-living animal species. ... Genera Alopex Atelocynus Canis Cerdocyon Chrysocyon Cuon Cynotherium † Dusicyon † Dasycyon † Fennecus (Part of Vulpes) Lycalopex (Part of Pseudalopex) Lycaon Nyctereutes Otocyon Pseudalopex Speothos Urocyon Vulpes The Canidae (′kanə′dē, IPA: ) family is a part of the order Carnivora within the mammals (Class Mammalia). ... This article is about the herbivorous mammals. ...

Islam was introduced in the 10th century into what are now the Afar-inhabited parts of Eritrea and Djibouti. A number of Islamic sultanates emerged in the following centuries, one of which was the Adal Sultanate, centred on the towns of Dakkar (and later Harar) the port of Zeila as its second city, and the regions of Saaxil and Maroodi Jeex. Another early coastal city is Berbera, first mentioned in the 13th century, but as I.M. Lewis notes, like Mayit to the east, its earliest history is obscure.^[3] For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... Afar (or Danakil) are a tribal people who reside principally in the Danakil Desert in the Afar Region of Ethiopia and in Eritrea and Djibouti. ... For other uses, see Sultan (disambiguation). ... Adal was a sixteenth century province-cum-sultanate located in East Africa north of Ethiopia, in modern Eritrea and Djibouti. ... Harar (sometimes spelled Harrar, Hārer, or Harer) is an eastern city in Ethiopia, and the capital of the modern Harari ethno-political division (or kilil) of Ethiopia. ... Saylac (also Seyla`, Seelaac, Zeila, Zeyla, Zeylac, Zayla, Séyla‘, Seylac, 11. ... Saaxil (Sahel) is a region (gobolka) in northern Somaliland. ... Maroodi Jeex is a gobolka, one of the six regions of the self-proclaimed (but not internationally recognized) Republic of Somaliland, which lies within the internationally recognised borders of Somalia. ... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ...

These Islamic realms acknowledged the Christian Emperor of Ethiopia as their overlord in the 13th century, although they attempted to exert their independence periodically in the following centuries. In the mid 16th century Adal attempted a great conquest of Ethiopia from its capital of Harar, which ended in failure and led to the sultanate's collapse. The part of Western Somaliland centred around Zeila became part of the Ottoman province of Habesh. For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... The Emperor (Geez ንጉሠ ነገሥት, , King of Kings) of Ethiopia was the hereditary ruler of Ethiopia until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. ... Ottoman redirects here. ... Habesh (Turkish: ) was an Ottoman province that bordered the Red Sea. ...

Ottoman and Egyptian Rule

Main article: Ottoman Empire

Main article: History of Egypt under the Muhammad Ali dynasty

In 1546, the Ottoman Empire occupied the western regions of Somaliland and made Zeila the regional capital due to its strategic location on the Red Sea. The region became part of the province of Habesh. From 1630 to 1830, Ottoman Somaliland was under the rule of the Grand Sharifs of Mecca. Ottoman redirects here. ... The history of Egypt under the Muhammad Ali Pasha dynasty was a period of rapid reform and modernization that led to Egypt becoming one of the most developed states outside of Europe. ... Ottoman redirects here. ... Location of the Red Sea The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia. ... The Sharif of Mecca (الشریف المکة) was the traditional steward of the holy cities of Mecca (Makkah) and Medina (Madinah). ...

Between 1830 to 1874, the Ottomans ruled Somaliland under de facto hereditary governors. The area was subsequently occupied and governed by Egypt, whose rule commenced on 7 September 1874. Though still nominally under Ottoman suzerainty, Egypt had been governed as an essentially independent state by the Muhammad Ali Dynasty since the beginning of the 19th Century, and its current ruler, Khedive Ismail I was eager to extend Egyptian control down the Red Sea coast. Ottoman and Egyptian buildings and houses can still be seen dotted all around Berbera, Zeila and Hargeisa. is the 250th day of the year (251st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1874 (MDCCCLXXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link with display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Suzerainty (pronounced or ) is a situation in which a region or people is a tributary to a more powerful entity which allows the tributary some limited domestic autonomy to control its foreign affairs. ... The Muhammad Ali Dynasty was the ruling dynasty of Egypt and Sudan from the 19th to the mid-20th Century. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ismail Pasha, known as Ismail the Magnificent (December 31, 1830–March 2, 1895) was khedive of Egypt from 1863 until he was removed at the behest of the British in 1879. ...

Colonial era

The Italian invasion of British Somaliland in august 1940

Main article: British Somaliland

During colonial times, Egyptian Somaliland was taken over by the British following their occupation of Egypt itself in 1882. The region now claimed by Somaliland was annexed and officially became the British Somaliland protectorate. Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Flag Capital Aden Religion Islam Political structure Protectorate History  - Established 1884  - Independence June 26, 1960  - Somaliland established 18 May, 1991 Currency British pound British Somaliland was a British protectorate in the north part of the Horn of Africa, and later part of Somalia and presently the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... Cecil Rhodes: Cape-Cairo railway project. ... Year 1882 (MDCCCLXXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Ceremonies during the annexation of Hawaii. ... This article is about states protected and/or dominated by a foreign power. ...

In August of 1940, during World War II, as part of their East African Campaign Italy conquered Somaliland from Great Britain. This was the only victory of the Italian army - without German forces - against the Allies. One year later, in the summer of 1941, the British defeated the Italians in the horn of Africa and again occupied Berbera and all Somaliland. Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Combatants United Kingdom Anglo-Egyptian Sudan British Somaliland British East Africa British India Gold Coast Nigeria N. Rhodesia S. Rhodesia Union of S. Africa Belgium Belgian Congo Free France Ethiopian irregulars Italy Italian East Africa German Motorized Company Commanders Archibald Wavell William Platt Alan Cunningham Duke of Aosta Guglielmo Nasi... This article is about the independent states that comprised the Allies. ... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ...

British Somaliland became independent on 26 June 1960 as the State of Somaliland, and Italian Somaliland's independence came four days later, whereupon the two entities immediately merged on 1 July 1960 as the Somali Republic. The first minister of the State of Somaliland, Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal, became a minister of the new Somali Republic. is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Italian Somaliland was an Italian colony that lasted, apart from a brief interlude of British rule, from the late 19th century until 1960 in the territory of the modern-day East African nation of Somalia. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Anthem:  Somalia, Wake Up Capital (and largest city) Mogadishu[1] Official languages Somali1 Demonym Somali Government Transitional Federal Government  -  President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed  -  Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein Independence from the UK and Italy   -  Date June 26 & July 1, 1960  Area  -  Total 637,661 km² (42nd) 246,201 sq mi... Mudane Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal (Somali: ) (born August 15, 1922 in Odweyne, British Somaliland - died May 3, 2002 in Pretoria, South Africa) was a Somali politician. ...

Merger into Somalia

Somaliland was a legal part of the Somali Republic from July 1, 1960. As an administrative entity, Somaliland was dissolved after its merger with Somalia, and its area was divided or incorporated into provinces. The Isaaq and Majeerteen clans suffered from repression under the regime of Siad Barre, who came into power through a coup d'état in the late 1960's. The regime of Siad Barre, however, did not last and collapsed during the Somali Civil War, paving the way for the creation of the Second Republic of Somaliland. is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The tomb of Sheikh Isaq, the father of the Isaq tribe The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak) (Somali language: Reer Sheik Isaxaaq); is one of the main Somali clans. ... Main article: Somali clan Language(s) Somali and Arabic Religion(s) Islam (Sunni) Related ethnic groups Dhulbahante, Mehri, Warsangeli and other Harti and Darod groups. ... Mohamed Siad Barre (Somali: Maxamed Siyaad Barre) (1919 – January 2, 1995) was the Head of State of Somalia from 1969 to 1991. ... Coup redirects here. ... The Somali Civil War is an armed conflict in Somalia that started in 1988. ...

Second Republic

In 1991, after the collapse of the central government in Somalia, main part of the territory asserted its independence as the Republic of Somaliland in May 18, 1991. It regarded itself as the successor state to the briefly-independent State of Somaliland, but did not receive any international diplomatic recognition. is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Diplomatic recognition is a political act by which one state acknowledges an act or status of another state or government, thereby according it legitimacy and expressing its intent to bring into force the domestic and international legal consequences of recognition. ...

The economic and military infrastructure left behind by Somalia has been largely destroyed by war. The people of Somaliland had rebelled against the Siad Barre dictatorship in Mogadishu, which prompted a massive reaction by the government. Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A dictatorship is an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by a dictator. ... Mogadishu (Somali: Muqdisho, popularly Xamar; Arabic: ; Italian: ) is the largest city in Somalia, and its capital. ...

The late Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur was the first president of Somaliland. Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal was appointed his successor in 1993 by the Grand Conference of National Reconciliation in Boorama (Borama), which met for four months and led not only to a gradual improvement in security, but solidified the fledgling state.^[4] Egal was re-appointed in 1997, and remained in power until his death on May 3, 2002. The vice president Dahir Riyale Kahin was sworn in as president shortly afterwards, and in 2003 Kahin became the first Somaliland president to be elected in a free and fair election. Boorama is a town in western Somalia, near the border with Ethiopia. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Dahir Rayale Kahin (Somali: Daahir Rayaale Kaahin, born 1952) is the President of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. ...

The 2006 War in Somalia between the Islamic Courts Union and the forces of Ethiopia and Somalia's transitional government has not directly affected Somaliland. Combatants Islamic Courts Union Hizbul Shabaab al-Itihaad al-Islamiya Alleged: Foreign Mujahideen al-Qaeda  Eritrea  Ethiopia TFG Galmudug Puntland After the invasion: AMISOM United States Commanders Hassan Aweys Sharif Ahmed Hasan Hersi Adan Ayrow Abdikadir Adan Shire Abdi Hasan Awale Mohamud Muse Hersi Meles Zenawi Patrick M. Walsh Strength... Motto: none Anthem: none Capital formerly Mogadishu and Kismayu Largest city n/a Official languages Somali and Arabic Government Sharia Krytocracy  - Executive Chairman Sharif Sheikh Ahmed  - Shura Chairman Hassan Dahir Aweys Civil War Faction Has not declared autonomy or independence   - Established June 6th 2006 in Mogadishu  Area  - Total not finalized...

Politics and government

Main article: Politics and Government of Somaliland

Somaliland has formed a hybrid system of governance under the Constitution of Somaliland, combining traditional and western institutions. In a series of inter-clan conferences, culminating in the Boorama Conference in 1993, a qabil (clan or community) system of government was constructed, which consisted of an Executive, with a President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers, a bicameral Legislature, and an independent judiciary. The traditional Somali council of elders (guurti) was incorporated into the governance structure and formed the upper house, responsible for selecting a President as well as managing internal conflicts. Government became in essence a "power-sharing coalition of Somaliland's main clans", with seats in the Upper and Lower houses proportionally allocated to clans according to a predetermined formula. In 2002, after several extensions of this interim government, Somaliland finally made the transition to multi-party democracy, with district council elections contested by six parties, considered the most peaceful in Africa for twenty years.^[5] The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ... The Constitution of Somaliland was adopted by the Houses of Parliament on 30th April 2000. ... This article is about bicameralism in government. ...

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Somaliland

Somaliland border dispute with Puntland. As of July 1, 2007, part of the disputed territory declared the state of Maakhir.

Somaliland has political contacts with the United Kingdom,^[6][7] Ethiopia,^[7] Belgium,^[7] Ghana,^[7] South Africa,^[7] Sweden^[7] and Djibouti (until 2006).^[8] On January 17, 2007, the European Union sent a delegation for foreign affairs to discuss future cooperation.^[9] The African Union has also sent a foreign minister to discuss the future of international acknowledgment, and on January 29 and 30, 2007, the minsters said that they would discuss acknowledgement with other member states ^[10] In June 2007, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi held a conference with President Kahin during which he was referred to in an official communique by the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry as the President of Somaliland, the first time that Somaliland has been officially acknowledged as a sovereign state by another government. While this is not claimed as a move to official recognition by Ethiopia, it is seen as a possible step towards a unilateral declaration by Ethiopia in the event of the African Union failing to move its recognition of Somaliland forward. ^[7] Due to its unrecognized status, The Republic of Somaliland has no official contacts with any other nation. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Badhan Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Jibrell Ali Salad Autonomy from Somaliland, Puntland and Somalia   -  Proclaimed July 1, 2007   -  Unrecognised  Area  -  Total 35,000 km²  13,514 sq mi  Population  -   estimate 700,000  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Anthem Let Us All Unite and Celebrate Together [1] Administrative Centre Largest city Cairo, Egypt Working languages Arabic English French Portuguese Swahili Membership 53 African states Leaders  -  Chairman John Kufuor  -  Alpha Oumar Konaré Establishment  -  as the OAU May 25, 1963   -  as the African Union July 9, 2002  Area  -  Total 29... For other uses, see June (disambiguation). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... List of Heads of Government of Ethiopia (Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office) Affiliations:- See also Ethiopia Rulers and Heads of State of Ethiopia List of Presidents of Ethiopia Lists of office-holders ... Meles Zenawi (Geez መለስ ዜናዊ meles zÄ“nāwÄ«, b. ... This is a list of presidents of Somaliland. ...

On November 21, 2007 Somaliland has been invited officially at Commonwealth's Summit in Uganda is the 325th day of the year (326th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... For other uses, see Commonwealth (disambiguation). ...

Border disputes

The Republic of Somaliland continues to claim the entire area of the former British Somaliland. Somaliland is currently in control of the western half of the former British Somaliland, with northeastern Maakhir having declared a separate, unrecognized autonomous state within Somalia on July 1, 2007^[2] and southeastern Sool disputed with Puntland, who has been in de facto control over it since 2003.^[1] A separatist movement exists also in the westernmost Awdal province.^[11] Flag Capital Aden Religion Islam Political structure Protectorate History  - Established 1884  - Independence June 26, 1960  - Somaliland established 18 May, 1991 Currency British pound British Somaliland was a British protectorate in the north part of the Horn of Africa, and later part of Somalia and presently the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Badhan Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Jibrell Ali Salad Autonomy from Somaliland, Puntland and Somalia   -  Proclaimed July 1, 2007   -  Unrecognised  Area  -  Total 35,000 km²  13,514 sq mi  Population  -   estimate 700,000  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Location of Sool in Somaliland/Somalia Sool (Somali: Sool; Arabic: ‎ ) is an administrative region (gobolka) in northern Somalia and is claimed by the two self-proclaimed, but internationally unrecognized, states of Somaliland and Puntland, its ruled by Puntland. ... Motto None Anthem Puntland Somali National Anthem Capital Garowe (Administrative), Bosaso (Commercial) Largest city Bosaso Official languages Somali and Arabic Government  -  President Mohamud Muse Hersi  -  Vice-President Hassan Dahir Mohamud Autonomy Inside Somalia   -  Declared 1998   -  Recognition   Area  -  Total 212,510 km km² (84th) n/a sq mi   -  Water (%) Negl. ... Location of Awdal in Somalia Awdal (Somali: Awdal; Arabic: ) is an administrative region in Somalia. ...

Further complicating the situation may be the probable future declaration of the autonomous region of Darwiishland in Sool.^[12] Darwiishland is a proposed autonomous state in what is now the disputed Sool and Cayn regions of Somalia between the self-declared Republic of Somaliland and State of Puntland. ...

Tensions heightened to a violent clash between Puntland and Somaliland in October, 2007, when Somaliland forces captured Las Anod, the capital of the disputed region of Sool.^[13] Combatants Somaliland Puntland Commanders Unknown Casualties 10–20 killed The Battle of Las Anod occurred on October 15, 2007 when a Somaliland force attacked the town of Las Anod, which was under Puntland forces control. ... Laascaanood or Lasanod is the administrative city of Sool, Somalia. ...

Military

Main article: Military of Somaliland

Operational BM-21 used by the Somaliland armed forces

The Somaliland Armed Forces are the main military system in the unrecognised Republic of Somaliland. They consist of three main military services: the Army, the Navy and Air Defence Forces. Also, the Somaliland Police Force are part of the internal security forces and are subordinate to the military. Currently around 20 000 personnel are active in Somaliland. The Somaliland Armed Forces takes the biggest share of the government's budget with the police and security forces. The current person in charge of Somaliland's Armed Forces is the Minister of Defence Mudane Adan Mire Mohammed MP. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Naval redirects here. ... American troops man an anti-aircraft gun near the Algerian coastline in 1943 Anti-aircraft warfare, or air defense, is any method of engaging military aircraft in combat from the ground. ... A defence minister (Commonwealth English) or defense minister (American English) is a cabinet portfolio (position) which regulates the armed forces in a sovereign nation. ... Look up Excellence, Excellency, excellency in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Some military facilities were bought during Egal's administration to assist the military's usual duties and the necessary movements. The army is organised into 12 divisions which comprise of 4 tank brigades, 45 mechanized and infantry brigades, 4 commando brigades, surface-to-air missile brigade, 3 artillery brigades, 300 field battalions, and an air defense battalion.

Administrative divisions

Map of Somaliland

Main article: Regions of Somaliland

Regions of Somaliland under control of the Republic of Somaliland: Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 515 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,236 × 796 pixels, file size: 69 KB, MIME type: image/png) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 515 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,236 × 796 pixels, file size: 69 KB, MIME type: image/png) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Map showing the regions of Somalia, with those in Somaliland in green The regions of Somaliland are (capitals in parentheses): Awdal (Baki) Saaxil (Berbera) Sanaag (Erigavo) Sool (Laascaanood) Togdheer (Burao) Woqooyi Galbeed (Hargeisa) See also Regions of Somalia Category: ...

• Awdal
• Maroodi Jeex
• Saaxil
• Togdheer
• Sool (Status still unclear)
• Western Sanaag (eastern Sanaag declared its own state as Maakhir in July 1, 2007)

The main cities and towns in the Republic of Somaliland are: Location of Awdal in Somalia Awdal (Somali: Awdal; Arabic: ) is an administrative region in Somalia. ... Maroodi Jeex is a gobolka, one of the six regions of the self-proclaimed (but not internationally recognized) Republic of Somaliland, which lies within the internationally recognised borders of Somalia. ... Saaxil (Sahel) is a region (gobolka) in northern Somaliland. ... Togdheer is a region (gobolka) in Somalia. ... Location of Sool in Somaliland/Somalia Sool (Somali: Sool; Arabic: ‎ ) is an administrative region (gobolka) in northern Somalia and is claimed by the two self-proclaimed, but internationally unrecognized, states of Somaliland and Puntland, its ruled by Puntland. ... Location of Sanaag in northern Somalia Sanaag (Somali: Sanaag; Arabic: سناغ‎ Sanāgh) is a region (gobol) in northern Somalia. ... Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Badhan Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Jibrell Ali Salad Autonomy from Somaliland, Puntland and Somalia   -  Proclaimed July 1, 2007   -  Unrecognised  Area  -  Total 35,000 km²  13,514 sq mi  Population  -   estimate 700,000  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer...

• Hargeisa (Hargeysa), capital
• Burco (Burao)
• Berbera
• Boorama (Borama)
• Ceerigaabo (Erigabo)
• Laascaanood (Las Anod)
• Gabiley
• Zeila (Saylac)
• Odweyne

Hargeisa (Somali: Hargeysa, Arabic: هرجيسا) is a city in Northwestern Somalia and the second largest city in Somalia. ... Burao (Somali: Burco, Arabic: برعو) is the capital city of the Togdheer region in Somaliland and the third largest city in the country after Hargeisa and Berbera. ... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... Boorama is a town in western Somalia, near the border with Ethiopia. ... Erigabo or Erigavo (Somali: Ceerigaabo) is the administrative capital of Sanaag, a region in Somalia, which has an estimated population of just over 100,000. ... Las anod town Las Anod, Lasanod, or Laascaanood is the administrative capital of regional state Sool, in Somalia and comes under Somaliland regional government. ... Gabiley is a town in the province of Hargeisa, Somaliland. ... Saylac (also Seyla`, Seelaac, Zeila, Zeyla, Zeylac, Zayla, Séyla‘, Seylac, 11. ...

Geography

Hargeisa countryside

Somaliland is situated on the eastern horn of Africa and lies between the 08°00' - 11°30' parallel north of the equator and between 42°30' - 49°00' meridian east of Greenwich. It shares borders with the Republic of Djibouti to the west, the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to the south, the Puntland region to the northeast and Somalia to the southeast. Somaliland has 460 miles (740 km) of coast with the majority along the Red Sea. Somaliland is slightly larger than England with an area of 137 600 km² (53 100 sq miles). Image File history File linksMetadata Hargeisa_countryside. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Hargeisa_countryside. ... Motto None Anthem Puntland Somali National Anthem Capital Garowe (Administrative), Bosaso (Commercial) Largest city Bosaso Official languages Somali and Arabic Government  -  President Mohamud Muse Hersi  -  Vice-President Hassan Dahir Mohamud Autonomy Inside Somalia   -  Declared 1998   -  Recognition   Area  -  Total 212,510 km km² (84th) n/a sq mi   -  Water (%) Negl. ... Location of the Red Sea The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ...

The Zeila coastline is situated in the Awdal region of Somaliland

Somaliland's climate is a mixture of wet and dry. The northern part of the country is hilly and in many places the altitude ranges between 900 and 2,100 metres (3,000-7,000 ft) above sea level. The Awdal, Saaxil and Maroodi Jeex regions are fertile and mountainous, while the Togdheer is rather semi-desert with a few fertile greenery around. The Awdal region is known for its offshore islands, coral reefs and mangroves. Image File history File links Saaylac. ... Image File history File links Saaylac. ... Saylac (also Seyla`, Seelaac, Zeila, Zeyla, Zeylac, Zayla, Séyla‘, Seylac, 11. ... Location of Awdal in Somalia Awdal (Somali: Awdal; Arabic: ) is an administrative region in Somalia. ... Location of Awdal in Somalia Awdal (Somali: Awdal; Arabic: ) is an administrative region in Somalia. ... Saaxil (Sahel) is a region (gobolka) in northern Somaliland. ... Maroodi Jeex is a gobolka, one of the six regions of the self-proclaimed (but not internationally recognized) Republic of Somaliland, which lies within the internationally recognised borders of Somalia. ... Togdheer is a region (gobolka) in Somalia. ... Semi-arid generally describes regions that receive low annual rainfall (25 to 50 cm /10 to 20 in) and generally have scrub or grass vegetation. ... Some of the biodiversity of a coral reef, in this case the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. ... Above and below water view at the edge of the mangal. ...

Ten kilometres to the north of Ceerigaabo are the remains of a juniper forest, running along the edge of the escarpment which looks down to the Gulf of Aden. The escarpment is approximately 2,000 metres above sea level, where the road from Ceerigaabo drops down to the coast. Two kilometres to the west it rises to the highest point in Somaliland and Somalia alike; At 2,416 metres high, it is known variously as (Somali Shimbiris or Shimbir Beris) meaning in English the abode of the birds. Erigabo or Erigavo (Somali: Ceerigaabo) is the administrative capital of Sanaag, a region in Somalia, which has an estimated population of just over 100,000. ... Species Junipers are coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. ... In geology, an escarpment is a transition zone between different physiogeographic provinces that involves an elevation differential, often involving high cliffs. ... Gulf of Aden in 1860 The Gulf of Aden (Arabic: خليج عدن; transliterated: Khalyj Adan) is located in the Indian Ocean between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in Africa. ... This article is about the unit of length. ... For considerations of sea level change, in particular rise associated with possible global warming, see sea level rise. ... Mount Shimbiris is the highest peak in all of Somalia, at 2450 m. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ...

Due to the fertility and greenery of some of the regions of Somaliland, wild animals (e.g. zebras) come to the area; to either breed or graze on the grassland savanna. There are many animals which are native to Somaliland. The prominent animals found are the Kudu, wild boar, Somali Wild Ass, warthogs, antelopes, the Somali sheep, wild goats and camels. Moreover, many birds and different types of fish are also found in and around Somaliland. For other uses, see Zebra (disambiguation). ... Savannah redirects here. ... Male Greater Kudu Female Greater Kudu The Kudu are two species of antelope: Lesser Kudu, Tragelaphus imberbis Greater Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros Kudu: has a symbolic role in Hindu and Buddhist architecture. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig. ... Somali Wild Ass St. ... Binomial name (Pallas, 1766) This article is about the animal. ... This article is about the herbivorous mammals. ... Somali Sheep or occasionally known as the Berbera Blackhead is a hair sheep native to Somalia and the self-declared but internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... Species See Species and subspecies The genus Capra is a genus of mammals composed of nine species, including the Ibex, the West Caucasian Tur, the East Caucasian Tur, the Markhor, and the Wild Goat. ... For other uses, see Camel (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Fish (disambiguation). ...

Economy

The obverse and reverse of the 100 Somaliland shilling note

Somaliland's economy is in its developing stages, as is the country itself. Image File history File links Somaliland_100_shillings. ... Image File history File links Somaliland_100_shillings. ... ISO 4217 Code None User(s) Somaliland Symbol Sl. ...

The Somaliland shilling, while stable, is not an internationally recognized currency and currently has no official exchange rate. It is regulated by the Bank of Somaliland, the central bank, which was established constitutionally in 1994. ISO 4217 Code None User(s) Somaliland Symbol Sl. ... The Bank of Somaliland (Baanka Somaliland) was established in 1994. ...

A ship docked at Berbera

The bulk of Somaliland's exports are of livestock, which has been estimated to be at 24 million. In 1996, 3 million heads of livestock were exported to the Middle East. In February 1998, this export was negatively impacted by a Saudi Arabian ban on imports of beef. The ban was eventually lifted on December, 2006, and thus, allowed the industry to recover. Other exports include hides, skins, myrrh, and frankincense. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... Sheep are commonly bred as livestock. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country on the Arabian Peninsula. ... Rawhide is a hide or animal skin that has not been exposed to tanning and thus is much lighter in color than treated animal hides. ... 100g of Myrrh. ... 100g of frankincense resin. ...

Agriculture is generally considered to be a potentially successful industry, especially in the production of cereals and horticulture. Mining also has potentials, although currently it consists solely of quarrying. Deposits of hugely diverse quantities of minerals are present.^[14] Grain redirects here. ... Horticulture (Latin: hortus (garden plant) + cultura (culture)) are classically defined as the culture or growing of garden plants. ... For other uses, see Quarry (disambiguation). ...

A recent research around Somaliland shows that the country has large offshore and onshore oil and natural gas reserves. There are several wells that have been excavated during the last few years but due to the country's unrecognised status, foreign oil companies cannot benefit from it. Petro redirects here. ... For other uses, see Natural gas (disambiguation). ... The oil industry is a type of industry which brings petroleum to a financial market. ...

Since the Eritrean-Ethiopian War, Somaliland has grown as a major export port for Ethiopia. The two countries signed a deal that the port city of Berbera will export and import goods for Ethiopia, while the latter will pay for it. Combatants Eritrea Ethiopia Commanders Sebhat Ephrem Tsadkan Gebre-Tensae[3] Casualties Estimates vary: 19,000;[4][5] 20-50,000[6] 67,000[7] Estimates vary: 34,000[8] up to 60,000;[9] 60,000[10] 123,000[11][12] The Eritrean-Ethiopian War took place from May 1998... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ...

Tourism

When Somaliland broke away from Somalia, the tourism industry began to re-build itself. Somaliland is often considered to be home to one of the most interesting attractions in the Horn of Africa, the Laas Gaal cave paintings. It is believed that a small number of tourists travel to the country to witness this sight. The paintings are situated near Hargeisa and were discovered by a French archaeological team in 2002. The government and locals keep the cave paintings safe and only a restricted number of tourists are allowed. Other notable sights include the Freedom Arch in Hargeisa and the war memorial in the city center. Natural attractions are very common around the country. The Naasa Hablood hills are twin hills located on the outskirts of Hargeisa that Somalilanders consider to be a majestic natural landmark. Tourist redirects here. ... The Horn of Africa. ... Some of the paintings in the Laas Geel caves Laas Gaal or Laas Geel (Somali Laas Geel) is a complex of caves and rock shelters in Somaliland famous for its recent discovery of cave paintings. ... Cave or Rock Paintings are paintings on cave or rock walls and ceilings, usually dating to prehistoric times. ... Hargeisa (Somali: Hargeysa, Arabic: هرجيسا) is a city in Northwestern Somalia and the second largest city in Somalia. ... Naasa Hablood The Naasa Hablood hills seen from Hargeysa Naasa-Hablood (Somali meaning Girls Breasts) are twin hills situated on the outskirts of the Hargeisa, Somaliland. ...

The Burao countryside en route to Berbera

The Ministry of Tourism has also encouraged travellers to visit historic towns and cities in Somaliland. The historic town of Sheikh is near Berbera and it is home to old British colonial buildings that have been untouched for over forty years. Berbera also houses historic and impressive Ottoman architectural buildings. Another equally famous historic city is Zeila. Zeila was once part of the Ottoman Empire, a dependency of Yemen and Egypt and a major trade city during the 19th century. The city has been visited for its old colonial landmarks, offshore mangroves and coral reefs and its towering cliffs and beach. The nomadic culture of Somaliland has also attracted tourists. Most nomads live in the countryside. Image File history File links Burao_countryside. ... Image File history File links Burao_countryside. ... Burao (Somali: Burco) is the capital town in the region of Togdheer in Somalia. ... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... Berbera (Somali Berbera) (coordinates:) is a city in the newly established Saaxil region of Somalia, and is currently part of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Saylac (also Seyla`, Seelaac, Zeila, Zeyla, Zeylac, Zayla, Séyla‘, Seylac, 11. ... Ottoman redirects here. ... Above and below water view at the edge of the mangal. ... Communities of nomadic people move from place to place, rather than settling down in one location. ...

Demographics

Languages

Most people in Somaliland speak the country's two official languages: the Somali language and the Arabic language, with Article 6 of the Constitution of 2001 designating the official language of Somaliland to be Somali. It is mandatory that Arabic be taught to school students and in mosques around the country. English is spoken and taught in schools. The Somali language (Af Soomaali) is a member of the East Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. ... Arabic redirects here. ... The Masjid al-Haram in Mecca as it exists today A mosque is a place of worship for followers of the Islamic faith. ...

Somali belongs to a set of languages called lowland East Cushitic languages spoken by peoples living in Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya. Eastern Cushitic is one section of the Cushitic languages, which in turn is part of the great Afro-Asiatic stock. Arabic is the most spoken language of the Afro-Asiatic language branches. The East Cushitic languages comprise more than thirty languages belonging to the Cushitic family within the Afro-Asiatic phylum. ... The Cushitic languages are a subgroup of the Afro-Asiatic languages, named after the Biblical figure Cush by analogy with Semitic. ... The Afro-Asiatic languages constitute a language family (Languages of Africa) with about 375 languages (SIL estimate) and more than 300 million speakers spread throughout North Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, and Southwest Asia (including some 200 million speakers of Arabic). ...

The main Somali dialect which is the most widely used is Common Somali, a term applied to several sub dialects, the speakers of which can understand each other easily. Common Somali is spoken in most of Somaliland and Somalia and in adjacent territories (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti), and is used by broadcasting stations in Somaliland.

Facility with language is highly valued in Somali society; the capability of a suitor, a warrior, or a political or religious leader is judged in part by his verbal adroitness. In such a society, oral poetry becomes an art, and one's ability to compose verse in one or more of its several forms enhances one's status. Speakers in political or religious assemblies and litigants in courts traditionally were expected to use poetry or poetic proverbs. Even everyday talk tended to have a terse, vivid, poetic style, characterized by carefully chosen words, condensed meaning, and alliteration. Oral poetry is a form of poetry that is transmitted orally and memorized rather than written down. ...

In the prerevolutionary era, English became dominant in the school system and in government. However, the overarching issue was the development of a socioeconomic stratum based on mastery of a foreign language. The relatively small proportion of Somalis (less than 10 percent) with a grasp of such a language--preferably English--had access to government positions and the few managerial or technical jobs in modern private enterprises. Such persons became increasingly isolated from their nonliterate Somali-speaking brethren, but because the secondary schools and most government posts were in urban areas the socioeconomic and linguistic distinction was in large part a rural-urban one. A foreign language is a language not spoken by the indigenous people of a certain place: for example, English is a foreign language in Japan. ...

Even before the 1969 revolution, Somalis had become aware of social stratification and the growing distance, based on language and literacy differences, between ordinary Somalis and those in government. The 1972 decision to designate an official Somali Latin script and require its use in government demolished the language barrier and an important obstacle to rapid literacy growth.

In the years following the institution of the Somali Latin script, Somali officials were required to learn the orthography and attempts were made to inculcate mass literacy--in 1973 among urban and rural sedentary Somalis, and in 1974-75 among nomads. Although a few texts existed in the new script before 1973, in most cases new books were prepared presenting the government's perspective on Somali history and development. Somali scholars also succeeded in developing a vocabulary to deal with a range of subjects from mathematics and physics to administration and ideology. The orthography of a language specifies the correct way of using a specific writing system to write the language. ...

Religion

Almost all Somalis are Sunni Muslims; Islam is the principal faith and state religion. Though traces of pre-Islamic traditional religion exist in Somaliland, Islam is extremely important to the Somali sense of national identity. Many of the Somali social norms come from their religion. For example, men shake hands only with men, and women shake hands with women. Many Somali women wear a hijab when they are in public. In addition, Somalis abstain from pork, gambling, and alcohol, and receiving or paying any form of interest. Muslims generally congregate on Friday afternoons for a sermon and group prayer. Accordance with these prohibitions depends on each individual's level of orthodoxy. Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam. ... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... “Higab” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Pork (disambiguation). ... Gamble redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... “Orthodox” redirects here. ...

Nevertheless there has been Catholic missionary activity. In colonial days, British Somaliland was under the care of the Roman Catholic Vicariate Apostolic of Arabia, like the Vicariate Apostolic of the Gallas (including French Somaliland (Djibouti) as well as its Ethiopian main territory) confided to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Flag Capital Aden Religion Islam Political structure Protectorate History  - Established 1884  - Independence June 26, 1960  - Somaliland established 18 May, 1991 Currency British pound British Somaliland was a British protectorate in the north part of the Horn of Africa, and later part of Somalia and presently the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. ... The Vicariate Apostolic of Arabia is a Roman Catholic apostolic vicariate located in the United Arab Emirates. ... The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) is an order of friars in the Roman Catholic Church, among the chief offshoots of the Franciscans. ...

Culture

Main article: Culture of Somaliland

// Somali History The origins of the Somalis and their time of entry into present-day Somalia has been debated, with Somalis claiming descent from Arabian families who settled on the coast 1,000 years ago, and historians tracing the origins to pre-15th century. ...

Clan system

There are approximately 3.5 million people in Somaliland. The Somali society is organized into clan families, which range from 5,000 to over 50,000 in size. The major clan family in Somaliland is the Isaaq. The second clan family and also the clan family of the president is the Gadabuursi. Other clan families include Issa, Gabooye family and the Somaliland Harti such as the Warsangali and Dhulbahante (a sub-group of the Darod clan). The Warsangali and Dhulbahante mostly reside in the Sool, Sanaag, and a small part of the Togdheer regions of Somaliland, while the Isaaqs live in the regions of Maroodi Jeex, Togdheer, Saaxil, eastern and northern Awdal, western Sanaag and western Sool. The Gadabursi clan family lives in the west of the country, in the Awdal region and parts of Gabiley District. For other uses, see Clan (disambiguation). ... The tomb of Sheikh Isaq, the father of the Isaq tribe The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak) (Somali language: Reer Sheik Isaxaaq); is one of the main Somali clans. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Issa are a Somali clan who reside primarily in Djibouti. ... Harti (also Herti; In Somali it means Strong man) is a Somali sub-clan of Darood. ... The Warsangali (also Warsengeli or Warsingeli) (Son of Mohamoud Harti) is a Somali clan of the Harti group, part of the Darod clan. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Darod (Somali language: Darood, or Daarood) is a Somali clan. ... Location of Sool in Somaliland/Somalia Sool (Somali: Sool; Arabic: ‎ ) is an administrative region (gobolka) in northern Somalia and is claimed by the two self-proclaimed, but internationally unrecognized, states of Somaliland and Puntland, its ruled by Puntland. ... Location of Sanaag in northern Somalia Sanaag (Somali: Sanaag; Arabic: سناغ‎ Sanāgh) is a region (gobol) in northern Somalia. ... Togdheer is a region (gobolka) in Somalia. ... Maroodi Jeex is a gobolka, one of the six regions of the self-proclaimed (but not internationally recognized) Republic of Somaliland, which lies within the internationally recognised borders of Somalia. ... Saaxil (Sahel) is a region (gobolka) in northern Somaliland. ... Location of Awdal in Somalia Awdal (Somali: Awdal; Arabic: ) is an administrative region in Somalia. ...

The clan families are divided into lineage units, typically ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 members. It is possible for Somalis to know how they are related simply by giving their name and clan membership. Clan discrimination in Somaliland is highly forbidden and every clan is considered equal by the Government of Somaliland. The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ...

Marriage

Most Somalilanders choose to marry who ever they desire as long as they are Muslims. In the case of arranged marriages, brides are usually much younger than the grooms. Marriage to a cousin from the mother's side of the family (of a different lineage) is traditionally favored to strengthen family alliance, but this practice is not as common as earlier. Virginity is valued in women prior to marriage. In addition, divorce is legal in Somaliland. Romantic marriages are becoming more common and are now the majority of marriages in Somaliland. But even these choices are influenced by the partner's clan. Virgin redirects here. ...

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Somaliland

It is considered polite for one to leave a little bit of food on a plate after finishing a meal at another's home. This tells the host that one has been given enough food. If one were to clean his or her plate that would indicate that he or she is still hungry. Most Somalis don't take this rule so seriously, but it is certainly not impolite to leave a few bits of food on one's plate. Traditionally, the main meal of the day is eaten at lunchtime and Somali people usually begin their day with a flat bread called laxoox or La'hooh, liver, toast, cereal or porridge made of millet or cornmeal. Lunch can be a mix of rice or noodles with meat and sauce. When the Italians ruled the Horn of Africa they brought some of their cuisine to Somaliland for example Pasta Al Forno (in Somali Paasto Forno} and they also planted bananas in the south of the region. Also during lunch their diet may consist of a traditional soup called maraq (It is also part of Yemeni cuisine) made of vegetables, meat and beans and usually eaten with flatbread or pita bread. Later in the day a lighter meal is served which includes beans, ful medames, muffo (patties made of oats or corn), hummus or a salad with more laxoox/injera. A minority of Somalis drink Turkish coffee which they brought from Arab countries to their homeland. Turkish tea is also drunk in Somaliland; it has been adapted to become one of the famous drinks in the region - the traditional and cultural Shaax Xawaash. Consumed by the majority of Somalis, it is made of cardamom (Somali Xawaash} and cinnamon barks (Somali Qoronfil). Bariis Iskudhexkaris, is a traditional vegetables and rice dish, served with a lamb stew. ... Laxoox (in Somali) or Lahooh, Cangeelo is pancake-like bread, eaten in the countries of Somalia and Djibouti, it is also extremely famous in the de facto independent country of Somaliland. ... The Horn of Africa. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Crisp bread Making Tortillas A flatbread is a simple bread made from flattened dough. ... For other uses, see Pita (disambiguation). ... Green beans Bean is a common name for large plant seeds of several genera of Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae) used for food or feed. ... Ful Medames is the national dish of Egypt, often eaten at breakfast. ... Hummus or hummus bi tahini (Arabic: ; ‎; Armenian համոս) also spelled hamos, houmous, hommos, hommus, hummos, hummous or humus) is a dip or spread made of ground chickpeas, sesame tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. ... This meal, consisting of injera and several kinds of wat or tsebhi (stew), is typical of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. ... A cup of Turkish coffee served at an İstanbul terrace. ... Turkish tea Turkish tea (Turkish Çay) is a type of tea that is drank by most people living in the Republic of Turkey, the Arab World and the Horn of Africa. ... This article is about the herbs. ... Binomial name J.Presl Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) is also commonly called (and sometimes sold as) cinnamon. ...

Arts

Islam and poetry have been described as the twin pillars of Somali culture. Most Somalis are Sunni Muslims and Islam is vitally important to the Somali sense of national identity. Most Somalis don't belong to specific mosque or sect and can pray in any mosque they find. For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... This article is about the art form. ... The Masjid al-Haram in Mecca as it exists today A mosque is a place of worship for followers of the Islamic faith. ...

Celebrations come in the form of religious festivities, two of the most important being Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month. Families get dressed up to visit one another. Money is donated to the poor. Other holidays include June 26 and May 18, which celebrates Somaliland's independence from Britain and Somalia, however it is unrecognised by the international community. Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‘Īd al-’Aḍḥā) is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahims (Abrahams) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. ... Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. ... is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

In a nomadic culture, where one's possessions are frequently moved, there is little reason for the plastic arts to be highly developed. Somalis embellish and decorate their woven and wooden milk jugs (Somali Haano, the most decorative jugs are made in Ceerigaabo) and their wooden headrests, and traditional dance is important; though mainly as a form of courtship among young people. The traditional dance known as the Ceeyar Somaali in the Somali language is Somaliland's favourite dance. Communities of nomadic people move from place to place, rather than settling down in one location. ... Plastic Arts are those visual arts that involve the use of materials that can be moulded or modulated in some way, often in three dimensions. ...

Henna powder is mixed with water and then applied on the hair

Also, an important form of art in Somaliland is henna painting (Mehndi) (Somali: Xenna). The Henna plant is widely grown across the region and it was Arab merchants and settlers that first brought the art of henna painting in early Somaliland. During special occasions, a Somali women's hands and feet are expected to be covered in decorative mendhi. Girls and women usually apply or decorate their hands and feet in henna on joyous celebrations like Eid, weddings etc. The henna designs can be very simple to highly intricate. Unlike Pakistani, Indian or Bangladeshi henna designs, the Somali and Arab designs are more modern and simple compared to the latter. Traditionally, only women apply this body art and it is considered as a feminine procedure therefore men don't apply such procedure. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 834 KB) Henna for hair. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 834 KB) Henna for hair. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... Mehandi on a hand Another intricate Mehandi pattern Mehndi (or Hina} is the application of henna (Hindustani: हेना حنا) as a temporary form of skin decoration, orginated in India it is most popular in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Somaliland as well as expatriate communities from these areas. ... Look up henna in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses, see Arab (disambiguation). ... Complex Kadakali makeup is a form of body art Body art is art made on, with, or consisting of, the human body. ... For other uses, see Female (disambiguation). ...

Henna is not only applied on the hands and feet but at the same time it is used as a dye. Somali men and women alike use henna as a dye to change their hair colour. Mostly, elderly men with grey hair apply such procedure because black hair dye is, allegedly, forbidden in Islam. Women are free to apply henna on their hair as most of the time they are wearing a hijab. Look up dye in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Hair color is the result of pigmentation due to the presence of the chemicals eumelanin and pheomelanin. ... “Higab” redirects here. ...

Notes

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the private Ivy League university in Philadelphia. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 29th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Sources and references

• This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913. [2]
• Wales Strikes Out On Its Own In Its Recognition of Somaliland

The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

See also

• Communications in Somaliland
• Public holidays in Somaliland
• Banknotes of the Somaliland shilling
• Coins of the Somaliland shilling
• List of unrecognized countries
• Places That Don't Exist - BBC Four miniseries on unrecognised countries that featured Somaliland

Somaliland, which declared its independence of Somalia in 1991, enjoys a relatively well-functioning civil society and peace. ... The holidays in Somaliland: Somaliland uses two calendar systems: the Gregorian calendar primarily, but the Islamic calendar for religious holidays. ... The banknotes of Somaliland were first issued in 1994, the same year that the 1 Somaliland shilling coin was issued. ... The Coins of Somaliland have had a very short numismatic history so far. ... The list of unrecognized countries enumerates those geo-political entities which lack general diplomatic recognition, but wish to be recognized as sovereign states. ... Holidays in the Danger Zone: Places That Dont Exist is a five-part BBC Four series on breakaway states and unrecognised nations, devised, written and presented by Simon Reeve. ... For the BBC radio station, see BBC Radio 4. ... A miniseries (sometimes mini-series), in a serial storytelling medium, is a production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Somaliland

• Somaliland official website
• Somaliland.Org news website (primarily Somali language; some English)
• Somaliland Times English language news website.
• Somaliland BBC Country Profile
• United Kingdom parliamentary debate on recognition of Somaliland, February 4, 2004 led by Tony Worthington
• Somaliland recognition finds enhanced support

Regions of Somaliland
Regions
Awdal | Saaxil | Togdheer | Woqooyi Galbeed
Disputed regions
Sanaag | Sool

v • d • e De facto States of Somalia

Galmudug | Puntland | Somaliland | Maakhir Former States Southwestern Somalia | Islamic Courts Union | Jubaland Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... The Somali language (Af Soomaali) is a member of the East Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. ... is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... William Anthony Worthington (born 11 October 1941) is a politician in the United Kingdom. ... Map showing the regions of Somalia, with those in Somaliland in green The regions of Somaliland are (capitals in parentheses): Awdal (Baki) Saaxil (Berbera) Sanaag (Erigavo) Sool (Laascaanood) Togdheer (Burao) Woqooyi Galbeed (Hargeisa) See also Regions of Somalia Category: ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Somaliland. ... Location of Awdal in Somalia Awdal (Somali: Awdal; Arabic: ) is an administrative region in Somalia. ... Saaxil (Sahel) is a region (gobolka) in northern Somaliland. ... Togdheer is a region (gobolka) in Somalia. ... Woqooyi Galbeed is a region (gobolka) in northern Somalia. ... Location of Sanaag in northern Somalia Sanaag (Somali: Sanaag; Arabic: سناغ‎ Sanāgh) is a region (gobol) in northern Somalia. ... Location of Sool in Somaliland/Somalia Sool (Somali: Sool; Arabic: ‎ ) is an administrative region (gobolka) in northern Somalia and is claimed by the two self-proclaimed, but internationally unrecognized, states of Somaliland and Puntland, its ruled by Puntland. ... De facto is a Latin expression that means in fact or in practice. It is commonly used as opposed to de jure (meaning by law) when referring to matters of law or governance or technique (such as standards), that are found in the common experience as created or developed without... The regions (gobolka) of Somalia are (capitals in parentheses): Awdal (*) (Baki) Bakool (Oddur) Banaadir (Mogadishu) Bari (Bender Cassim) Bay (Baidoa) Galguduud (Dusa Mareb) Gedo (Garbahaarey) Hiiraan (Beledweyne) Middle Juba (Buaale) Lower Juba (Kismaayo) Mudug (Galcaio) Nugaal (Garoowe) Sanaag (*) (Erigavo) Middle Shabele (Giohar) Lower Shabele (Merca) Sool (*) (Laascaanood) Togdheer (*) (Burao... Image File history File links Flag_of_Somalia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Somalia. ... Motto None Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Galcayo Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Mohamed Warsame Ali  -  Vice-President Abdisalam Haji Ahmed Liban Autonomy Part of Federated Somalia   -  Declared August 14, 2006   -  Recognition self-elected state autonomy  Area  -  Total 100,000 km km² (not ranked) not ranked... Image File history File links Flag_of_Somalia_Sky_Blue. ... Motto None Anthem Puntland Somali National Anthem Capital Garowe (Administrative), Bosaso (Commercial) Largest city Bosaso Official languages Somali and Arabic Government  -  President Mohamud Muse Hersi  -  Vice-President Hassan Dahir Mohamud Autonomy Inside Somalia   -  Declared 1998   -  Recognition   Area  -  Total 212,510 km km² (84th) n/a sq mi   -  Water (%) Negl. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Somaliland. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Maakhir. ... Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Badhan Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Jibrell Ali Salad Autonomy from Somaliland, Puntland and Somalia   -  Proclaimed July 1, 2007   -  Unrecognised  Area  -  Total 35,000 km²  13,514 sq mi  Population  -   estimate 700,000  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer... Image File history File links Flag_of_Southwestern_Somalia. ... Southwestern Somalia and claimed territories, 2002-2006 Capital (and largest city) Baidoa Official languages Somali, Arabic Government  -  Presidentbare hiraale Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud Autonomy within Somalia   -  Declared April 1, 2002   -  Abandoned February 10, 2006  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+3) Internet TLD . ... Image File history File links Icu_flag. ... Motto: none Anthem: none Capital formerly Mogadishu and Kismayu Largest city n/a Official languages Somali and Arabic Government Sharia Krytocracy  - Executive Chairman Sharif Sheikh Ahmed  - Shura Chairman Hassan Dahir Aweys Civil War Faction Has not declared autonomy or independence   - Established June 6th 2006 in Mogadishu  Area  - Total not finalized... Image File history File links Flag_of_Jubaland. ... Anthem Somalia Tosow Capital (and largest city) Kismayo Official languages Somali and English Government  -  President Barre Adan Shire Hiiraale Autonomy Part of Federated Somalia   -  Autonomy Declared 1998   -  Ended by JVA 2004   -  Re-established 2007   -  Recognition Not Recognized  Currency Somali shilling (SOS) Time zone EAT  -  Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+3...

v • d • e Countries of Africa

West Africa This is an alphabetical list of African countries and dependencies. ... Image File history File links LocationWesternAfrica. ... Benin · Burkina Faso · Cape Verde · Côte d'Ivoire · The Gambia · Ghana · Guinea · Guinea-Bissau · Liberia · Mali · Mauritania · Niger · Nigeria · Senegal · Sierra Leone · Togo North Africa Image File history File links LocationNorthernAfrica. ... Algeria · Egypt1 · Libya · Mauritania · Morocco · Sudan · Tunisia · Western Sahara Central Africa Image File history File links LocationCentralMiddleAfrica. ... Angola · Burundi · Cameroon · Central African Republic · Chad · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Equatorial Guinea · Gabon · Republic of the Congo · Rwanda · São Tomé and Príncipe East Africa Image File history File links LocationEasternAfrica. ... Burundi · Comoros · Djibouti · Eritrea · Ethiopia · Kenya · Madagascar · Malawi · Mauritius · Mozambique · Rwanda · Seychelles · Somalia · Tanzania · Uganda · Zambia · Zimbabwe Southern Africa Image File history File links LocationSouthernAfrica. ... Botswana · Lesotho · Namibia · South Africa · Swaziland Dependencies  |  Unrecognized British Indian Ocean Territory (UK) · Mayotte (France) · Réunion (France) · St. Helena2 (UK)  |  Canary Islands (Spain) · Ceuta (Spain) · Madeira (Portugal) · Melilla (Spain) · Socotra (Yemen) · Puntland · Somaliland · Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic World map of dependent territories. ... The list of unrecognized countries enumerates those geo-political entities which lack general diplomatic recognition, but wish to be recognized as sovereign states. ... For other uses, see Saint Helena (disambiguation). ... Anthem: Arrorró Capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife Official language(s) Spanish Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked 13th  7,447 km²  1. ... Capital Ceuta City Official language(s) Spanish Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked  28 km²   Population  â€“ Total (2006)  â€“ % of Spain  â€“ Density Ranked  75,861    2,709. ... For other uses, see Madeira (disambiguation). ... Capital Official language(s) Spanish Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked  20 km²   Population  â€“ Total (2006)  â€“ % of Spain  â€“ Density Ranked  66,871    3,343. ... Map of the Socotra archipelago Socotra or Soqotra (Arabic سقطرى ; ) is a small archipelago of four islands and islets in the Indian Ocean off the coast of the Horm Africa some 350 km south of the Arabian peninsula. ... Motto None Anthem Puntland Somali National Anthem Capital Garowe (Administrative), Bosaso (Commercial) Largest city Bosaso Official languages Somali and Arabic Government  -  President Mohamud Muse Hersi  -  Vice-President Hassan Dahir Mohamud Autonomy Inside Somalia   -  Declared 1998   -  Recognition   Area  -  Total 212,510 km km² (84th) n/a sq mi   -  Water (%) Negl. ... Motto: حرية ديمقراطية وحدة (Arabic) Liberty, Democracy, Unity Anthem: Yābaniy Es-Saharā  listen This map indicates the territory claimed by the SADR, viz. ... 1 Partly in Asia.  2 Includes the dependencies of Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. This is a list of countries spanning more than one continent. ... Anthem: God Save the Queen Capital Georgetown Largest city Georgetown Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... Motto Our faith is our strength Anthem God Save the Queen Capital (and largest city) Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ...

v • d • e Countries and territories bordering the Indian Ocean
Africa	Comoros · Djibouti · Eritrea · Kenya · Madagascar · Mauritius · Mayotte · Mozambique · Seychelles · Somalia · Somaliland · South Africa · Sudan · Tanzania
Asia	Bahrain · Bangladesh · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · India · Indonesia · Iran · Iraq · Kuwait · Malaysia · Maldives · Myanmar · Oman · Pakistan · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Sri Lanka · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · Yemen
Oceania	Australia · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Islands	Bahrain · British Indian Ocean Territory · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · Madagascar · Maldives · Mauritius · Mayotte · Seychelles · Sri Lanka