About Somalia

Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, at the easternmost part of the African continent. It holds an important strategic position between sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The capital city, Mogadishu, is situated just north of the Equator on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

With an estimated population of 18 million, Somalia is known as one of the most culturally unified countries in Africa, with around 85% of its people being ethnic Somalis. The official languages are Somali and Arabic, and the majority of the population practices Islam. Somalia is also known for its geographic extremes, featuring a mostly dry and hot climate with landscapes of thorn bush savanna and semi-arid plains. While the northern region has some mountainous coastal areas and river valleys, much of the country is flat, making it ideal for nomadic herding.

National Public Holidays in Somalia

• April 12: Somali National Army Day
• May 15: Somali Youth League (SYL) Founding Day
• June 26: Independence Day of the Northern Region
• July 1: Somalia Independence Day
• October 12: Somalia Flag Day