SOMALIA WILDLIFE GUIDE

Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Cushitic-speaking people who date back to around 5000 BCE. In the first millennium BCE, the Somali Peninsula was an important center for trade and commerce, with several city-states and ports on the coast.

In the 7th century, Arab traders and Islamic missionaries introduced Islam to the region, and the religion quickly spread. By the 10th century, the Sultanate of Mogadishu had emerged as a powerful Islamic state and was a major center of trade and scholarship.

In the 19th century, Somalia was colonized by various European powers, including the British, Italians, and French. In 1960, British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland gained their independence and united to form the Somali Republic.

In the 1970s, the socialist government of Siad Barre took power and instituted a number of reforms, including nationalizing many industries and implementing land reforms. However, Barre’s regime became increasingly authoritarian, and in 1991, he was overthrown by a coalition of rebel groups, leading to a period of civil war and instability that continues to this day.

Since the overthrow of Barre, Somalia has struggled with ongoing conflict, poverty, and political instability. The country has been torn apart by clan-based militias, warlords, and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab. Despite these challenges, the people of Somalia have continued to work towards building a stable and peaceful future for their country.

Country Code: +252.

Crime: Somalia has a very high crime rate due to ongoing political instability, poverty, and lack of effective law enforcement. Crime in Somalia takes many forms, including theft, robbery, piracy, and terrorism.

One of the most significant security concerns in Somalia is the threat of terrorism, particularly from the extremist group Al-Shabaab, which has carried out numerous attacks in the country, including suicide bombings and assassinations. The group targets government officials, security forces, and civilians, and has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Somalia’s recent history.

Piracy is also a significant concern in Somalia, particularly in the waters off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. Pirate attacks on ships passing through these waters have been a persistent problem for many years, and while international naval patrols have reduced the number of attacks in recent years, the threat still remains.

In addition to terrorism and piracy, street crime, including theft and robbery, is common in Somalia, particularly in urban areas. Visitors to the country are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, including avoiding walking alone at night and carrying valuable items with them.

Overall, crime in Somalia is a significant concern, and visitors to the country should take precautions to protect themselves and be aware of the security situation in the areas they are visiting. It is important to note that many countries advise against all travel to Somalia due to the security risks.

Currency: Somali Shilling.

Electricity: Type C (2-pin round).

Language: the official language is Somali, although there are multiple dialects.

Latitude and Longitude: 5.1521° N, 46.1996° E.

LGBT: Somalia is a conservative Muslim country where homosexuality is illegal and carries severe penalties. The country’s Penal Code criminalizes same-sex sexual activity, and those found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts can face imprisonment or even the death penalty.

In addition to the legal sanctions, there is also a significant societal stigma against homosexuality in Somalia, and LGBT individuals may face discrimination, harassment, and even violence. As such, LGBT individuals in Somalia may be forced to hide their identities and live in secrecy to avoid persecution.

It’s worth noting that in areas of Somalia that are controlled by Al-Shabaab, homosexuality is punished even more severely, with some reports suggesting that suspected gay men have been executed by the group.

Overall, Somalia is not a safe or welcoming place for LGBT individuals, and anyone suspected of engaging in homosexual acts may face severe legal and social consequences. It is important for visitors to the country to be aware of these laws and cultural attitudes and to take precautions to protect themselves if they identify as LGBT.

Population: 17.07 million (2021).

President: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Unfortunately, Somalia does not currently have any official national parks or protected areas due to decades of civil war and instability. As a result, much of Somalia’s wildlife has been greatly diminished or lost, and conservation efforts are difficult to implement.

However, there are still some areas in Somalia that have significant biodiversity and conservation potential, and local organizations are working to protect these areas. For example, the coastal waters off the coast of Somalia are home to a diverse range of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish species.

Additionally, there are some areas in the northern part of Somalia, such as the Golis Mountains and the Cal Madow Range, which have significant biodiversity and are home to several endemic plant and animal species. These areas could potentially be developed into protected areas or national parks in the future if political stability and security improve in the region.

Overall, while Somalia does not have any official national parks, there are still areas of significant conservation value in the country that could be developed into protected areas in the future if the political situation stabilizes.

Somalia, due to its ongoing security concerns and political instability, has very limited tourism infrastructure, and travel to the country is not recommended for most visitors. However, there are a few places in Somalia that have historical and cultural significance, and that may be of interest to some tourists.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Somalia.

Laas Geel

Located near the city of Hargeisa, Laas Geel is a series of caves containing some of the best-preserved ancient rock art in Africa. The paintings, which date back to between 9,000 and 3,000 BCE, depict animals, people, and geometric patterns.

Mogadishu

The capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu, was once a major commercial and cultural center in the region. Although the city has suffered significant damage during years of conflict, there are still a few landmarks worth visiting, including the Old Bazaar, the National Museum of Somalia, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Berbera

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, the city of Berbera was once an important trading port and is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

Zeila

Located in the northwestern part of Somalia, Zeila was once a major trading center and is home to several historic mosques and other buildings.

Kismayo

Located in the southern part of Somalia, Kismayo is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins.

It’s important to note that due to ongoing security concerns, these tourist attractions are not easily accessible, and travel to Somalia is generally not recommended for most visitors.

Somalia is located in the tropics, and as such, it has a predominantly hot and dry climate. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season.

The dry season typically lasts from December to February, and during this time, the country experiences very little rainfall. Temperatures during the day can reach up to 40°C (104°F) in some parts of the country, with cool nights.

The wet season, on the other hand, lasts from March to June, and during this time, the country receives the majority of its rainfall. In some parts of Somalia, the rainfall can be heavy, and flooding can occur. Temperatures during the wet season are usually slightly cooler, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F).

In some parts of the country, particularly in the coastal regions, the weather is influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoon, which brings cooler temperatures and higher humidity during the months of July to September.

Overall, the weather in Somalia is hot and dry, with little variation throughout the year. The country also experiences periodic droughts, which can have devastating effects on agriculture and the economy.