Somalia
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Somalia is a country located on the Horn of Africa in Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Mogadishu. The government is a Federal parliamentary republic. The official languages of the country are Somali and Arabic. The predominant religion is Sunni Islam. Healthcare in Somalia is not good. There’s no real infrastructure and not many residents trust the medical services they receive. The private healthcare system is not regulated so it tends to be very expensive.
Safety:
Somalia is a country that has been plagued by violence and instability for many years, and safety concerns are a major issue for both locals and visitors to the country. Somalia has been the site of numerous terrorist attacks over the years, most notably by the Islamist extremist group Al-Shabaab. These attacks have targeted government officials, civilians, and foreign aid workers, among others. Crime is a significant concern in Somalia, particularly in the capital city of Mogadishu. Robberies, thefts, and kidnappings are all too common. Somalia is a country that has experienced political and social unrest for many years. Protests, demonstrations, and other forms of civil unrest can turn violent, particularly in the capital city. Somalia's coast is known for piracy, particularly in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Pirates have been known to hijack ships and hold crews for ransom. Road infrastructure in Somalia is generally underdeveloped and poorly maintained, with many roads being unpaved and lacking basic safety features such as guardrails and street lights. In addition, Somalia has a high incidence of road accidents, largely due to poor driving habits and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. Many drivers do not have proper training or licenses, and vehicles may not be properly maintained. Road conditions are also often challenging, with potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces. Travel by road in Somalia is generally considered to be high risk, particularly outside major cities, and caution is advised.
Cultural Customs:
Somalia has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of various ethnic groups, religions, and traditions. Islam is the predominant religion in Somalia, and it heavily influences the culture of the country. Muslim practices, such as prayer five times a day, fasting during Ramadan, and giving alms to the poor, are widely observed. Somalis are known for their hospitality and generosity. It is customary to welcome guests with food and drink, and to offer them a place to stay if they are visiting from out of town. Somalis have a unique style of traditional dress, which is influenced by their nomadic heritage. Men typically wear a sarong-like garment called a macawiis, while women wear a long, flowing dress called a dirac. Music and dance are important parts of Somali culture. Traditional instruments include the oud, a type of lute, and the kaban, a type of drum. Traditional dances include the dhaanto, which is performed by men, and the balwo, which is performed by women. The clan system is an important social and political structure in Somalia. Each clan has its own customs, traditions, and rules, and it plays a significant role in determining social hierarchy and political power. Somali cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Staple foods include rice, pasta, and flatbread, which are often served with stews made from meat, vegetables, and spices. Marriage is an important cultural custom in Somalia. It is typically arranged by families, and it often involves a large celebration with food, music, and dancing. Somalis have a rich oral tradition, with stories and poems passed down through generations. Poetry is highly valued, and it is often recited at important events such as weddings and funerals.
Geography & Weather:
The climate in Somalia is tropical with little rain. However, the mountain area has a milder climate. The Northeast of the country can be affected by tropical cyclones.
In Bosaso, on the north coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 76 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with a median temperature of 76 degrees F and July being the hottest month with a median temperature of 98 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area. The sun shines 9-10 hours daily, all year. The sea temperature is 82 degrees F, year round.
In Mogadishu, on the south-eastern coast, the average temperature ranges from 78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is August with a median temperature of 78 degrees F and April is the hottest month with a median temperature of 84 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is from April - July. The sun shines 8-9 hours daily, except during the rainy season. The sea temperature is 80 degrees F, all year.
In Hargeisa, in the mountains to the Northwest, the average temperature ranges from 64 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with a median temperature of 64 degrees F and June being the hottest month with a median temperature of 76 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is from March - October but they only average 16 inches per year.
Economy:
The country has been beset by decades of conflict, political instability, and natural disasters, which have had a significant impact on its economy. The Somali economy is largely based on agriculture and livestock, which account for more than 60% of the country's GDP. However, the sector has been severely impacted by droughts, floods, and conflict, which have led to a decline in agricultural output and a rise in food insecurity. Other major sectors of the Somali economy include fisheries, telecommunications, and the service sector. The country's financial system is largely informal, with remittances from the Somali diaspora playing a significant role in the economy. According to the World Bank, remittances account for around 25% of the country's GDP, making it one of the most remittance-dependent countries in the world. Somalia also has a vibrant and dynamic private sector, which has been instrumental in driving economic growth and creating jobs in the country. However, the lack of a functioning government, weak institutions, and a security situation that is still volatile have limited the growth of the private sector. Overall, the Somali economy remains fragile and heavily reliant on external aid and remittances. The government has made some efforts to promote economic growth and attract foreign investment, but progress has been slow due to ongoing security concerns and political instability.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Somali Shilling (SOS)
SOS 1.00 = USD .0018
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
15,893,222
Median Age:
16.7
Life Expectancy:
58.34
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 60 day (available on arrival in Mogadishu) $60
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination is not required, but most countries transited by airlines flying in and out of Somalia require proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes, under the 2012 Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia
Naturalization - Somali citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Somalia for at least seven consecutive years, is of good character and conduct, and understands the customs and traditions of the country.
Residency Requirements:
A residency permit is available for people looking to relocate into Somalia as expats. Instructions for this process were not available online at the time of this posting.
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Kenya
United Nations Avenue
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: (254) (20) 363-6451 (Monday through Thursday, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (254) (20) 363-6000
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov
The U.S. Embassy in Somalia is unable to provide consular services at this time. Contact the Embassy in Nairobi if you need assistance.