Since the 1991 ousting of Major General Mohomamed Siad Barre, Somalia has had no functioning national government. A Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was established in October 2004 for a five-year term.
The country is still beset by strife between the weak TFG, which barely controls any portion of Somalia and regional warlords. The situation is complicated by strife among the various clans.
The country, about the size of Texas, has a principally desert climate year-round and reflective weather. During the northeast monsoon (December-February) temperatures are moderate in the north and extremely hot in the south. During the southeast monsoon (May-October) temperatures are hot in throughout the country.
The population is primarily Somali (85 percent). The rest of the population is made up of Bantu, Arabs, and other groups. The official language is Somali; Arabic, Italian and English are also spoken. The primary religion is Sunni Islam.
The economy of Somalia is mostly agricultural; key exports include livestock, fish, charcoal, and bananas.
Daallo and Damal Airlines provide domestic air service, with service to Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Nairobi, Dubai, Paris and London.
The country's road network was at one time extensive but has deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance. Somalia has no subway or train, but taxis are available.
The public phone system has been destroyed but cell phone service is rapidly developing and gaining popularity. ATMs are not available in Somalia. Cash is the most useful method of payment.
Strongly consider deferring travel to Somalia due to the great security risks there. Crime is a continuing problem in the poverty-stricken country. The unemployment rate is very high; many people turn to crime as a means of survival. Furthermore, much of the territory is controlled by local warlords representing various ethnic factions. Travelers are threatened both by violence among the factions and by crimes committed by the armed groups commanded by the warlords.
For a free map of Somalia and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Somalia is extremely volatile, dangerous and dynamic. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Somalia.