Somalia Travel Guide

Somalia — Country and Tourist Information

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Country Facts

Location: East Africa.
Language: Somali and Arabic are the official languages. Swahili is spoken, particularly in the south. English and Italian are also widely spoken.
Area: 637,657 sq km (246,201 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT + 3.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Population: 9.1 million (2007).
Population Density: 14.2 per sq km.
Capital City: Mogadishu. Population: 2.3 million (2007).
Government: Somalia gained independence from the UK and Italy in 1960. At the Arta Peace Conference in 2000, an interim parliament was established. The northern part of the country declared itself independent as the Republic of Somaliland with Dahir Riyale Kahin as acting president since 2002, although it has not achieved international recognition.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke since 2009.
Head of State: President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad since 2009.
Religion: The state religion is Islam and the majority of Somalis are Sunni Muslims. There is a small Christian community, mostly Roman Catholic.

Recent History

In 1970 a socialist state was proclaimed by Said Barre, who became president until he was overthrown in 1991. However, no replacement leader could be agreed on, leading to bloody civil war.

Eventually, in 2000, senior figures appointed Abdulkassim Salat Hassan president of a transitional government, which aimed to reconcile the warring clans within an appointed time. This was not achieved and in 2004 clan leaders and politicians signed a deal for a new administration (the 14th attempt to establish a government since President Said Barre was overthrown), again with the aim of reuniting a country torn apart into warring fiefdoms.

The rise of rival administration, the Union of Islamic Courts, in 2006 further compromised the new interim government's already struggling hold over the country. The Islamists took over much of the south, including Mogadishu. With the help of Ethiopian troops, the interim government took back control by the end of 2006 but not without a huge rise in violence, resulting in more rape, kidnappings and banditry. It is thought that around 60% of the capital's inhabitants have since fled.

The Republic of Somalia, a self-declared independent territory, and the autonomous region of Puntland have managed to avoid most of the issues now affecting the rest of Somalia.

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +252. Outgoing international calls must be made via the operator.

Mobile Telephone

Several companies exist but there are currently no roaming agreements with international comapanies.

Internet

Somalia's SomaliNet is one of the country's first ISPs. Internet facilities for visitors are yet to be fully established.

Media

Somalia's disintegration has been reflected in its media. Broadcasters and journalists operate in a dangerous environment, affecting their ability to report freely, and many Somalis rely on foreign broadcasts for their news.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks.

Press

• Qaran, Xog-Ogaal and Ayaamaha are Mogadishu based.
• Somaliland Times is a Somaliland-based, English-language weekly publication.

Radio

• Radio Mogadishu is an FM station operated by the transitional government.
• Radio HornAfrik is avery popularprivate FM station rebroadcasting BBC programs from Mogadishu.
• Radi Shabelle, Radio Banaadir and Radio Simba are private Mogadishu stations.
• Radio Galkayo, Voice of Peace and SBC Radio are private Puntland stations.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
15 Feb *Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
1 May Labor Day
26 Jun Independence Day
1 Jul Foundation of the Republic
30 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
6 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
5 Dec Ashoura

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
4 Feb *Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
1 May Labor Day
26 Jun Independence Day
1 Jul Foundation of the Republic
19 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
25 Oct Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
24 Nov Ashoura
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. * Birth of the Prophet celebrated five days later for Shi'a

Contact Information

United Nations Development Program for Somalia (UNDP)

Street address: Springette off lower Kabete Road, Spring Valley, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal address: PO Box 28832, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0) 20418 3640/2.
Website: www.so.undp.org

European Commission Somalia Unit (ECSU)

Street address: Union Building, Ragati Road, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Postal address: PO Box 30475, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0) 20271 2830 or 3250/1.
Website: www.delken.cec.eu.int