10 fun and interesting Somalia facts

1. A Country with a Unique Culture and History

Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa that gained its independence on July 1, 1960. Prior to this, it was colonized by both Britain and France, who divided the country into 27 regions. These regions are now the administrative divisions of Somalia, and each has its own unique culture and history.

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2. Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia

Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia, is the largest city in the country and is often referred to as Xamar. It is a vibrant city, home to a population of over 2 million people, and is the economic and cultural hub of the nation. It is a major port city, with a long history of trade and commerce, and is home to a variety of different ethnic and religious groups. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, and is a popular tourist destination.

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3. Somali Independence Day

On June 26, 1960, British Somaliland achieved independence from Britain, and just a few days later, on July 1, 1960, Italian Somaliland followed suit, gaining independence from Italy. This marked a momentous occasion in Somalia's history, as the two regions united to form the modern-day nation of Somalia.

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4. A Country of Religious Tolerance

Somalia is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country, with a smaller percentage of its population following the Shia Muslim denomination and Sufism. Sunni Islam is the largest religious group in Somalia, accounting for over 99% of the population. The remaining 1% of the population is made up of Shia Muslims and Sufis, who practice a more mystical form of Islam. The two denominations have coexisted peacefully in Somalia for centuries, and the country is known for its religious tolerance.

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5. Somali Languages: Arabic and Somalie

Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, and is home to two official languages: Somalie and Arabic. Both languages are widely spoken throughout the country, with Somalie being the most commonly used language in everyday life. Arabic is used mainly in official settings, such as in government and education. Both languages are taught in schools, and are used in the media, including radio and television.

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6. Somalia's Official Currency: The Somali Shilling

Since 1962, Somalia has been using the Somali Shilling (SOS) as its official currency. The Somali Shilling is a highly valued currency, and is used in all transactions within the country. It is also accepted in some neighboring countries, such as Djibouti and Ethiopia. The Somali Shilling is divided into 100 cents, and is available in both coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 Shillings, while the banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 Shillings.

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7. The Hot Country

Somalia is a semi-arid land located close to the equator, resulting in a hot climate year-round. The average temperature in Somalia ranges from 20-40⁰C, with some areas in the north experiencing temperatures as high as 45⁰C. This extreme heat makes Somalia one of the hottest countries in the world, making it difficult to live in without proper protection from the sun.

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8. The First African Nation to Be Used for Flying Warplanes

Somalia is a country with a rich history, and it was the first African nation to be used for flying warplanes by the British. During World War II, the British used Somalia as a base for their warplanes, taking advantage of the country's strategic location and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This allowed the British to launch air raids against German and Italian forces in North Africa, and to protect their own forces in the region. Somalia's role in the war was an important one, and it helped the Allies to gain a decisive victory in the region.

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9. Unique Country Without a Central Government

Somalia is a unique country in the world, as it is the only nation without a central form of government. This means that the country is not ruled by a single leader or government, but instead is divided into several autonomous regions. This lack of a unified government has led to a number of issues, including civil war, poverty, and famine. Despite these challenges, Somalia has made progress in recent years, with the establishment of a new federal government in 2012. This new government has been working to improve the country's security and economic situation, and to promote peace and stability.

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10. A Country Rich in Agricultural Products

Somalia is a country rich in agricultural products, with cattle, goats, sheep, corn, sorghum, coconuts, sugarcane, mangoes, rice, sesame seeds and beans all grown in abundance. These products are then exported to other countries, with livestock, hides, bananas, fish and charcoal all being popular exports. Somalia is a major producer of livestock, with the country's cattle, goats and sheep being highly sought after. Additionally, the country's tropical climate makes it ideal for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as coconuts, sugarcane, mangoes, rice, sesame seeds and beans.