Somaliland Map

Description:

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Somaliland, officially the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared state that is internationally considered to be an autonomous region of Somalia. Located in the Horn of Africa, it borders Ethiopia to the south and west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Somalia to the east.

The region unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following the collapse of Somalia's central government. Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and military, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any sovereign state or international organization.

Somaliland covers an area of approximately 137,600 square kilometers (53,128 sq mi) and has a population estimated at around 6.0 million people. The capital and largest city is Hargeisa. The official languages are Somali, Arabic, and English, with Somali being the most widely spoken.

The economy of Somaliland is largely based on livestock exports, remittances from abroad, and telecommunications. The Port of Berbera serves as a major regional shipping and transportation hub, facilitating trade between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The region has its own currency, the Somaliland Shilling, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

Historically, the territory was a British protectorate known as British Somaliland from 1884 until 1960, when it gained independence and later unified with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. Following years of civil war and the collapse of Somalia's central government, Somaliland chose to reassert its independence.

Despite its lack of international recognition, Somaliland has maintained relative peace and stability compared to southern Somalia. The region has established a functioning democratic system, holding regular elections, and has developed its own governmental institutions, including a parliament, judiciary, and military forces.

The Facts:
Capital: Hargeisa.
Area: 53,128 sq mi (137,600 sq km).
Population: ~ 6,200,000 (2024 estimate).
Largest cities: Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera, Erigavo, Gabiley, Las Anod, Borama, Tog Wajaale, El Afweyn, Aynaba.
Official language: Somali.
Currency: Somaliland shilling.

Regions of Somaliland: Awdal, Sahil, Maroodi Jeeh, Togdheer, Sanaag, Sool.

Districts of Somaliland: Gabiley, Hargeisa, Baki, Borama, Zeila, Lughaya, Sheikh, Berbera, Odweyne, Buhoodle, Burao, Aynabo, Las Anod, Taleh, Hudun, El Afweyn, Erigavo, Lasqoray.