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Where is Somalia located? Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, in the eastern part of the African continent. It is one of the prominent countries in the East African region.
Somalia is situated on the easternmost edge of the continent, bordering the Indian Ocean to the east. It shares borders with several neighboring countries. To the northwest, it is bordered by Djibouti. To the west, it shares a border with Ethiopia. To the southwest, it is bounded by Kenya. The rest of its perimeter is defined by the coastline along the Indian Ocean.
Where is Somalia located: Africa.
Location of Somalia on the World Map
Somalia World
Map of Somalia.
Somalia Profile – Where is Somalia located
Here are 10 of the most important facts about Somalia:
- Official Name: Federal Republic of Somalia
- Capital City: Mogadishu
- Population: Approximately 15.4 million (as of 2021)
- Official Language: Somali
- Currency: Somali Shilling (SOS)
- Major Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
- Government: Federal parliamentary republic
- Area: Approximately 637,657 square kilometers
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): $4.7 billion (as of 2021)
- Main Exports: Livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, and remittances from abroad.
Borders of Somalia
Somalia shares land borders with three countries.
| Bordering Country | Approximate Length of Border (in kilometers) |
|---|---|
| Ethiopia | km |
| Kenya | km |
| Djibouti | km |
Somalia Map
Navigate over this map with your mouse to discover the Somalia map location.
Somalia
Most Extreme Points of Somalia
Somalia has several extreme points in different directions:
- Northernmost Point: Near the border with Djibouti, east of the city of Loyada.
- Southernmost Point: Near the border with Kenya, close to the town of Ras Kamboni.
- Easternmost Point: The point on the Indian Ocean coastline, near the city of Ras Hafun.
- Westernmost Point: The point near the border with Ethiopia, close to the town of Dolo.
Highest Points of Somalia
The highest point in Somalia is Cal Madow, reaching an elevation of approximately 2,416 meters above sea level. It is part of the Cal Madow mountain range.
| No. | Mountain | Elevation (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cal Madow | 2,416 |
| 2 | Cal Madow Bari | 2,372 |
| 3 | Cal Madow Qorax | 2,350 |
| 4 | Cal Madow Weyn | 2,280 |
| 5 | Cal Madow Harardhere | 2,110 |
How big is Somalia?
Somalia covers an area of approximately 637,657 square kilometers, making it the 42nd largest country in the world.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Here is a comparison of Somalia with its neighboring countries based on approximate size and population as of 2021:
| Country | Approximate Size (sq. km) | Approximate Population | Somalia’s Size Compared to Neighboring Country | Somalia’s Population Compared to Neighboring Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 580,367 | 54.4 million | 2.31 times smaller | 0.33 times smaller |
| Ethiopia | 1,104,300 | 120 million | 1.21 times smaller | 0.09 times smaller |
| Djibouti | 23,180 | 1.0 million | 57.91 times smaller | 0.87 times smaller |
| Eritrea | 117,600 | 3.5 million | 11.45 times smaller | 0.28 times smaller |
| Yemen | 527,968 | 30.8 million | 4.53 times smaller | 0.04 times smaller |
| Somaliland | 176,120 | 4.5 million | 13.64 times smaller | 0.22 times smaller |
What to Visit in Somalia?
Somalia boasts a rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and varied landscapes that capture the spirit of the Horn of Africa. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions:
- Laas Geel: Located near Hargeisa, Laas Geel is famous for its ancient rock art, offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric civilizations. These well-preserved cave paintings are among the oldest in Africa.
- Mogadishu: The capital and largest city in Somalia, Mogadishu is a historical coastal city with a blend of old and new. Landmarks include the Hamar Weyne Old Town and the modern beaches lining the Indian Ocean.
- Hargeisa: The capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland, it’s known for its lively markets, British colonial-era architecture, and the Hargeisa War Memorial with its symbolic MiG fighter jet.
- Bosaso: Located on the Puntland coast, Bosaso is a major port city known for its vibrant markets and beautiful beaches by the Gulf of Aden.
- Berbera: An ancient port city, Berbera offers pristine beaches and historic Ottoman-era architecture. The nearby Karkaar Mountains provide a scenic backdrop.
- Zeila: Found on the coast of Somaliland, this ancient city is known for its historical ruins, including mosques and tombs, reflecting its significance in the medieval era.
- Kismayo: Situated in the southern part of the country, Kismayo boasts beautiful beaches and a unique mix of Somali, Arabic, and Italian colonial architecture.
- Gaarisa: This oasis town is home to numerous artifacts, and traditional buildings, and offers a chance to experience Somali culture firsthand.
- Sheikh: Located in the Somaliland highlands, Sheikh presents a cooler climate and breathtaking landscapes, ideal for those wanting to escape the heat and enjoy nature.
- Jilib: Settled on the Jubba River, Jilib offers an insight into the region’s agricultural significance, with its vast rice and maize farms.
These Somalia destinations provide a multifaceted experience of Somalia, from understanding its ancient history and cultural significance to enjoying the modern aspects of city life and the natural beauty of its coasts and highlands. Please be aware that the security situation in certain parts of Somalia can be volatile, so it’s crucial to stay updated and exercise caution while planning your visit.
