Somalia (Somalia)

Is a independent political entity in the continent of Africa.

Its center lies at a latitude of 6 and longitude of 48.

Somalia also goes by the names, An tSomail, An tSomáil, Jamhuuriyada Demuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed, Samali, Somaalia, Somalaen, Somali, Somali Democratic Republic, Somalia, Somalia - Soomaaliya, Somalie, Somalija, Somalio, Somalis, Somaliya, Somalië

The prodominant languages spoken are ar-SO (Arabic) en-SO (English) so-SO (Somali) and its currency is the Shilling (SOS),

Somalia currently has a population of 10112500 (estimate).

Somalia's neighbouring countries are, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, .

Regions within Somalia

Largest Cities within Somalia

Travel Advice Summary from British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Country: Somalia

Published: Fri, 04 May 2012 12:12:00 GMT

Travel Summary

On 4 April 2012, an explosion occurred at the National Theatre in Mogadishu. A number of people are reported to have been killed and injured.

We advise against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland. In the southern and central regions, there is ongoing serious violence, dangerous levels of criminal activity and general internal insecurity. We advise any British citizens in Somalia to leave.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Somalia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Following the death of Osama Bin Laden terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against Westerners and those working for Western organisations in Somalia, including Somaliland. See Safety and Security - Terrorism/Security.

Westerners and those working for western organisations have been targeted in the past and this threat is ongoing. On 14 October 2010, two people working with the NGO Save the Children Fund were kidnapped in the town of Adado, near the Ethiopian border. See Safety and Security - Terrorism/Security.

All areas across Somalia are suffering food shortages resulting in the displacement of thousands of Somali people. See Safety and Security - Local Travel.

The Somali President declared a state of emergency on 22 June 2009. Insurgent activity and political tension remain high. There are ongoing reports of deaths and casualties in continued fighting in Mogadishu and elsewhere in South and Central Somalia. There is also tension on the Somaliland/Puntland border in the Sool and Sanaag regions.

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable to attack. See Safety and Safety - Sea Travel.

There is no British representation in any part of Somalia and we are unable to provide consular assistance there. Should you need consular assistance please travel to the British Embassy in Addis Ababa or the British High Commission in Nairobi. See General section - Registration.

Should you decide to travel to Somalia against this Travel Advice, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.