Country Profile: Somalia

Somalia is located in Eastern Africa, bordered by the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and has a diverse terrain characterized by flat to undulating plateaus and hills. The population is estimated at over 20 million people, predominantly ethnic Somalis, with a median age of just 15.7 years. The country’s economy is primarily low-income and heavily reliant on remittances and agriculture, but continues to face ongoing challenges due to years of conflict and instability. Governance remains complex, with a federal parliamentary republic structure that struggles against the backdrop of various regional powers and the persistent threat of terrorism from groups like al-Shabaab.

Geography

Somalia has a total area of 637,657 sq km, making it nearly five times larger than Alabama. It features a coastline that stretches 3,025 km, providing access to key maritime routes. The country's climate is predominantly desert, with irregular rainfall patterns causing periodic droughts and flooding. Notably, Somalia holds strategic importance along the Horn of Africa, controlling approaches to critical waterways such as Bab el Mandeb.

Area: 637,657 sq km (total)
Coastline: 3,025 km
Highest Point: 2,460 m (Mount Shimbiris)
Natural Resources: Includes uranium, iron ore, and potential oil reserves.
Climate: Principally desert with seasonal monsoons.
Land Use: 70.3% used for agriculture (2023 est.).

People and Society

The population of Somalia is approximately 20.3 million as of 2025, with a growth rate of 3.32%. The society is predominantly Muslim, with nearly 99.9% of the population adhering to Islam. Somali is the official language, alongside Arabic, while English and Italian are also spoken. The country exhibits significant urbanization, with 47.9% of the population living in urban areas, particularly in major cities like Mogadishu, which has a population of 2.6 million.

Population: 20,324,160 (2025 est.)
Urban Population: 47.9% (2023)
Median Age: 15.7 years (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate: 54.1% (2022 est.)
Death Rate: 11.22 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Birth Rate: 46.36 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Economy

Somalia's economy is classified as low-income, with significant reliance on remittances which account for about 15.8% of GDP. Economic activity has been severely hampered by decades of conflict and instability, although recent reforms in fiscal policies show potential for growth. The country has an estimated GDP of $26.77 billion (2024 est.) and a real GDP per capita of approximately $1,400.

GDP (PPP): $26.77 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 18.9% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 93% of GDP (2014 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line: 54.4% (2022 est.)
Remittances Contribution: 15.8% of GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Somalia operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with the government formed in the capital, Mogadishu. Despite constitutional progress and several established political parties, the governance structure faces formidable challenges, especially from local militias and terrorism. The current president, HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud, was elected in May 2022.

Independence: 1 July 1960
Government Type: Federal parliamentary republic
Capital: Mogadishu
Legislature: Bicameral Federal Parliament
Next Election: Expected in 2026
Military Expenditure: 6% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military and Security

The Somali Armed Forces, comprising the Somali National Army, Navy, and Air Force, are primarily tasked with countering terrorism from groups such as al-Shabaab. The armed forces are estimated to number around 20,000 active personnel. Military resources are largely outdated, requiring ongoing support and training from international partners.

Military Strength: Estimated 20,000 active personnel (2025)
Military Expenditure: 6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Age of Military Service: 18-22 for voluntary service
Terrorist Activities: Major threat from al-Shabaab and ISIS affiliates
International Assistance: Support from AU and military training by the US and Turkey

Energy

Access to electricity in Somalia remains limited, with only 48.9% of the population having access. The primary source of electricity generation is fossil fuels, which account for 82.5% of capacity. There are ongoing efforts to enhance renewable energy sources, particularly solar.

Electricity Access: 48.9% (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 156,000 kW (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita: 649,000 Btu/person (2023 est.)
Renewable Energy: Solar comprises 16% of total capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Somalia faces several significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, deforestation, and land degradation, exacerbated by climate change. The country is party to various international environmental agreements but struggles with effective implementation due to prevailing governance issues.

Environmental Issues: Water scarcity, deforestation, land degradation
Urban Population: 47.9% (2023)
Carbon Emissions: 838,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Water Resources: 14.7 billion cubic meters total renewable resources (2022 est.)

Transportation

Somalia's transportation infrastructure includes 40 airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The main ports, such as Berbera and Kismaayo, are crucial for trade but face challenges due to security concerns.

Airports: 40 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 4 vessels (2023)
Key Ports: Baraawe, Berbera, Boosaaso

Communications

Communications in Somalia are developing, with a significant increase in mobile cellular subscriptions. The Internet penetration stands at about 28%, reflecting a growing digital landscape despite infrastructural challenges.

Mobile Subscriptions: 9.91 million (2023)
Internet Users: 28% of the population (2022 est.)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 91,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	20,324,160	(2025 est.)
Area	637,657 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$26.77 billion	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	48.9%	(2022 est.)
Unemployment Rate	18.9%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	46.36 births/1,000 people	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	56.5 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	54.1%	(2022 est.)
Remittances	15.8% of GDP	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditure	6% of GDP	(2021 est.)