Country Profile: Somalia

Somalia is located in Eastern Africa, bordered by the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, with a significant portion of its population concentrated in urban centers such as Mogadishu. With an estimated population of over 13 million in 2024, the country has experienced tumultuous governance transitions, notably from a parliamentary democracy to a prolonged socialist dictatorship and subsequent state collapse in the 1990s. Economically, Somalia's low-income status is characterized by a reliance on remittances and a growing but fragile agricultural sector. The federal parliamentary republic continues to face challenges regarding security and stability, particularly with the ongoing threat from the militant group al-Shabaab.

Geography

Somalia's total area is approximately 637,657 square kilometers, making it nearly five times the size of Alabama. The country's terrain is mostly flat with a notable elevation at Mount Shimbiris, reaching 2,460 meters. Its geographical location along the Horn of Africa makes it strategically important for maritime routes.

3,025 km of coastline along the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
2,385 km of land boundaries with Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya.
70.3% of land used for agriculture as of 2022.
9.3% of land covered by forests in 2022.
200 nm territorial sea claims (not recognized by the US).

People and Society

As of 2024, the population of Somalia is approximately 13 million, predominantly consisting of ethnic Somalis. The country has a youthful demographic with a median age of just 19.1 years. Somalia is also marked by a high level of urbanization, with nearly 48% of the population residing in urban areas.

99.9% of the population adheres to Islam, predominantly Sunni.
54% literacy rate as of 2022, with significant gender disparity.
37.4 births per 1,000 population in 2024, indicating a high birth rate.
56.5 years life expectancy at birth in 2024.
2.55% population growth rate for 2024.

Economy

Somalia's economy is categorized as low-income, heavily impacted by decades of conflict and instability. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $26.77 billion, with remittances playing a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods. The country has made strides towards fiscal reforms, yet high unemployment remains a significant challenge.

Real GDP per capita of $1,400 in 2024.
18.9% unemployment rate for 2024.
54.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line.
15.8% of GDP is attributed to remittances in 2023.
$2.424 billion in exports projected for 2024.
$9.002 billion in imports expected for 2024.

Government

Somalia operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a complex political landscape shaped by historical conflicts and the ongoing influence of clan dynamics. The current government was established following a series of peace conferences in the early 2000s, with a provisional constitution adopted in 2012.

President: HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud, in office since May 2022.
Capital: Mogadishu, coordinates 2°04'N 45°20'E.
Parliament: Bicameral legislature with a total of 329 seats.
Voting age: Universal suffrage begins at age 18.
National holiday: July 1, commemorating the formation of the Somali Republic in 1960.

Military and Security

The Somali Armed Forces (SAF), including the Somali National Army, face ongoing challenges primarily from the al-Shabaab group, which remains a significant threat to stability. Military expenditures have fluctuated, reflecting the financial limitations of the government.

Estimated 20,000 active personnel in the SAF as of 2025.
Military expenditures represent about 6% of GDP in recent years.
The SAF benefits from international military aid from various countries, including Turkey and the US.
Legal minimum age for military service is 18, with conscription authorized but not enacted.

Energy

Somalia's electrification rate stands at approximately 48.9% as of 2022, with urban areas having better access to electricity than rural regions. The energy infrastructure is underdeveloped, but there are efforts to improve access and sustainability.

Installed generating capacity is estimated at 156,000 kW in 2023.
Electricity generation is primarily from fossil fuels (82.5%) and solar energy (16%).
396.792 million kWh of electricity is consumed in 2023.

Environment

The environmental challenges faced by Somalia include water scarcity, deforestation, and land degradation. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements, addressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity.

Environmental issues include water scarcity and improper waste disposal.
Total renewable water resources are estimated at 14.7 billion cubic meters in 2020.
Somalia experiences recurring droughts and soil erosion.

Transportation

Somalia's transportation infrastructure includes a growing number of airports and ports, with ongoing improvements to enhance connectivity and trade.

40 airports are projected by 2025.
There are 6 major ports, key for trade and naval operations.
The merchant marine fleet consists of 4 vessels.

Communications

The communications sector shows growth in mobile usage, but fixed-line subscriptions remain low. Internet access is expanding, albeit slowly.

8.84 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2022.
Internet users represent 28% of the population.
91,000 fixed-line subscriptions were recorded in 2022.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	13,017,273	Estimated for 2024
Area	637,657 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$26.77 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	649,000 Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	37.4 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	18.9%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	56.5 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	54%	Estimated for 2022
Electricity Access	48.9%	Estimated for 2022
Urban Population	47.9%	Estimated for 2023