Somalia: flag, capital, currency and history

Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Mogadishu. The currency is the Somali shilling. Languages spoken include Arabic and Somali.

Quick facts about Somalia

Official name: Federal Republic of Somalia
Capital: Mogadishu
Region: Africa, Eastern Africa
Currency: Somali shilling (SOS, Sh)
Languages: Arabic, Somali
Calling code: +252
Internet domain: .so
Area: 637,657 km² (246,201 sq mi)
Land borders: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
Demonym: Somali
National day: Independence Day, July 1

Flag of Somalia

Download the flag of Somalia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇴.

SVG (vector)

History of Somalia

The Somali coast was part of ancient trade networks and is often linked with the land of Punt in Egyptian records. Islam arrived early, and medieval states such as the Adal and Ajuran sultanates emerged. In the late nineteenth century Britain, Italy and France established colonial holdings, creating British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland. The two territories became independent and united in July 1960. A military coup in 1969 brought Siad Barre to power, and the central government collapsed in 1991 amid civil war. A federal government was established in 2012 after a series of transitional administrations.

Key dates

7th centuryIslam begins to spread along the Somali coast.
1880sBritain and Italy establish protectorates in Somali territories.
1960British and Italian Somaliland become independent and unite in July.
1969A military coup brings Siad Barre to power.
1991The central government collapses amid civil war.
2012A new provisional constitution is adopted and a federal government is formed.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.