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"The 2021 Joint Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment (JMCNA) for Somalia records 11 languages in use. The 2021 Joint Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment for Somalia indicates that Northern Standard Somali is the most widely spoken as a first language (60% of the population), followed by Maay Somali (20%) and Benadiri Somali (18%). The country's official languages are Northern Standard Somali and Arabic, but Arabic is used chiefly in religious practice, and for more than 39% of the population, neither is the main language used at home."

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Language data for Somalia - Translators without Borders

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The 2021 Joint Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment (JMCNA) for Somalia records 11 languages in use. The JMCNA indicates that Northern Standard Somali is the most widely spoken as a first language (60% of the population), followed by Maay Somali (20%) and Benadiri Somali (18%). The country’s official lang…

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The Sound of the Somali language (Numbers, Greetings, Words & Sample Text)

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A brief, bulleted summary of key historical and political facts

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A brief, bulleted summary of key historical and political facts

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1. Colonial Legacy: Somalia was colonized by the British in the north and the Italians in the south, with the two regions gaining independence separately in the 1960s. The northern British Somaliland and southern Italian-administered Somalia united to form the Somali Republic in 1960.

2. Ogaden War: Somalia's conflict with Ethiopia over the Ogaden region in 1977-1978 led to a military intervention by the Soviet Union on behalf of Ethiopia. Somalia withdrew in 1978, marking the beginning of a long period of instability.

3. Civil War: In 1991, the Siad Barre regime collapsed, leading to a prolonged civil war. The country disintegrated into various clan-based factions, resulting in widespread violence and the absence of a central government.

4. Rise of Warlords: During the civil war, warlords and armed groups controlled different parts of the country, perpetuating instability and violence. This period was marked by humanitarian crises and lawlessness.

5. Ethiopian and UN Interventions: In the early 2000s, Ethiopia intervened militarily in Somalia, and the United Nations subsequently deployed peacekeeping missions to help stabilize the country. These efforts faced significant challenges.

6. Emergence of Al-Shabaab: Al-Shabaab, an Islamist extremist group, emerged in the mid-2000s and sought to establish strict Islamic law in Somalia. It has been a major destabilizing force in the region and has engaged in acts of terrorism.

7. Federal Government: In 2012, Somalia adopted a provisional federal constitution and established a new federal government. This marked the beginning of a process to rebuild the country's political institutions.

8. African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM): The African Union deployed a peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) to support the Somali government and combat Al-Shabaab. This mission has played a crucial role in maintaining security in some areas.

9. Ongoing Instability: Despite efforts to stabilize the country, Somalia continues to face political challenges, ongoing conflict, and issues of governance, including tensions between the federal government and regional states.

10. 2021 Elections and Political Transition: In 2021, Somalia held indirect parliamentary elections and elected a new president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (commonly known as Farmajo), who was also a former president. The election process was marked by controversy and further highlighted the political fragility of the country.

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Head Of Government:

Prime Minister: Hamza Abdi Barre2

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Population:

(2023 est.) 14,952,000

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Head Of State:

President: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud2

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Form Of Government:

federal republic2 with two legislative houses (House of the People [275]; Upper House [54])

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Relief

The Somali peninsula consists mainly of a tableland of young limestone and sandstone formations. In the extreme north, along the Gulf of Aden, is a narrow coastal plain called the Guban, which broadens northward toward the port of Berbera. This gives way inland to a maritime mountain range with a steep north-facing scarp. Near Ceerigaabo (Erigavo) a mountain called Surud Cad reaches the highest elevation in the country, about 7,900 feet (2,408 metres). To the south are the broad plateaus of the Galgodon (or Ogo) Highlands and the Sool and Hawd regions, which drop gradually southward toward the Indian Ocean.

In southern Somalia the crystalline bedrock outcrops to the south of Baydhabo (Baidoa) in the shape of granite formations called inselbergs. These give way farther south to alluvial plains, which are separated from the coast by a vast belt of ancient dunes stretching more than 600 miles (1,000 km) from south of Kismaayo (Chisimaio) to north of Hobyo (Obbia).

Drainage

The flatness of the Somalian plateaus is interrupted by several deep valleys. Starting in the northeast, these are the Dharoor and Nugaaleed (Nogal) valleys; both are wadis that, in season, have rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean at Xaafuun and Eyl, respectively. In the southwest are the only permanent rivers in Somalia, the Jubba and the Shabeelle ( Shebeli). Originating in the Ethiopian highlands, these two streams cut deeply into the plateaus before meandering through the alluvial plains toward the coast. Whereas the Jubba flows directly from north of Kismaayo into the Indian Ocean, the Shabeelle veers southwest immediately to the north of Mogadishu and flows into a large swamp before reaching the Jubba. The Jubba carries more water than the Shabeelle, which sometimes dries up in its lower course in years of sparse rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands. During dry seasons these rivers are a major source of water for people and animals. Because over most of the country the water table is deep or the groundwater has a high mineral content, the conservation of surface runoff is of primary importance.

Soils

The types of soil vary according to climate and parent rock. The arid regions of northeastern Somalia have mainly thin and infertile desert soils. The limestone plateaus of the interfluvial area have fertile dark gray to brown calcareous residual soils that provide good conditions for rain-fed agriculture. The most fertile soils are found on the alluvial plains of the Jubba and Shabeelle rivers. These deep vertisols are covered in black soils derived from decomposed lava rocks that are commonly called "black cotton soils" (because cotton often is grown in them). These soils have a high water-retention capacity and are mainly used for irrigation agriculture.

Climate

Somalia lies astride the Equator, but unlike typical climates at this latitude, conditions in Somalia range from arid in the northeastern and central regions to semiarid in the northwest and south.

The climatic year comprises four seasons. The gu, or main rainy season, lasts from April to June; the second rainy season, called the dayr, extends from October to December. Each is followed by a dry season-the main one ( jilaal) from December to March and the second one ( xagaa) from June to September. During the second dry season, showers fall in the coastal zone.

Long-term mean annual rainfall is less than 4 inches (100 mm) in the northeast and about 8 to 12 inches (200 to 300 mm) in the central plateaus. The southwest and northwest receive an average of 20 to 24 inches (500 to 600 mm) a year. While the coastal areas experience hot, humid, and unpleasant weather year-round, the interior is dry and hot. Somalia has some of the highest mean annual temperatures in the world. At Berbera, on the northern coast, the afternoon high averages more than 100 °F (38 °C) from June through September. Temperature maxima are even higher inland, but along the coast of the Indian Ocean temperatures are considerably lower because of a cold offshore current. The average afternoon high at Mogadishu, for example, ranges from the low 80s F (mid- to upper 20s C) in July to the low 90s F (low 30s C) in April.

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Somalia | Election, President, News, Capital, & Economy

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Somalia, easternmost country of Africa, on the Horn of Africa. It extends from just south of the Equator northward to the Gulf of Aden and occupies an important geopolitical position between sub-Saharan Africa and the countries of Arabia and southwestern Asia. The capital is Mogadishu. Learn more about Somalia here.

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The Somali refugee crisis is one of the most challenging displacement situations in the world. Many have fled the country because of political instability, the dangerous civil war that broke out in the 1990s, the drought in the horn of Africa, and other climate situations.

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The Somali refugee crisis is one of the most challenging mass displacement situations in the world. Over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia due to political instability and a dangerous civil war that broke out in the 1990s.

In February 2023, clashes around the city of Laascaanood in Somalia caused increasing internal displacement, with at least 150,000 people forced to flee within Somalia, and nearly 100,000 Somali refugees fleeing to Ethiopia, arriving in remote, extremely isolated and drought-affected areas. Many of the Somalis fleeing are women, children
and vulnerable people.

Here are six facts you need to know about the Somalia refugee crisis, why people are fleeing their homes, and what UNHCR is doing to protect and support displaced people across Somalia.
FACT: 80 percent of Somali refugees are living in neighboring countries:
More than 3.8 million people are displaced in Somalia and some 6.7 million people are struggling to meet their food needs. More than half a million Somali children are severely malnourished.

Today, there are 714,390 Somali refugees and asylum seekers living in neighboring countries like Kenya (308,367), Ethiopia (276,412), Uganda (69,533) and Yemen (46,750). More than 35,600 refugees and asylum seekers live inside the country and nearly 3 million people are internally displaced across Somalia.

Despite having internal displacement and refugee crises of their own, countries like Yemen and Ethiopia have a long-standing history of welcoming refugees from Somalia.
FACT: The drought in the Horn of Africa is impacting more than 20 million people-including those in Somalia.
The Horn of Africa is facing a catastrophic drought, the worst experienced in 40 years, following poor rainfall patterns and changing climatic conditions. The drought is severely affecting millions of refugees, IDPs and their host communities, primarily in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. This year, more than 408,000 people were displaced by floods engulfing their villages and another 312,000 people by ravaging drought. A toxic mix of conflict, severe drought and devastating floods has forced more than 1 million people in Somalia to flee their homes in the first five months of 2023 - a record rate of displacement for the country.

With water sources drying up, livelihoods decimated and prices of food and basic goods rising due to a mix of conflict and climate shocks, there is new displacement - both internally and across borders; as well as drought-specific impacts on existing refugee camps and settlements and host communities in all three countries.

These populations are already suffering a dramatic reduction in food assistance due to funding shortfalls and the global economic crisis, which has caused increases in food and commodity prices. The cost of a food basket has risen by 36 percent in Somalia, leaving many refugees and IDP families unable to afford even basic items.
FACT: The Somali refugee crisis is a protracted refugee crisis.
Refugees from Somalia have been living in refugee camps for nearly 30 years. Many have lived most or all of their lives in these camps. This is called a protracted refugee situation. UNHCR defines a protracted refugee situation as one in which 25,000 or more refugees from the same nationality have been in exile for five consecutive years or more in a given host country. An estimated 78 percent of all refugees live in protracted refugee situations like this.
FACT: Many Somali children are born in exile.
Because Somalis have been displaced for generations, many Somali children have been born in refugee camps. These children have never known a life free from exile, but UNHCR is working to ensure they still have the brightest future possible. Somali refugee children attend school and have the opportunity to go to college. And new laws and agreements, like those established with the government of Ethiopia, are allowing Somali refugees to have livelihoods and better integrate with their local communities.
FACT: The UN Refugee Agency will stay and deliver.
As Somalia continues to face multiple challenges, including political insecurity, conflict, and climate emergencies, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is on the ground delivering lifesaving aid such as shelter, water, sanitation facilities, nutrition, healthcare, cash assistance and protection to people forced to flee their homes.

UNHCR is also ensuring that separated and unaccompanied children are provided with medical assistance, psychosocial support, counseling, and safe spaces to protect them against exploitation and forced recruitment by armed actors.
FACT: Somali refugees are changing Americans' perceptions of refugees.
Somali refugees, like Mustafa and Fatima, who have been resettled in the United States, are changing the way Americans think about refugees. Mustafa is helping break down barriers by bringing resettled refugees and their neighbors together for family dinners, where families often discover they have more in common than they thought. Fatima is a dedicated civil servant who is giving back to the community that gave her a second chance, showing that former refugees can be successful, contributing members of society.
Displaced people from Somalia need your help...
Monthly giving is the most effective way to help people living in exile and returning to their homes after years of displacement. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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Over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia because of political instability and a dangerous civil war.

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According to CBS News, the state of Minnesota is considered a kind and successful place to live. With Minnesota's strong economy, there are job opportunities, schooling options, health care, and overall a safe place. There are many active voluntary agencies (which contract with the State Department) in Minnesota that help refugees settle. It is a mix of the "non-governmental voluntary agencies (VOLAGS), and partially because of the strength of governmental programs to help refugees begin a new life."

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Tips for teachers re: this cultural group 

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Tips for teachers re: this cultural group 

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tips for teachers: language(s), religion, literacy, other important cultural information:

Of the 33 sounds in the Somali language, 15 are very similar to their english counterparts(b,d,f,g,h,j,k,l,m,n,s,sh,t,w,y)

However, Somali also has seven consonants that do not match any English sound.

The word “Somali” is used to refer to something of, from or related to the country of Somalia, as well as the majority ethnic group and language. Do not use the word “Somalian” to describe the country or people, as this is an inaccurate demonym invented by the West.

Hijabs are apart of muslims religion, and students should not be asked to remove them in school. Pennsylvania currently still bans religious clothing in school, and hijabs classify under this.

Classroom material must be free of bias and hate surrounding topics such as 9/11, make sure Muslim students are not singled out.

When serving food in any school setting, make sure pork is not the main option, some muslims do not eat pork.

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Information on local events, museums, restaurants, etc. with connections to this cultural group:

2023 Journey to Homeownership-Somali. Run by the city of Bloomington, they are classes in Somali about the importance of home ownership in America and the path to get there.

Homestretch Workshop, put on by the African Development Center, takes place in Minneapolis. Talking about financial choices. The ADC offers services focused on the African immigrant and refugee community in Minnesota.

The Somali Museum of Minnesota- 1516 East Lake St. Suite 011
Minneapolis, MN 55407. Founded in 2011, the Somali Museum of Minnesota opened the doors of its public gallery in 2013 as North America's first and only museum devoted to Somali culture.

There are also many Somali restaurants all around the Twin Cities.

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Websites, books, movies, authentic resources, etc. that can support making your content accessible to students:

Books incorporating characters of Somali Ethnicity: https://diversebookfinder.org/ethnicity/somali/

Somali Bilingual Book Project- In 2006, the Minnesota Humanities Center in collaboration with the Minnesota Somali community launched The Somali Bilingual Book Project. The shared goal was to ensure the community had high-quality authentic resources that promote and preserve heritage languages and help students with English literacy skills of refugee and immigrant families.https://www.mnhum.org/program/somali-bilingual-book-project/

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Since the outbreak of Covid-19 has set us back some, we have reopened our doors with new safety precautions for both the health of our guests and our staff members.
We have new renovations and a new exhibit; The Dirios Exhibit.
Our new open hours are Friday 3 PM TO 7 PM. Saturday, and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Founded in 2011, the Somali Museum of Minnesota opened the doors of its public gallery in 2013 as North America's first and only museum devoted to Somali culture. At last update, the Somali Museum of Minnesota was the only museum of Somali culture anywhere in the world.

The Somali Museum is the home of Somali creativity in North America, and is a global leader in advancing and elevating the work of Somali artists, traditional and contemporary.
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Plan your visit today!