Somalia

C

Natural Resources

Somalia has few natural resources. The grasslands are suitable for grazing livestock, and the fertile land in the river valleys of the Jubba and Shabeelle and in some coastal areas is used for agricultural crops. Mineral resources are relatively diverse but have not been exploited. Known deposits include gold, silver, gypsum, copper, zinc, manganese, limestone, salt, and uranium.

D

Environmental Issues

Overgrazing, deforestation, and periodic drought have led to desertification in Somalia. Only 0.7 percent of Somalia’s land area was officially protected before the country’s civil war. Protected areas suffer from poaching, logging, and livestock grazing.

III

Population

The vast majority of the population consists of Somali, a Cushitic people. A small minority of Bantu-speaking people live in the southern part of the country. Other minority groups include Arabs, Indians, Italians, and Pakistanis. Some 70 percent of the people are nomadic or seminomadic pastoralists. The remainder are either crop farmers or inhabitants of the few urban centers.

A

Population Characteristics

Somalia has a population (2008 estimate) of 9,379,907. The overall population density is 15 persons per sq km (39 per sq mi). The principal cities are Mogadishu, the capital, Hargeysa, Kismaayo, and Marka.

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B

Religion and Language

Islam is the dominant religion in Somalia, and most of the people are Sunni Muslims. The official language is Somali; Arabic, English, and Italian are also used.

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