Somalia (2024)

FAQs

Is Somalia safe for US citizens? ›

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

Heightened conflict and climate shocks are increasing humanitarian needs in Somalia as communities work to recover from the country's most severe drought in four decades, which has reduced food insecurity, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene levels across the country.

Do not travel to Somalia due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

Somalia is the easternmost country in Africa, in what's known as the Horn of Africa. It has endured a long and brutal history, with a neverending war, random attacks, and famine. Somalia's also become infamous for its pirates, who seized ships in the Gulf of Aden during the 2000s.

Amid conflict, drought, displacement, and political instability, the situation for Somali women and girls is dire. The country ranks among the worst for women's rights, with a UNDP Gender Inequality Index score of 0.776 (the maximum score, 1, indicates complete gender inequality).

Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

Travel Advisory

U.S. citizens are advised NOT to travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy. Further information can be found via the Department of State's travel advisory page: Somalia International Travel Information (state.gov).

In August, the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia reported that sexual and gender-based violence was pervasive, with rape, gang rape, female genital mutilation and domestic violence among the most common forms.

According to this poverty analysis generated from the SIHBS—2022, 54.4 percent of Somali population live below the poverty line, as they consume less than $2.06 per day.

Green beans with rice and a lot of olive oil and vegetables stir fried or sautéed in oil are common dishes. Sambosa, curry puffs stuffed with meat and vegetables then deep fried, is also a common lunch dish. Bananas sometimes accompany meals as well as apples and limes. The Sudanese also eat yogurt in the evening time.

What is Somalia rich in? ›

Somalia has untapped reserves of numerous natural resources, including uranium, iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt and natural gas. Australian and Chinese oil companies have been granted licenses for finding petroleum and other natural resources in the country.

Mean daily maximum temperatures throughout the country range from 30 to 40 °C (86 to 104 °F), except at higher elevations and along the Somali Sea coast. Mean daily minimum temperatures vary from 20 °C (68 °F) to more than 30 °C (86 °F).