| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | SOISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | SOMISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | MogadishuGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AfricaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | SomaliaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Federal Republic of SomaliaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | Soomaaliya (Somali)/ As Sumal (Arabic)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | the name means "Land of the Somali," a local ethnic group; the origin of the group's name is unclear but may come from 1) a Cushitic word meaning "dark," 2) the local phrase soo mal, meaning "go and milk" (referring to offering guests milk), 3) the name of a local chief, or 4) the Arabic zamla, meaning "cattle"CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Federal parliamentary republicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland, which became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June (1960) in SomalilandCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | SOSISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | Somali ShillingISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 18ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Awdal / Bakool / Banaadir / Bari / Bay / Galguduud / Gedo / Hiiraan / Jubbada Dhexe / Jubbada Hoose / Mudug / Nugaal / Sanaag / Shabeellaha Dhexe / Shabeellaha Hoose / Sool / Togdheer / Woqooyi GalbeedISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | "Research completed May 1992." Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-259) and index. Supercedes the 1982 ed. of Somalia : a country study, edited by Harold D. Nelson. Also available in digital form.LoC FRD Country Studies [2026] |
| National symbols | leopardCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Qolobaa Calankeed" (Every Nation Has Its Own Flag); lyrics/music: Abdullahi QARSHE; history: adopted 2012CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | blue, whiteCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Somalia; dual citizenship recognized: no; residency requirement for naturalization: 7 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
the name means "Land of the Somali," a local ethnic group; the origin of the group's name is unclear but may come from 1) a Cushitic word meaning "dark," 2) the local phrase soo mal , meaning "go and milk" (referring to offering guests milk), 3) the name of a local chief, or 4) the Arabic zamla , meaning "cattle"
description: light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center meaning: the blue field was originally influenced by the UN flag but today is said to represent the sky and the Indian Ocean; the five points of the star represent the regions in the horn of Africa where Somali people live: the former British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland (which together make up Somalia), Djibouti, Ogaden (Ethiopia), and the Northeast Province (Kenya)
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
