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history of Somalia
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Somalia Map of Somalia showing its national boundaries, major cities such as Mogadishu, Hargeysa, Kismaayo, and Boosaaso, and surrounding countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. The Indian Ocean borders Somalia to the east, and a small locator map highlights Somalia's position in eastern Africa. Thematic map of the Horn of Africa showing major peoples and language areas, with regions shaded to indicate where Semitic languages (in pink) and Cushitic languages (in green) are spoken. The map highlights ethnic groups such as Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, Somali, and Sidamo across Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and surrounding areas. Aḥmad ibn Ibrāhīm al-Ghāzī Historical map of eastern Africa around 1850 showing major states such as Kefa, Buganda, and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, along with minor states, stateless peoples, and the Maasai. Red lines trace major trade routes connecting inland regions to the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, and Indian Ocean, while green arrows indicate directions of expansion by groups like the Oromo and Maasai. Major lakes, rivers, and mountain landmarks are labeled throughout the region. Historical map of eastern Africa around 1914, showing the region divided among British, German, French, and Italian colonial powers. Different territories are color-coded by colonial ruler, with key locations such as British East Africa (Kenya and Uganda), German East Africa (including present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi), Italian Somaliland, and French Somaliland labeled. Major lakes, rivers, and cities are also marked. Colonization of Africa: Maps, Timeline, Decolonization, & Independence Antique map showing northeast Africa from the early 1900s, including regions labeled as Tripoli, Egypt, Libya, Abyssinia, Darfur, and Wadai. The map features detailed borders, cities, and geographic features of the period, with an inset in the upper right corner highlighting the Nile Delta and the Suez Canal. Mogadishu, Somalia Map showing Somaliland in the northwest region of Somalia, with solid lines marking international boundaries and dashed lines indicating disputed boundaries with Puntland and Somalia. Major cities such as Hargeysa, Berbera, Boosaaso, Garoowe, and Mogadishu are labeled, along with neighboring countries Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
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history of Somalia: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • Ioan M. Lewis
  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Updated with tensions between the federal government and states. Mar 12, 2026
Cross-references and media added. Dec 04, 2025
Updated with the changeover from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Sep 12, 2024
New article added. Oct 27, 2023
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