Geography of Somalia

Somalia is located in eastern Africa, specifically in the region known as the Horn of Africa. It has an extensive coastline along the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, making it one of Africa's countries with the longest coastline. Most of the interior consists of plains and low-lying depressions, while mountains are concentrated in the north.

The country shares borders with Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the west, and Kenya to the southwest. The coast faces Yemen across the Red Sea. Mogadishu, situated on the southern coast, is the capital.

Topography

The north contains a mountain range running along the Red Sea coast, commonly known as the Karkaar (Golis) mountains. The highest elevations in the country are found in these northern regions. Between the mountains and the coast lies low, hot terrain called the Guban. The central part of the country comprises extensive plains known as the Hawd and Mudug, characterized by sparse vegetation and small shrubs. The south contains fertile land that benefits from river water.

Rivers and water

The only two permanent rivers are the Juba and the Shabelle. Both originate in the Ethiopian highlands and flow through southern Somalia. The Juba discharges into the Indian Ocean near Kismayo. The Shabelle, upon reaching the coastal area, does not flow directly into the sea; instead it curves southward and largely terminates in a wetland region near the Juba. In other parts of the country, water depends on seasonal rainfall, wells, and reservoirs.

Climate

The climate is predominantly hot to moderate-hot, with high temperatures year-round. Rainfall is concentrated in two main seasons: Gu (the main rainy season) and Deyr (the secondary season). The dry periods are called Jiilaal and Xagaa. Rainfall is unpredictable, making droughts a recurring phenomenon. The monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean influence coastal temperature and precipitation.

Settlement and resources

Vegetation consists of small trees, shrubs, and grasses suited to the hot climate. Pastoralism depends on nomadic grazing, while agriculture is concentrated in the inter-river region between the Juba and Shabelle. Environmental challenges include desertification, vegetation loss through charcoal production, and seasonal flooding of the rivers during rainy periods. The sea contains abundant fish stocks and extensive continental shelf.