Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is the world's third-largest ocean, after the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It lies between the continents of Asia to the north, Africa to the west, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south. It covers approximately one-third of the world's ocean waters.

Alternative names in Somali include Badwaynta Hindiya and Badweeynta Hindiya. In other languages it is known as Indian Ocean (English), المحيط الهندي (Arabic), Océan Indien (French), and Hint Okyanusu (Turkish).

Geography and boundaries

The ocean connects to the Atlantic Ocean off the southwestern coast of Africa, and meets the Pacific Ocean east of Australia and the Indonesian islands. Seas and gulfs within it include the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden (the Arabian Sea off Somalia), the Arabian Sea proper, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. Large islands within the Indian Ocean include Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and Comoros.

Somalia's coastline

Somalia has Africa's longest coastline, which borders the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This coastline supports fishing, maritime trade, and ports such as Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Bosaso. Air currents and ocean changes affect fish stocks and maritime activities.

Climate and monsoon seasons

The defining feature of the Indian Ocean is the monsoon wind system—seasonal winds that change direction each year. In summer, southwesterly winds blow; in winter, northeasterly winds predominate. This system governs rainfall across South Asia and parts of the East African coast. It also creates upwelling of nutrient-rich water off the Somali coast, which increases marine productivity.

Commercial and strategic importance

The Indian Ocean's shipping lanes carry a large share of the world's oil and commercial goods. The Strait of Bab al-Mandab, the Suez Canal (accessed via the Red Sea), the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Malacca are among the most critical chokepoints. For this reason, many states maintain military bases and naval vessels in the region, notably around Djibouti.