Somalia

Quick Facts

Capital

Mogadishu

Population

19,655,000

Area

637,657 km²

Region

Eastern Africa

Languages

• Arabic
• Somali

Currency

Cost of Living (World Bank)

Safety & Peace

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Human Development Index (UNDP)

Natural Beauty (World Bank)

Wildlife & Birdwatching

Food & Cuisine

Luxury Infrastructure

US Travel Advisory

Do not travelto Somalia due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, systematic mistreatment of gay and lesbian individuals, piracy, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers, and confiscation of passports by family members. Do not travel to Somalia for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in Somalia due to the safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Somalia are not allowed to travel outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex, where the U.S. embassy is located, due to security risks. When they do travel within the complex they are accompanied by armed security. Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Somalia. Aviation safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Somalia. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Crime Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including homicide and kidnapping. Illegal roadblocks by armed individuals are widespread. Kidnapping Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups frequently kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping or to respond to such crimes. Terrorism There is a notable risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. Terrorists attack without warning. They may target: airports seaports checkpoints government buildings including police stations and military bases hotels and restaurants shopping areas beaches and other public places that attract large crowds and tourists government, military, and other convoys house of worship and religious sites  Attack methods can include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and rocket or mortar fire. Unrest Protests and demonstrations occur throughout Somalia. They can turn violent quickly. Health Medical services in Somalia are extremely limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. The health care system lacks sufficient pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical professionals. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at your expense. Other – Landmines Landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Somalia. Areas of greatest risk are where Somali and regional security forces are fighting al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. Other – Systematic mistreatment of women and gay and lesbian individuals There are documented patterns of rape. Those responsible usually do not face consequences. Local authorities rarely prosecute these cases. Survivors struggle to get medical care or other help they need. Survivors are often discriminated against and stigmatized. Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is practiced throughout the country. Up to 98 percent of Somali women have undergone FGM/C. This takes place even though circumcision of girls is illegal in Somalia. Young women, sometimes even minors, are often forced into marriage against their will. Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Somalia. Penalties range from 3 months to 3 years in prison. Under some local interpretations of sharia, same-sex relations are punishable by death. Other – Piracy Pirates are active in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Other – Abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers Some schools and other facilities claim to “rehabilitate” people but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Beatings, withholding of food and water, and physical restraint by chains are well-documented abuses in such facilities. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will. Americans or residents who lure individuals to Somalia under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States.  Other – U.S. passports confiscated by family members Americans are frequently encouraged to visit family members in Somalia, including relatives who are sick or dying. However, once they are in Somalia, their U.S. passports are confiscated by family members, preventing them from leaving the country. In many cases, their activities are monitored and they have difficulty leaving their family home.