HomeAbout Somaliland

Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland · Republic of Somaliland

About Somaliland

A peaceful, democratic, self-governing state on the Gulf of Aden. Independent on 26 June 1960, Somaliland reasserted its sovereignty within its colonial-era borders on 18 May 1991 — a case of state continuity, not secession.

Explore the history

Country profile — MFA

Capital

Hargeisa

Independence

26 June 1960

Population

6.2 million

Territory

176,120 km²

Languages

Somali, Arabic, English

Currency

Somaliland Shilling

Somaliland in the world

National symbols

Taariikhda · History

From protectorate to restored Republic

Somaliland is the only part of the former Somali Republic that existed as an independent, internationally recognised state before 1 July 1960.

1884 – 1887The British Somaliland ProtectorateTreaties concluded with the clans of the northern Somali coast established the British Somaliland Protectorate, with borders later fixed by international agreements with France, Italy and Ethiopia. Those treaty borders define the territory of the Republic today.
26 June 1960Independence of the State of SomalilandSomaliland became an independent sovereign state, recognised by 35 countries. Five days later it entered a voluntary union with the former Italian Somaliland.
1 July 1960Union with SomaliaThe union with the former Trust Territory of Somalia created the Somali Republic. The Act of Union was never ratified in a form accepted by both parliaments, and the union failed to deliver the equal partnership its founders had hoped for.
18 May 1991Sovereignty reasserted in BuraoAt the Grand Conference of the Northern Peoples in Burao, Somaliland reasserted its sovereignty within the borders of 26 June 1960. The date is celebrated every year as National Day.
1993The Borama ConferenceCommunity leaders met in Borama to agree a National Charter and a system of government, electing Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal as President and laying the foundations of peace that still endure.
31 May 2001A constitution approved by the peopleIn a national referendum the people approved the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, affirming its independence and introducing multi-party democracy.
12 December 2024A peaceful transfer of powerFollowing the presidential election of November 2024, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” was inaugurated as the 6th President — another peaceful handover between rival parties.
26 December 2025Formal recognition by IsraelThe State of Israel formally recognised the Republic of Somaliland — the first UN member state to do so. An embassy opened in Jerusalem in 2026, followed by the President’s state visit.

Statehood

Every criterion of statehood, met since 1991

The Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933) sets four criteria for statehood. Somaliland has met all four continuously for more than three decades.

01

Permanent population

About 6.2 million people with a distinct national identity.

02

Defined territory

The former British Somaliland Protectorate, within colonial-era treaty borders.

03

Effective government

An elected President and Parliament, an independent judiciary and effective control.

04

International relations

Missions in 15 countries and recognition by Israel since 26 December 2025.

Dimuqraadiyadda · Democracy

A democracy built from the ground up

Somaliland’s institutions grew out of community peace conferences, then a constitution approved by the people. Power has passed peacefully between rival parties at the ballot box — most recently on 12 December 2024.

Presidents since 1991

2001

Constitution

Approved by national referendum on 31 May 2001, introducing multi-party democracy.

4

Direct presidential elections

2003, 2010, 2017 and 2024 — each followed by a peaceful handover.

6

Presidents since 1991

Including two transfers of power to the opposition, in 2010 and 2024.

Three branches of government

An executive led by the President; a bicameral Parliament — the elected House of Representatives and the House of Elders (Guurti); and an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court.

Dhaqaalaha · Economy

A gateway to the Horn of Africa

An 850-kilometre coastline on the Gulf of Aden, close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, makes Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor a natural route for trade into the region.

Livestock

The backbone of the economy and the livelihoods of a large share of the population; exports peak in the Hajj season.

Berbera Port

A deep-water port and corridor linking the Gulf of Aden with Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.

Remittances & trade

A large diaspora and an active private sector sustain trade, banking and investment.

Minerals, energy & fisheries

The Government welcomes responsible investment in minerals, energy, fisheries and agriculture.

Main exports

Livestock, hides, skins, myrrh and frankincense

Key trade partners

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti and Ethiopia

Currency

Somaliland Shilling (SLS)

Gobollada · Regions

Six regions, one Republic

From the highlands of the west to the frankincense mountains of the east, the Republic is organised into six regions. Hargeisa is the capital and largest city.

Maroodi Jeex

Capital: Hargeisa

Awdal

Capital: Borama

Sahil

Capital: Berbera

Togdheer

Capital: Burao

Sanaag

Capital: Erigavo

Sool

Capital: Las Anod

Xiriirka Caalamka · Somaliland in the world

A growing diplomatic presence

Somaliland maintains diplomatic missions in 15 countries, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In December 2025 the State of Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognise the Republic.