GEOGRAPHY
Somalia is located on the
east coast of Africa on and north of the Equator and, with Ethiopia
and Djibouti, is often referred to as the Horn of Africa. It comprises
Italy's former Trust Territory of Somalia and the former British
Protectorate of Somaliland (now seeking recognition as an independent
state). The coastline extends 2,720 kilometers (1,700 mi.).
The northern part of the
country is hilly, and in many places the altitude ranges between
900 and 2,100 meters (3,000 ft.-7,000 ft.) above sea level. The
central and southern areas are flat, with an average altitude
of less than 180 meters (600 ft.). The Juba and the Shebelle Rivers
rise in Ethiopia and flow south across the country toward the
Indian Ocean. The Shebelle, however, does not reach the sea.
Major climatic factors are
a year-round hot climate, seasonal monsoon winds, and irregular
rainfall with recurring droughts. Mean daily maximum temperatures
range from 30oC to 40oC (85o F-105oF), except at higher elevations
and along the east coast. Mean daily minimums usually vary from
about 15oC to 30oC (60oF-85oF). The southwest monsoon, a sea breeze,
makes the period from about May to October the mildest season
at Mogadishu. The December-February period of the northeast monsoon
also is relatively mild, although prevailing climatic conditions
in Mogadishu are rarely pleasant. The "tangambili" periods that
intervene between the two monsoons (October-November and March-May)
are hot and humid.
Area: 637,657 sq.
km.; slightly smaller than Texas.
Cities: Capital--Mogadishu. Other cities--Hargeisa, Kismayo,
Bosasso, Baidoa.
Terrain: Mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills
in the north.
Climate: Principally desert; December to February--northeast
monsoon, moderate temperatures in north, and very hot in the south;
May to October--southwest monsoon, torrid in the north, and hot
in the south; irregular rainfall; hot and humid periods (tangambili)
between monsoons.
