Somalia Fact Sheet

USAID in Somalia - Background

  • USAID partnered with the Somali people over the past 20 years and is now strengthening that partnership as Somalis rebuild after decades of conflict.
  • On September 10, 2012, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud was elected President through a democratic process.
  • The USG officially recognized the Government of Somalia on January 17, 2013.
  • UN-approved African Union Stabilization Force (AMISOM) has been active in Somalia since 2006.
  • Food security and nutrition conditions have improved since the height of the drought and famine in 2011- 2012, but Somalia continues to experience a significant humanitarian crisis.
  • Insecurity continues to limit humanitarian and development access.
  • More than one million people remain in crisis and emergency. An additional two million are classified as stressed and their food security remains fragile.
  • Recent security improvements in key urban areas of southern Somalia provide a critical opportunity to address urgent needs and promote early recovery; international complacency at this time would have serious implications for long-term stability and viability. 

Quick Facts

  • Area: 637,657 square km – slightly smaller than Texas
  • Pop: 10.25 million (May 2013 est.)
  • Religion: predominantly Sunni Muslim
  • Ethnic groups: Somali 85%, Bantu and other non- Somali 15% (including 30,000 Arabs)
  • Maternal mortality: 1,000 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
  • Infant mortality: 101.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 Est)
  • Literacy: 37%. Male: 50%, female: 26% (2001 est.)
  • GDP: $5.9 billion (2010 est.): agriculture: 59%, industry: 7%, services: 34% (2011 est.)

Source: CIA World Factbook:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/so.html