Geography of Somaliland

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Geography of Somaliland

Somaliland is a self-declared state, internationally considered to be an autonomous region of Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and the Puntland region of Somalia to the east. The northern coast of Somaliland is bounded by the Gulf of Aden.

Topography

The topography of Somaliland is diverse, featuring coastal plains, mountain ranges, and plateaus. The Guban coastal plain runs along the Gulf of Aden and is characterized by its hot and arid climate. Inland from the Guban plain, the terrain rises sharply to form the Ogo Mountains, which include the highest peak in Somaliland, Mount Shimbiris, standing at 2,416 meters above sea level.

Climate

Somaliland experiences a semi-arid to arid climate, with significant variations in temperature and precipitation across different regions. The coastal areas tend to be hotter and drier, while the highlands enjoy cooler temperatures and more rainfall. The region has two main rainy seasons: the Gu (April to June) and the Deyr (October to November).

Rivers and Water Bodies

Somaliland has several seasonal rivers, known as wadis, which flow during the rainy seasons. The most notable of these is the Togdheer River, which flows through the central part of the region. There are no permanent rivers in Somaliland, and water scarcity is a significant issue, particularly in the arid and semi-arid areas.

Flora and Fauna

The flora of Somaliland includes a variety of drought-resistant plants, such as acacia trees, succulents, and grasses. The region is home to several wildlife species, including the Somali wild ass, Beira antelope, and various bird species. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the unique biodiversity of the region.

Natural Resources

Somaliland is rich in natural resources, including deposits of gypsum, limestone, and coal. There are also potential reserves of oil and natural gas, which have attracted interest from international exploration companies.

Administrative Divisions

Somaliland is divided into six administrative regions: Awdal, Maroodi Jeex, Sanaag, Sool, Togdheer, and Sahil. Each region is further subdivided into districts.

Major Cities

The capital and largest city of Somaliland is Hargeisa, located in the Maroodi Jeex region. Other major cities include Berbera, a key port city on the Gulf of Aden, and Burao, an important commercial center in the Togdheer region.

Related Pages

• History of Somaliland
• Politics of Somaliland
• Economy of Somaliland
• Culture of Somaliland
• Demographics of Somaliland