Somalis

Somalis

250px Somali people in traditional attire
Total population
Approximately 20-25 million
Regions with significant populations
Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Yemen, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Australia
Languages
Somali, Arabic, English, Italian
Religion
Predominantly Islam
Related ethnic groups
Oromo people, Afar people, Beja people

The Somalis are an ethnic group native to the Horn of Africa, primarily inhabiting Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. They speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic family. The Somali people share a common culture, language, and religion, with the majority being adherents of Sunni Islam.

History

The history of the Somali people dates back thousands of years, with evidence of ancient civilizations such as the Land of Punt and the Ajuran Sultanate. The Somali people have historically been involved in trade, with connections to the Arabian Peninsula, India, and China.

During the colonial period, Somalia was divided among the British, Italians, and French, leading to the creation of British Somaliland, Italian Somaliland, and French Somaliland (now Djibouti). Somalia gained independence in 1960, uniting the British and Italian territories.

Culture

Somali culture is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on oral tradition, poetry, and storytelling. The Somali people are known for their traditional dance, music, and art. The Somali cuisine is characterized by the use of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cardamom.

Language

The Somali language is the official language of Somalia and is widely spoken in the Somali diaspora. It is written in the Latin script and has a rich oral literature tradition.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion among Somalis, with the majority being Sunni Muslims. The practice of Islam is deeply integrated into Somali culture and daily life.

Society

Somali society is traditionally organized into clans, which play a significant role in social and political life. The major clans include the Darod, Hawiye, Isaaq, and Dir.

Diaspora

The Somali diaspora is widespread, with significant communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Scandinavia. The diaspora has contributed to the global Somali culture and economy through remittances and cultural exchange.

Economy

The Somali economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and remittances from the diaspora. Somalia is known for its livestock exports, particularly camels, goats, and sheep.

Also see

• Somali language
• Somali cuisine
• History of Somalia
• Islam in Somalia
• Somali diaspora