Today we take a nerve-wracking trip to Somalia. Somalia is a similar size to France and has the longest coast on Africa’s mainland at a vast 3,333 km in length. This isn’t what Somalia is most known for though.
Recently Somalia has been mostly known for Somali pirates that have terrorised and looted ships off the coast of Somalia in exchange for kidnap ransoms. Somalia is also well known as the home of the terrorist militant group Al-Shabaab.
These problems stem from Somalia’s turbulent past that includes multiple civil wars, becoming a failed state and terrorist attacks. It’s unsurprising then that Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Recently the US has provided supports to the Somali government in fighting Al-Shabaab and a whole host of states have supported Somalia in attempts to stamp out piracy.
Somalia technically also includes the un-recognised state of Somaliland that has been independently governed since 1991 and is seeking international representation. Sadly for Somaliland, it hasn’t yet been recognised by any other country or international organisation.
Let’s hope Somalia and Somaliland’s futures are brighter than their recent past. Somalia has a wealth of beautiful beaches and national parks. One day Somalia will be a fantastic place to visit!
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