Somali Geography, Somalia Geography

Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia

Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 49 00 E

Map references: Africa

Area: Total: 637,657 sq km land: 627,337 sq km water: 10,320 sq km

Area - comparative: Slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries: Total: 2,340 km border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline: 3,025 km

Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate: Principally desert; December to February - northeast monsoon, moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; May to October - southwest monsoon, torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons

Terrain: Mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

Natural resources: Uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

Land use: Arable land: 1.67% permanent crops: 0.04% other: 98.29% (2001)

Irrigated land: 2,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards: Recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; floods during rainy season

Environment - current issues: Famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements: Party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note: Strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

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The information here has been derived from Public Domain Sources such as the CIA World Factbook. No liability can be taken for any inaccuracies.

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