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About Somalia
Somalia is a country in East Africa (commonly called the Horn of Africa) slightly smaller than Texas.
Fast Facts about Somalia Population: 10.7 Million People (UN, 2005) Capital: MogadishuArea: 637,657 sq km (246,201 sq miles)Major Languages: Somali, Arabic, Italian, English Major Religion: Islam Life Expectancy: 45 years(men) and 47 years(women)
For the past 15 years, Somalia has been without an effective government. The difficult conditions in the country have been further exacerbated by internal conflict, disease, famine, and natural disasters. Despite the resilience of local communities and businesses, the instability has led to severe underdevelopment of economic, social, and human resources.
Until 1991, public education was offered free at all levels. After the collapse of the Somali state, nationally-owned educational facilities closed down and almost all educational materials and equipment were looted. There was no public financing for education, and teachers and administrators went unpaid. Higher education programs also ceased to function.
The collapse of the state seriously hindered opportunities for the Somali people to receive the education necessary to enhance themselves personally and increase state prosperity. Two years ago, a large number of Somali women were recruited into the journalism program at Puntland State University. Unfortunately, almost all of the women dropped out because they could not afford tuition.
As journalists play a key role in helping to hold governments accountable, this situation has attracted the attention of the United Nations and its partners, including the African Virtual University, who are working with Somalis to build the foundations for the future of Somalia.
For a comprehensive history of Somalia visit The U.S. State Department’s Background Notes or read one of the many books on the subject that you can find in your local library or at your favorite bookstore.
For information about the United Nations work in Somalia, visit: http://www.un-somalia.org/UN_Somalia/index.asp Click here to download the PDF version of this page
