Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti
Capital: Mogadishu
Tourist Attractions: Somalia has been ravaged by a civil war since 1992. It is a beautiful desert nation in the “Horn of Africa,” known for its scenic mountains, vast flat semi-desert plains, fine white-sand beaches, amazing game reserves and enchanting coral reefs, which are among the longest in the world. Tourist attractions in Somalia include the cities of Berbera and Mogadishu, which was once one of the most beautiful cities in Africa but now known for its interesting Hammawein ruins; the scenic Bajuni Islands, a popular diving site, the old Arabian style beach town of Merca, and the Kismayu National Park, famous for its rare wildlife.
Access: Due to political instability, very few airlines fly to Somalia. Daallo Airlines operates twice-weekly services to Djibouti from Dubai, London and Paris, from where connecting flights take one to Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Mogadishu (Southern Somalia). Ethiopian Airlines offers flights to Somalia from Addis Ababa. Regular dhow services connect Somalia from Djibouti and Kenya. Tourists can also cross borders from Djibouti and Kenya.
Climate: Somalia has a hot and dry desert climate all round the year. Somalia has two rainy seasons: the Gu (March to June) and the Dayr (September to December). The hottest months are January through April.