Somalia Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Somalia is a country in East Africa, Africa, covering a total area of 637,657 km². It has a coastline of 3,333 km along the East Africa coast. Somalia shares land borders with 3 countries.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
Africa
geographical continent
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Region
East Africa
sub-region
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Total Area
637,657 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
27/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
3,333 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC+3
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1960
year established
🌡️
Climate
Hot desert and semi-arid, two rainy seasons
general type

Where is Somalia Located?

Somalia is situated in East Africa, within the broader continent of Africa. The country has a coastline of 3,333 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Somalia's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Mogadishu, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the East Africa region, Somalia sits alongside countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania.

Size and Area of Somalia

Somalia covers a total area of 637,657 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 17.1M across this territory, the population density works out at 27/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.

Climate of Somalia

The climate of Somalia is hot desert and semi-arid, two rainy seasons. The most favourable time to visit is December–March, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

🗺️ Countries Bordering Somalia

Somalia shares land borders with 3 countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya.

Djibouti
Djibouti
Djibouti City
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Kenya
Kenya
Nairobi

Frequently Asked Questions about Somalia's Geography

Where is Somalia located?

Somalia is located in East Africa, Africa. The capital city is Mogadishu.

How large is Somalia?

Somalia has a total area of 637,657 km² with a population density of 27/km².

What countries border Somalia?

Somalia shares land borders with 3 countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya.

Does Somalia have a coastline?

Yes, Somalia has a coastline of 3,333 km.

What is the climate of Somalia?

The climate of Somalia is Hot desert and semi-arid, two rainy seasons. The best time to visit is December–March.

What timezone is Somalia in?

Somalia observes UTC+3 timezone.

What continent is Somalia in?

Somalia is in Africa, specifically in the East Africa region.

When did Somalia become independent?

Somalia gained independence in 1960.

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