| Total Area: |
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637,657 sq. km
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Population:
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8,025,190 (est. July 2003)
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Ethnicity:
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Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15%
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| Language: |
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Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English
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| Religion: |
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99.95% Sunni Muslim, 0.05% Christian
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| Government Type: |
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No permanent national government; transitional, parliamentary national government
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| Capital: |
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Mogadishu
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| Population Below Poverty Line: |
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Not Available
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 Somalia gained independence in 1960 with the union of British and Italian colonies. In 1969 General Siad Barre seized power and exploited clan rivalries to maintain control until he was finally deposed in January 1991. Since then, there has been no central government, with power claimed by guerrilla groups and militias based on traditional ethnic and clan loyalties. The country is considered the most lawless nation in the world. In June 2006, a coalition of Islamic groups referred to as the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) took control of the capital, Mogadishu, along with significant areas of the country. The ICU is intent on forced Sharia law on all Somalis.
Somalia is almost exclusively Sunni Muslim, with 0.05 percent of the population Christian. As a result of the clan rivalries, enforcement of Islamic law varies from area to area.
In many parts of the country, persecution of Christians is strong and many Christians have fled to neighbouring countries. A number of believers have been martyred, and others have been publicly named as targets for execution. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Christians in Somalia. Even the government has had to admit that the country is not entirely Muslim. There are entire families coming to Christ, and they are making a difference for Him in their country.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for encouragement and strength for the Christians remaining in Somalia as well as for those who have been forced to leave their homes.
- Pray for a full and lasting peace in this war-torn country.
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