The capital of Somalia is Mogadishu. This is the country's largest city. Mogadishu serves as the economic heart of Somalia and acts as the southern transport hub. Other important cities in the north include Boosaaso, Garoowe and Eyl. Somalia was once a British colony although it gained independence in 1960. The Italians also had a protectorate within Somalia at one point. The official language is Somali and the national unit of currency is the Somali Shilling.

As is the case with the majority of African nations, the key workforce percentage is taken up by the agricultural sector. In Somalia's case the figure is approximately 71% of the current population. This is surprising given the fact that just 2% of Somalia's land is actually arable. Agricultural products include bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds and beans. The represented industries within Somalia are sugar refining, textiles, petroleum refining and wireless communication. Natural resources found in Somalia include uranium, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, and natural gas. Iron ore is relatively unexploited so far and there are also rumours of decent oil reserves within Somalia.

Somalia is largely comprised of desert and so hot, dry conditions prevail over much of the country year round. From December to February, Somalia receives its northeast monsoon. The southwest monsoon lasts from May to October. The hottest ever temperature recorded in Mogadishu was 36°C.