Living in Somalia

Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa and borders the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Around 15 million people live there. Long coastlines, dry plains, and some mountainous regions shape the country. The climate is mostly hot and dry; the south receives more rain than the north, while periods of drought can make daily life difficult in many places. In cities such as Mogadishu, many families live in houses made of concrete or corrugated metal and get around on foot, by bus, or by shared taxi. In rural areas, many families make their living from livestock farming, and some move seasonally with camels, goats, or cattle. In the south, there is also agriculture, while fishing and trade are important along the coast. Family visits, tea, and eating together are part of leisure time in many places.