Somaliland is a self-declared independent region in the Horn of Africa, functioning as a de facto state with its own government, constitution, and currency, but lacking international recognition.

Israel becomes first country to Recognize Somaliland as Independent State

Q: Where is Somaliland located?

It is in northwestern Somalia, bordering Djibouti, Ethiopia, Puntland (Somalia), and the Gulf of Aden.

Q: Is Somaliland recognized internationally?

No, it is not officially recognized by any UN member state, although Israel recently became the first country to formally recognize it in 2025.

Q: What is the capital of Somaliland?

Hargeisa is the capital, while Berbera is its main economic and strategic hub.

Q: What type of government does Somaliland have?

It has a hybrid system combining democratic elections with traditional clan-based governance, including a bicameral legislature with a House of Elders (Guurti).

Table of Contents☰

Why Somaliland is in News?

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign country, signing a mutual declaration with its leadership and pledging cooperation across sectors like agriculture, technology, and security.

About Somaliland

Somaliland is located in the Horn of Africa, bordering Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Puntland region, with a strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
The region’s location near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait makes it crucial for global maritime trade and energy routes.
It functions as a de facto independent state with its own constitution, elected government, judiciary, security forces, currency, and national symbols.
Despite meeting most criteria of statehood, Somaliland lacks international recognition and is not a UN member.
Governance combines modern democratic institutions with traditional clan-based mechanisms, ensuring stability and conflict resolution.
It has a bicameral legislature, including the House of Elders (Guurti), and conducts regular elections contributing to institutional legitimacy.
Hargeisa is the political capital, while Berbera serves as the main economic and strategic hub with a growing deep-sea port.
Berbera Port is being developed as a regional trade and logistics corridor, particularly serving landlocked Ethiopia.
The economy is largely livestock-based, with exports to Gulf countries forming a major revenue source.

Somaliland Historical Background

Somaliland was a British protectorate from the late 19th century, valued for its strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
On 26 June 1960, it gained independence as the State of Somaliland.
It united with Italian Somaliland on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic.
Northern regions faced political marginalization, economic disparities, and administrative neglect under the Somali government.
Siad Barre’s regime (1970s-80s) intensified repression, leading to civil war and mass displacement in the north.
In 1991, following state collapse, Somaliland declared independence, establishing its own political institutions and relative stability.