Somalia: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Somalia

Somalia is on the Horn of Africa, the easternmost part of the African mainland. It has the longest coastline on mainland Africa, along with dry plains and highlands. It is famous for camels, frankincense and a long tradition of poetry.

About Mogadishu

Mogadishu lies on the Indian Ocean coast in southern Somalia. It is the country's largest city and an old trading port known for its white-washed buildings and Lido Beach.

Fun facts about Somalia

1. Somalia has the longest coastline of any country on mainland Africa.
2. Somalia has one of the largest populations of camels in the world.
3. The Laas Geel caves in the north hold colourful rock paintings of cattle and people thousands of years old.
4. Frankincense, a sweet-smelling tree resin prized since ancient times, comes from trees growing in northern Somalia.
5. Poetry is so important in Somali culture that Somalia is often called a 'nation of poets'.
6. Somalia's flag is light blue with a single white five-pointed star in the centre.