Somaliland

Somaliland, or in full, Republic of Somaliland is an independent country that has not yet been internationally recognised.It has been independent since 1991, when it seceded from Somalia. Prior to its unification with Italian Somaliland in 1960, it was a British colony called the British Somaliland Protectorate. The capital of Somaliland is Hargeisa. The official languages are English, Somali, and Arabic. Somaliland is one of the few nation-states left today, as the Somalilanders are members of the Isaaq tribe. The head of state is the President of Somaliland. The Parliament of Somaliland is a bicameral one that is divided into the Somaliland House of Representatives and the Somaliland House of Elders.The currency of Somaliland is the Somaliland Shilling, which is notionally divided into 100 Cents.

Territory

The territory of the Republic of Somaliland is the same as that of the British Somaliland Protectorate. There is a dispute with Puntland over the provinces of Sanaag and Sool.

Foreign relations

Because of Somaliland's unrecognised status, it has no official relations with any country, but there has been increasing contact between the Parliament of Somaliland and the National Assembly of Wales in recent years. There has been calls for Somaliland's independence to be given full recognition, and for it to be granted full membership of the British Commonwealth.

Official website

• Official website of the Government of Somaliland

See also

• Banknotes of Somaliland

• Coins of Somaliland

• Postal Orders of the British Somaliland Protectorate