Administrative divisions of Somalia

Somalia

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Somalia is officially divided into eighteen administrative regions (gobollada, singular gobol),[1] which in turn are subdivided into districts.

On a de facto basis, northern Somalia is now divided up among the autonomous regions of Puntland (which considers itself an autonomous state) and Somaliland (a self-declared but un-recognized sovereign state). In central Somalia, Galmudug is another regional entity that emerged just south of Puntland.[1] For these post-civil war divisions, see States and regions of Somalia.

Contents

Regions and districts

Awdal Region

Bakool Region

Banaadir Region

Bari Region

Bay Region

Galguduud Region

Gedo Region

Hiiraan Region

Middle Juba Region

Lower Juba Region

Mudug Region

Nugaal Region

Sanaag Region

Middle Shabele Region

Lower Shabele Region

Sool Region

Togdheer Region

Woqooyi Galbeed Region

Historical divisions

Pre-independence

In 1931, Italian Somaliland consisted of seven commissariats.[2]

Following the 1935–36 Second Italo-Abyssinian War, Italian Somaliland became part of Italian East Africa with Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and Eritrea. Italian Somaliland was one of six governorates of the new colony, the Somalia Governorate, and incorporated Somali-inhabited parts of the former Abyssinia. The governorate was subdivided into 10 commissariats which were themselves divided into residencies.

Following World War II, the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somalia consisted of six districts.[2]

The British Somaliland protectorate also consisted of six districts.[2]

Somalia

Upon independence in 1960, the Somali Republic maintained the 12 districts of the former Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland that merged to form the new country.[2] In 1964, a new Northeastern (Burao) Province was established by merging Burao, Erigavo, and Las Anod and a Northwestern (Hargeisa) Province was formed from Berbera, Borama, and Hargeisa districts.[2] In 1968, the capital of Basso Giuba was moved from Kismayo to Jamame. The 8 provinces at this time were:[2]

Province Area(km²) Capital
Benadir 45,004 Mogadishu
Burao 128,000 Burao
Hargeisa 48,000 Hargeisa
Hiran 25,647 Beled Weyne
Lower Juba 49,917 Jamame
Migiurtinia 90,744 Bosaso (Bender Cassim)
Mudug 118,737 Galkayo
Upper Juba 131,492 Baidoa

In 1982, Somalia reorganized from eight provinces into 16 regions.[2] In June 1984, Awdal was split from Woqooyi Galbeed and Sool was split from Nugaal to form the current 18 regions.[2]

See also

References