Somalia is a federal republic consisting of six federal states, Puntland, Somaliland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Khaatumo, South West and Hirshaabelle and one interim administration. Somalia is further subdivided into 18 administrative regions (gobollada, singular gobol),[1] which are in turn subdivided into districts. One region, Banaadir, is not part of any state.
History
Puntland is a federal state in the northeast of Somalia. Galmudug is a federal state in central Somalia. Jubaland is a federal state in the south of Somalia.[1] In November 2014, the South West State of Somalia was established.[2] Hirshabelle State was formed in October 2016.[3] khaatumo state a north central region was formed in 2012 but established in february 2023, and Somaliland a north east region formed in 1991 as uncontrolled region
The Federal Parliament is tasked with selecting the ultimate number and boundaries of autonomous regional states within the Federal Republic of Somalia.[4][5] To this end, the legislature in December 2014 passed a law establishing the Boundary and Federalization Commission.[6] The body is mandated with determining the boundaries of the country's constituent states, as well as arbitrating between these states.[7]
Federal member states
As of 19th October 2023, Somalia is officially divided into 7 federal member states, including Khaatumo state and Somaliland state[8][3]
- Galmudug (108,889 km2 (42,042 sq mi))
- Hirshabelle (100,821 km2 (38,927 sq mi))
- Jubaland (110,102 km2 (42,511 sq mi))
- Khatumo (103,897 km2 (40,115 sq mi))
- Puntland (198,510 km2 (76,650 sq mi))
- Somaliland (110,487 km2 (42,659 sq mi))
- South West (100,089 km2 (38,645 sq mi))
Regions
President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre established five of these regions in 1974 and 1975 for baised clan reasons, Middle Juba, Lower Juba, Gedo, Bay, and Bakool;[9] Banaadir shrank to consist of only Mogadishu at the same time.[10]
Below are the regions of Somalia, with their capitals shown in parentheses:
- Bakool (Hudur)
- Banadir (Mogadishu)
- Bari (Bosaso)
- Bay (Baidoa)
- Galgaduud (Dhusamareb)
- Gedo (Garbahaarreey)
- Hiiraan (Beledweyn)
- Lower Juba (Kismayo)
- Lower Shabelle (Merca)
- Middle Juba (Bu'ale)
- Middle Shebelle (Jowhar)
- Mudug (Galkayo)
- Nugal (Garowe)
- Sool (Laascaanood)[11]
- Togdheer (Burco)
- Waqooyi Galbeed (Hargaisa)
- Awdal (Borama)
- Sanaag (Ceerigaabo)
