Official Name

Republic of Somalia

Capital

Mogadishu

Currency

Somali shilling (SOS)

Population

9,118,773

Main Languages

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Total GDP

$5.26 billion (2006 estimate)

Main Contact in New Delhi

H.E.Mr. Mohammed Osman Omar - Ambassador
Embassy of Somalia Democratic Republic
A-17, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110 024.
Tel. : 24335026 / 24617453

Indian Embassy

A-7, Defence Colony, New Delhi.

Chamber of Commerce

Mogadishu Chamber Of Commerce,
Industry & Agriculture
P.O.Box 27, Via Asha,
Mogadishu, Somalia,
Phone: (252) 3209

Bilateral Relations India And Somalia

Bilateral: India and Somalia enjoyed excellent political, economical and cultural relationship until the collapse of the previous regime in 1991. After over a decade of civil war, Somalia now has a Transitional National Government established in August 2000, which expressed its desire to re-establish all round and traditional relations, which existed between the two countries and peoples. Somalia attached great importance to Indo-Somali bilateral relations and has sought India's help in training of disarmed militias, rehabilitation,modernization and equipment of the reactivated military and police camps, training of staff in human health sector and rehabilitation of public infrastructures.

Diplomatic Links: Due to increasing civilian unrest and mutiny by a section of the rmed forces, in early 1990's, that resulted in widespread attacks on foreign nationals and their interests, we were compelled to close our Mission in Mogadishu.

Recent High level Meetings: EAM met the Somalian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Asian-African Summit on April 23, 2005. The Somalian Foreign Minister sought India's assistance in diverse areas including reconstruction, education, fisheries and energy sector.

Trade Relations: Trade relations with India continues through the private sectors. Trade Relations with others (as per 1994 estimate) Imports US$ 269 million chiefly petroleum products, foodstuff, construction material and machinery. Exports - US$ 130 million Live Animals, Fish, Hides and Banana.

ITEC Scholarships: The Indian Government continued to assist and support the embassy of Somalia in India and granted scholarships to Somali students until the year 2000 even at the height of political turmoil. The Transitional National Government of Somalia expressed the desire for early resumption of grant of scholarships and training courses within the framework of the Cultural and Technical Co-operation Agreement existing between the two countries.

Visa Procedure

Civil war in action, or three countries in one. Projectvisa.com is treating it as three, as there are three different authorities patroling different borders.

Everyone needs a visa, or you can get one at the border. Whatever the situation it would be best to get one before arriving (if you can), and save yourself some bribe money.

Somalia is split into three main areas;

1. Somaliland - In the north near Djibouti. To get a visa for Somaliland you will have to contact one of the Somaliland missions and apply.
2. Puntland - is south of Somaliland and north of Mogadishu. You can get a visa on arrival at the airport.
3. Somalia now requires you to have a visa before you arrive at the airport. If you are visiting as a tourist or on business it is recommended that you have someone meet you at the airport/border.

Main Tourist Attraction

A number of hotels were built when a new deep-water port was opened in the capital Mogadishu with the help of the World Bank. However, tourism to Somalia is not encouraged. There are many historical cities, and in the south of Somalia the flora and fauna are particularly interesting, but until the security situation improves tourism is a risky matter not to be embarked upon lightly.

Main Imports

The principal imports were foodstuffs, chemicals, machinery, textiles, and petroleum.

Main Imports

The chief exports were livestock and banana. Other exports included meat, fish, leather and wood.

Airport & Harbour

The international airport is at Mogadishu. Major towns are connected by Somali Airlines, the national carrier. Flights are often disrupted because of security concerns.
The main harbours in Somalia are Mogadishu, Berbera and Kismayu. The port of Mogadishu now has modern shipping berths.

Photographs of Historical monuments & Tourist attraction