Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Kenya to the southwest. The capital is Mogadishu. Somalia has a rich and complex history, with a civilization dating back to antiquity. It was an important commercial and cultural center, particularly for the trade of incense and spices. The region experienced the influence of colonial powers such as Italy and the United Kingdom. After gaining independence in 1960, Somalia went through periods of political instability, culminating in the civil war that began in 1991. This conflict led to a prolonged period of anarchy and the fragmentation of the country into various autonomous regions. The Somali economy is traditionally based on agriculture, livestock, and fishing. However, the unstable political situation and security issues have hindered economic development. Somalia is also known for its production of incense and myrrh. The population of Somalia is predominantly Somali, a homogeneous ethnic group that speaks the Somali language, an Afroasiatic language. Islam is the predominant religion. Culturally, Somalia is known for its traditional poetry and music, which play a central role in Somali culture. Somali cuisine is influenced by various cultures and includes dishes based on rice, meat, and spices. Geographically, Somalia has a varied landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and a long coastline. The climate is primarily arid and semi-arid. Somalia continues to face significant challenges, including poverty, terrorism, piracy, and the lack of a stable central government. Despite these challenges, there have been some progress towards stabilization and reconstruction of the country. Population of Somalia from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 15.01 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 15.44 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 15.89 million inhabitants. Capital (Mogadishu): Population in 2020: About 2.12 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Mogadishu: 2.12 million Hargeisa: 1.2 million Bosaso: 700,000 Galkayo: 545,000 Berbera: 242,344 Kismayo: 234,852 Burao: 215,616 Merca: 230,100 Jamame: 185,270 Baidoa: 129,839 Somalia is divided into 18 regions.