Before we begin, make sure you read our latest blog on “10 Interesting Facts About Jamaica” for some insightful information.
1. Somalia boasts the longest coastline in mainland Africa. It stretches across 3,025 km on the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
2. Laas Geel Cave Paintings of Somalia Are very famous. The Laas Geel has some of the Horn of Africa region’s most ancient cave paintings, that date between 9,000 and 3,000 years BC. The vivid rock art of the Laas Geel depicts cattle in ceremonial robes, a domesticated dog, giraffes, humans, etc. The paintings are also in well-preserved condition since they are naturally protected by granite overhangs.
3. The country has one of the highest fertility rates in the world, with an average of 6 children being born to one woman in Somalia. Child-bearing and big families are culturally encouraged in the country.
4. Jawahir Roble, England’s first female Muslim football referee is from Somalia. She used to live in Mogadishu but now referees football matches in northwest London.
5. Despite the fact that most of African countries have ethnically diverse populations, Somalia is one of the continent’s most ethnically homogeneous nations. 85% of the country’s population comprises of ethnic Somalis. They are mainly found in northern Somalia.
6. Ever heard of the infamous Somali pirates? We are sure you have. For several years, piracy off the coast of Somalia by Somali pirates had been a major menace to international fishing and cargo vessels. Many vessels were looted by the Somali pirates or the crew of such vessels was held hostage and released on ransom money. The Somali pirates involved in such illegal operations were infamous for their ruthless nature.
7. If you ever visit a home in Somalia, you will notice that people often perfume homes after large meals or on special occasions when guests are visiting their homes. Dabqaads, a white clay or soapstone pot, is used as an incense burner. Frankincense or other incense is placed on hot charcoal inside a dabqaad which then burns for about ten minutes. It remains in the house for several hours.
8. Somalia has one of Africa’s lowest HIV infection rates. While HIV/AIDS plagues most of the African continent, claims millions of lives every year in the region, and puts a significant burden on the country’s economy, Somalia is more fortunate in this regard.
9. When eating, people in Somalia scoop the food from their bowl using their first three fingers. Some will roll a banana leaf and use that for scooping. Urban Somalis will use silverware while dining, but many would rather use their fingers.
