Geography of Somalia

The geography of Somalia is the geography of the easternmost country of Africa. Somalia covers an area of ​​637,657 km ² and consists mostly of desert. The highest elevation is the Shimbiris (2,450 m).

Location

Somalia is between 2 ° south and 12 ° north latitude and 41 ° and 51 ° east longitude. It is considered one of East Africa and is situated in the Horn of Africa, mostly in the Somali peninsula. In the east it borders the Indian Ocean with the nearby archipelago of Socotra, to the north by the Gulf of Aden, on the northwest by Djibouti, on the west by Ethiopia ( Ogaden and Somali region ) and on the south by Kenya.

The limits in particular to Ethiopia are due to territorial claims of Somalia (see Greater Somalia ) controversial. Northern Somalia is Somaliland as a de facto independent, further to Puntland has declared autonomous Galmudug and independent. The independence of Jubaland / Südwestsomalia was proclaimed several times.

Tectonics

Somalia is located on a part of the African plate, which is sometimes referred to as the Somali plate and moves away to the east of the African plate. In a few million years is Somalia, as well as other parts of East Africa, its east of the Great African grave breach separated from the African plate.

Geology

Most of the rocks at the surface in Somalia make Mesozoic and recent sediments. In Buur massif west of Mogadishu and in the north, parallel to the Gulf of Aden, there are insulated, upscale Neoproterozoic and frühkambrische complexes.

Relief

In northern Somalia, the Somali eastern highlands, this is an average of 900-2100 meters high and descends to the east extends. Here, the highest mountain in the country, the Shimbiris lies with 2,450 m height. The second highest mountain is the Bahaya ( 2,200 m). The south is flat with an average elevation of 180 m.

North of the Somali plateau lies between Saylac Berbera and the coastal plain Guban.

Climate

The climate of Somalia is a generally hot and dry monsoon climate with two rainy and two dry seasons. The major rainy season Gu begins in April and lasts until June. It is followed by Hagaa or Xagaa - dry season from July to September, which is in turn followed by the Day or Dayr - rains from October to November. From December to March takes the long Jilaal - dry season. Both rainy seasons are referred to as Tangambili.

The temporal distribution and total amount of rainfall can vary, which has a significant impact on agriculture and can lead to drought as well as flooding in the river valleys.

Waters

In the south and central Somalia is crossed by the springing in Ethiopia rivers Jubba and Shabeelle, the latter of which reaches its confluence with the Jubba only with abundant rainfall. All other rivers, including the Nugaal ( Nogal ) in the north do not cause water all year round.

Coast

Somalia has a substantially flat coastline on the Indian Ocean 2,720 km in length. Off the coast of Kismayo until Raas Kiyaambo extends the chain of coral reef Bajuni Islands. The Cape or Cape Guardafui Xaafuun ( Hafun ) is the easternmost point in Africa, another headland is the Raas Kaambooni.

Off the coast each a warm ocean current runs from December to March the Somalstrom, to the south.

Landscape

A large proportion of the land in the center and north takes the Somali desert or Danakil - Somalia. Overgrazing and deforestation for charcoal export lead to desertification.