Somaliland

The Republic of Somaliland is an independent country that has not yet been internationally recognised. It has been independent since 1991, when it seceded from Somalia. Prior to its unification with Italian Somaliland in 1960, it was a British colony, the British Somaliland Protectorate.

The capital of Somaliland is Hargeisa. The official languages are English, Somali, and Arabic. The Somalilanders are members of the Isaaq tribe.

Territory

The territory of the Republic of Somaliland is the same as that of the British Somaliland Protectorate. There is a dispute with Puntland over the provinces of Sanaag and Sool.

Government

The Head of State and government is the President of Somaliland. Dahir Rayale Kahin (usually called Rayale)'s third term of office expired on 15 May 2008, but he has stayed in power. A new presidential election been rescheduled five times, most recently for 27 September 2009; a new date has not been set.

The Parliament of Somaliland is a bicameral one that is divided into an elected lower house, Somaliland House of Representatives and the clan-nominated Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti).

Its political process has stalled, but the parties may have reached a nonviolent approach to restarting it.

Economy

The currency of Somaliland is the Somaliland shilling, which is notionally divided into 100 cents.

Foreign relations

Because of Somaliland's unrecognised status, it has no official relations with any country, but there has been increasing contact between the Parliament of Somaliland and the National Assembly of Wales in recent years. There has been calls for Somaliland's independence to be given full recognition, and for it to be granted full membership of the British Commonwealth.

Official website

• Official website of the Government of Somaliland