II.

Land and Resources

Somalia has a long coastline, extending for about 3,025 km (1,880 mi), but it has few natural harbours. A narrow coastal plain borders the Gulf of Aden in the north. A series of mountain ranges, with average elevations of between 915 and 2,135 m (3,000 and 7,000 ft), dominates the northern part of the country. To the south, the interior consists of a rugged plateau, ranging in elevation from about 500 m (1,640 ft) to less than 183 m (600 ft) in the extreme south. A wide coastal plain, which has many sand dunes, borders the Indian Ocean. The country’s two major rivers are found on the southern plateau: the Shabeelle in the central area, and the Genale further south.

A.

Climate

The climate of Somalia ranges from tropical to subtropical and from arid to semi-arid desert. Temperatures usually average 27.8° C (82° F), but may be as low as 0° C (32° F) in the mountain areas and as high as 46.7° C (116° F) along the coast. The monsoon winds bring a dry season from September to December and a rainy season from March to May. The average annual rainfall is only about 279 mm (11 in).

B.

Natural Resources

Somalia has few natural resources. The grasslands are suitable only for grazing livestock. The fertile land in the Genale and Shabeelle valleys and in some coastal areas is used for crop farming. Mineral resources are relatively diverse, but have not been exploited. Known deposits include oil, copper, manganese, gypsum, iron, marble, tin, and uranium.

C.

Plants and Animals

Vegetation in Somalia consists chiefly of coarse grass, and stunted thorn and acacia trees. Trees producing the aromatic resins frankincense and myrrh are indigenous to the mountain slopes. In the south there are eucalyptus, euphorbia, and mahogany trees. Wildlife is abundant and includes crocodile, elephant, giraffe, leopard, lion, zebra, and many kinds of poisonous snakes.

D.

Environmental Concerns

Since the start of the civil unrest the country's environment has been neglected as rival factions have fought for political control. Somalia is one of the world's poorest and least developed countries, with 75 per cent (1990) of the labour force dependent on agriculture. Only 1.7 per cent (1997) of the country's land is arable, and 0.3 per cent (1997) is irrigated. Overgrazing, deforestation, and periodic drought have led to desertification. Only 31 per cent (1990-1998 estimate) of Somalia's population currently has access to safe sources of water. As a result, about 75 per cent of the population is afflicted by intestinal parasites. Only 0.3 per cent (1997) of Somalia's land was officially protected before the country's civil war. Even while the central government was functioning, protected areas suffered from poaching, logging, and illegal grazing. The country is inhabited by 32 threatened animal species.

Somalia has ratified an international agreement protecting endangered species. The country has also signed agreements limiting nuclear weapons testing, hazardous waste, and marine pollution.