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Somalia is officially divided into federal member states, 18 administrative regions, (gobollo, singulargobol).[1] and seventy-two districts (pluraldegmooyin; singulardegmo).
Somalia is officially divided intofederal member states. TheBanaadir Regional Administration (BRA) covers the area of the capital cityMogadishu, and does not belong to any federal member state. Somaliland unilaterally proclaimed independence in 1991 and remains claimed but uncontrolled.[2][3][4]
In 1931,Italian Somaliland consisted of seven commissariats.[6]
Following the 1935–36Second Italo-Abyssinian War, Italian Somaliland became part ofItalian East Africa withAbyssinia (Ethiopia) andEritrea. Italian Somaliland was one of sixgovernorates of the new colony, theSomalia Governorate, and incorporatedSomali-inhabited parts of the former Abyssinia. The governorate was subdivided into 10 commissariats, which were themselves divided into residencies.
Following World War II, the Italian-administeredTrust Territory of Somalia consisted of six Regions.[6]
TheBritish Somalilandprotectorate also consisted of two Regions.[6]
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Upon independence in 1960, the Somali Republic maintained the 12 districts of the former Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland that merged to form the new country.[6] In 1964, a new Northeastern (Burao) Province was established by merging Burao, Erigavo, and Las Anod and a Northwestern (Hargeisa) Province was formed from Berbera, Borama, and Hargeisa districts.[6] In 1968, the capital of Basso Giuba was moved from Kismayo toJamame. The 8 provinces at this time were:[6]
| Province | Area(km2) | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Benadir | 45,004 | Mogadishu |
| Burao | 128,000 | Burao |
| Hargeisa | 48,000 | Hargeisa |
| Hiran | 25,647 | Beled Weyne |
| Lower Juba | 49,917 | Jamame |
| Bosaso | 90,744 | Bosaso (Bender Cassim) |
| Mudug | 118,737 | Galkayo |
| Upper Juba | 131,492 | Baidoa |
In 1982, Somalia reorganized from eight provinces into 16 regions.[6] In June 1984, Awdal was split from Woqooyi Galbeed and Sool was split from Nugaal to form the current 18 regions.[6]
