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News: Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Key Facts About Somaliland
- Location: Somaliland is situated in the Horn of Africa, in the northwestern part of Somalia.
- The Horn of Africa is a region that is recognized internationally as comprising Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
- Borders: It is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, andPuntland region of Somalia to the east.
- Coastline: It has a long coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
- Terrain: The terrain ranges from coastal plains in the north to mountains in the central region, and semi-desert areas in the south.
- Political status: In 1960, Somaliland briefly gained independence for five days and was recognised by Israel and 34 other countries before voluntarily uniting with Somalia.
- Following the collapse of the Somali state and the outbreak of civil war in 1991, Somaliland declared its separation from Somalia.
- Since then, it has functioned as a de facto independent state, exhibiting greater political stability and stronger governance compared to Somalia.
- Despite its stability, Somaliland remained internationally unrecognised for decades, with Israel being the first country to formally acknowledge it.
- Strategic Significance: Somaliland controls a key maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
