The terrain in Somalia is mostly desert or semi-desert. There are three main topographical features: a mountainous highland region in the north, dominated by the Gollis Mountains; a relatively barren, hot and humid coastal region in the south; and a sweeping area of rich rainy season pasture, prone to overgrazing and desertification.

Somalia remains desperately poor, as the ongoing clan rivalries and civil disturbances hamper development. Agriculture is the most important sector: livestock farming accounts for about 40 percent of gross domestic product and about 65 percent of export earnings.

Unfortunately, the civil war that has been raging for more than 15 years has overshadowed Somalia’s great natural wonders. There are thousands of pristine beaches along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The islands off Zeila, close to the Djibouti border, are also completely unspoilt and ablaze with Technicolor tropical fish. The wild expanses of the Sheekh Mountains have a rugged beauty and afford stunning views over the coast.