Somalia

Somalia Introduction This paper will discuss the Somali social and political organizational structure which is based on kinship groups. There are six main clan- families, the Dir, the Darod, the Isaq, the Hawiye, the Digil and the Rahanweyn. These clans-families are further subdivided into smaller clans. These clans, in turn, are subdivided into sub clans, or primary lineage groups. It is also claimed that all Somalis trace their origin t two brothers, Samaal and Saab (Sab). These brothers are said to have been members of the Prophet Muhammad’s tribe, the Qurash of Arabia. Although his can not be proven, most Somalis know this to be true. (Fox, pg 31) History Somalia is the easternmost country on the African continent. Its capital and largest city is Mogadishu. Somalia is often referred to as the Horn of Africa. Almost all of the Somali people are Sunni Muslims and speak the Somali language. However, some Somalis do speak Italian, Arabic, and English. The official name for Somalia is the Somali Democratic Republic. It became an independent nation in 1960. Before that Somalia’s northern section was ruled by the British and the Southern section was ruled by Italy. Most of Somalia came under colonial rule during the 1800’s. During somalia, somali, pg, united, barre, war, somalis, samaal, saab, ogaden, live, lineage, groups, forces, ethiopia, country, clan, british, states, somaliland, political, people, part, clans, began, years, northern, muhammad, military, men, life, italian, became, women, very