Somalia Factbook
Somalia is a tragic
land of anarchy and poverty. Islam
dominates. The few Somalis who are Christians live in constant
fear of discovery and execution.
Somalia is located on
the eastern coast of Africa. It is located to the east of Ethiopia
and Kenya. It is located south Yemen across the Gulf of Arden. The land is primarily desert.
Approximately 8 million people live in Somalia,
but precise numbers are difficult
to obtain. Almost all of the people are
native Somalis. Many have fled to
neighboring countries and live as refugees.
There is practically no formal economy in
Somalia. Years of war, civil unrest, and drought have left the people
in dire poverty. Most are completely
dependent on foreign food aid to survive, but warlords control the flow of
food to the people.
Somalia was controlled
by Great Britain and Italy
until granted independence in
1960. Somalia passed through a series of
governments. The last effective
government fell in 1991. Since then Somalia has
been divided
into tribal groups ruled by warlords.
The UN and US attempted to intervene in the mid-1990's but failed to
restore order. Two areas have
seceded
from Somalia
but are not internally recognized. A new
government was established in 2000, but it has so far failed to
establish control over the country.
Islam is completely dominant. Some areas have embraced radical Islam and have become a haven for terrorists. There is a strong push to implement
Islamic
law throughout the nation.
Christians are very few in number -
perhaps a few hundred. They must meet in secret for fear of execution. Pray for them in these very trying
circumstances.
Missions work has always been difficult
in Somalia. The last missionaries were forced to leave in 1974. Pray that the day may come soon when
Christian
workers can again enter the country.
There are over 3 million Somali refugees
in other countries. Pray for efforts to meet their physical needs and
reach them with the gospel.
A Bible translation is available in the
Somali language. Christian radio broadcasts are also available in
Somali. Pray that these may be used to
reach
many in Somalia.
Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison
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