The flag of Somalia (Somali: Calanka Soomaaliyeed, Arabic: علم الصومال) is characterized by a light blue field with a single white, five-pointed star at its center. The light blue color symbolizes the sky as well as the significance of the surrounding waters, including the Gulf of Aden, Guardafui Channel, and the Somali Sea, all integral to the nation's identity and livelihood. The white star, known as the "Star of Unity," holds profound significance, representing the five historical areas where Somali ethnic groups have traditionally resided, encompassing Djibouti, Somaliland (former British protectorate), the Somali region in Ethiopia, the North Eastern Province in Kenya, and Somalia (Italian Somaliland). Furthermore, the blue color symbolizes sublimity and supremacy, akin to the expanse of the sky, while the white color embodies the values of peace and prosperity, symbolizing the nation's collective aspirations for harmony and a thriving future. Together, the flag's elements embody the shared heritage, aspirations for unity, hope, resilience, and the deep-rooted connection to the sea that shape Somalia's rich cultural identity and historical narrative.
| Proportion: | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | October 12, 1954 |
| Designed by: | Mohammed Awale Liban |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
| Flag emoji code: | 🇸🇴 |
The coat of arms of Somalia consists of a golden-framed shield depicting the Somali flag, supported by two powerful leopards standing on spears. The prominence of the leopards, a common and revered animal in Somali culture, underscores the nation's strength and resilience. The shield, adorned with a crown-like embellishment on its upper part, rests on an intertwined white stripe and palm leaves, symbolizing peace and victory. The elements within the coat of arms reflect Somalia's rich cultural heritage, its enduring spirit, and its commitment to peace and prosperity.
Somalia, officially known as the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country and sovereign state in the Horn of Africa. Its capital is Mogadishu, and its population is about 16.36 million (2021). According to its land and sea borders, it borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen.
| Capital and largest city: | Mogadishu |
|---|---|
| Other major city: | Hargeysa |
| Official languages: | Somali, Arabic |
| Region: | Eastern Africa |
| Ethnic groups: | 85% Somali, 15% Bantu, Arabs and other non-Somali |
| Religions: | 99.8% Islam, 0.2% Others |
| Nationality name: | Somali |
| Area: | 637,657 km² (246,201 sq mi) |
| Population: | 16.36 million (2021) |
| Country codes: | SO, SOM (ISO 3166) |
| Internet Top-Level Domain: | .so |
| Calling code: | +252 |
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