The flag of Somaliland (Somali: Calanka Soomaaliland; Arabic: علم أرض الصومال) is composed of three horizontal stripes: green, white, and red, with a black star positioned in the middle of the white stripe. There is a white Arabic inscription (the Shahada) in the center of the green stripe, reading "لا إله إلاَّ الله محمد رسول الله La Ilaha Illallah, Muhammad Rasulullah" (There is no god except for Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah), signifying the Islamic faith. The green color represents progress and prosperity, while the white color signifies peace. The red stripe symbolizes the blood shed by martyrs in defense of the nation. The Shahada serves as a reminder of the Islamic heritage and faith of the Somaliland people, while the black star embodies the aspiration to unite the five Somali-inhabited regions: Somaliland, Somalia, the Ogaden province of Ethiopia, Djibouti, and parts of northern Kenya. Together, these elements epitomize the values, history, and aspirations of the people of Somaliland.
| Proportion: | 1:2 |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | October 14, 1996 |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
The emblem of Somaliland is characterized by the representation of the eagle of Saladin holding a scale to signify justice, underscoring the commitment to a fair and equitable society. The image of two hands shaking below the eagle symbolizes the core values of equality and freedom, reflecting the principles of the nation. Surrounding the emblem, olive branches serve as symbols of peace, emphasizing the aspiration for harmony and unity within the region. The Islamic calligraphy positioned above the scale, reading "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim" in Arabic, conveys the message "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Merciful," highlighting the significance of Islam within the culture and governance of Somaliland. The yellow background represents the vibrant and resilient culture and people of Somaliland, encapsulating the spirit of the nation.
Somaliland, officially the Somaliland Republic, is an internationally recognized and proclaimed state as an autonomous region of Somalia. Its capital is Hargeisa, and its population is about 5.741 million (2021).
| Capital and largest city: | Hargeisa |
|---|---|
| Other major cities: | Burao, Borama, Las Anod |
| Official languages: | Somali, Arabic, English |
| Region: | Eastern Africa |
| Ethnic groups: | Mainly the Isaaq clan |
| Religion: | 99.8% Islam, 0.2% Other |
| Nationality names: | Somali, Somalilander |
| Area: | 176,120 km² (68,000 sq mi) |
| Population: | 5.741 million (2021) |
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