BY:

MITCHELL S.

NATIONAL FLAG OF SOMALIA:

LOCATION:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOMALIA

            Somalia was colonized by the French, British and Italians, but the Italians owned over ¾ of the country. The Europeans (French, British and Italy) treated the people very well and with much respect, because Somalia was on an important trade route. Also, if they attacked Somalia to take it over, they would have to battle two other countries. The tribes gave them some of their things in return. The other Europeans also spread their cultures there but ultimately the British culture won.

            The colonization helped the people extraordinarily. It helped because since Somalia was an important trade route, and so many countries wanted it, they gave gold, cattle, anything they wanted to the Samaale or Sab tribes, and it was a good place to spread their culture.

            Somalia became independent in 1960. Britain and Italy gave Somalia its independence and then it was called the Republic of Somalia. The European countries could still use the ports.

            When Somalia became a republic, new problems the weak government faced were that there were two sides of Somalia that had different currencies, educational systems, languages, and political views. There was already growing tension between the two sides and when the government tried to mingle the two sides’ differences together, that outraged the both sides. That lead to civil war and a revolution. Many civilians and mercenaries died during that time. Even kids would be trusted with guarding a capitol building with a gun or grenade. Right now, Somalia has anarchy (no government), the two sides still battle each other, and clans are a common thing there. Fighting, deaths and bombings are so consistent that walking through the streets is dangerous.

            If Somalia had never been colonized. I think it would be a place full of nomads and small tribes. I think it would be a peaceful place, full of farmers and trade, and their religion would have been the Egyptians’ religion. Over all, it would be a peaceful place.

Works Cited

Flag and map courtesy of Microsoft Clipart Gallery.

Infoplease. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107979.html

Hassig, Susan. Somalia

Lonely Planet. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/somalia/