CIA Factbook The World Factbook 1994: SomaliaGeography Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the northwestern Indian Ocean, south of the Arabian Peninsula Area: • total area: 637,660 sq km • land area: 627,340 sq km • comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total 2,366 km, Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,626 km, Kenya 682 km Coastline: 3,025 km Maritime claims: • territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: southern half of boundary with Ethiopia is a Provisional Administrative Line; territorial dispute with Ethiopia over the Ogaden Climate: desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), cooler southwest monsoon (May to October); irregular rainfall; hot, humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north Natural resources: uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt Land use: • arable land: 2% • permanent crops: 0% • meadows and pastures: 46% • forest and woodland: 14% • other: 38% Irrigated land: 1,600 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: • current issues: use of contaminated water contributes to health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification • natural hazards: recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer • international agreements: party to—Endangered Species, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified—Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban Note: strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal