Administrative divisions of Somalia


is officially divided into eighteen administrative regions, which in turn are subdivided into ninety districts.
On a de facto basis, northern Somalia is now divided up among the autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland. In between Puntland and Somaliland, there also exists the state of Khatumo, which claims to be an autonomous state of Somalia but is unrecognized by the federal government, Puntland, and Somaliland. In central Somalia, Galmudug is another regional entity that emerged south of Puntland. For these civil war divisions, see States and regions of Somalia.

Regions and districts

Historical divisions

Pre-independence

In 1931, Italian Somaliland consisted of seven commissariats.
Following the 1935–36 Second Italo-Abyssinian War, Italian Somaliland became part of Italian East Africa with Abyssinia and Eritrea. Italian Somaliland was one of six governorates of the new colony, the Somalia Governorate, and incorporated Somali-inhabited parts of the former Abyssinia. The governorate was subdivided into 10 commissariats, which were themselves divided into residencies.
Following World War II, the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somalia consisted of six Regions.
The British Somaliland protectorate also consisted of two Regions.
Upon independence in 1960, the Somali Republic maintained the 12 districts of the former Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland that merged to form the new country. In 1964, a new Northeastern Province was established by merging Burao, Erigavo, and Las Anod and a Northwestern Province was formed from Berbera, Borama, and Hargeisa districts. In 1968, the capital of Basso Giuba was moved from Kismayo to Jamame. The 8 provinces at this time were:
ProvinceAreaCapital
Benadir45,004Mogadishu
Burao128,000Burao
Hargeisa48,000Hargeisa
Hiran25,647Beled Weyne
Lower Juba49,917Jamame
Bosaso90,744Bosaso
Mudug118,737Galkayo
Upper Juba131,492Baidoa

In 1982, Somalia reorganized from eight provinces into 16 regions. In June 1984, Awdal was split from Woqooyi Galbeed and Sool was split from Nugaal to form the current 18 regions.