Somalia: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Somalia — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Population
15,008,154
#74 of 197 countries
Area
637,657 km²
#44 of 248 countries
Density
23.5 / km²
#196 of 245 countries
Somalia has a population of 15,008,154 spread across 637,657 km², giving it an average density of 23.5 people per km².
Demographics
Median Age
15.7
Life Expectancy
56.5 yrs
Literacy Rate
54.1%
Government
federal parliamentary republic
Religions
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Somalia is classified as a low income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 38% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Income Level
Low income
GDP per Capita
$597
Cost of Living
38%
of US