Somalia Economy
Is Somalia a wealthy country?
Somalia has faced significant economic challenges, largely due to decades of conflict, political instability, and natural disasters.
1. Informal Economy:
Somalia's economy is largely characterized by the informal sector. Informal trade, livestock herding, and remittances from the Somali diaspora play crucial roles in sustaining the economy.
2. Agriculture and Livestock:
Agriculture, including livestock farming, is a key component of Somalia's economy. Livestock exports, particularly of goats and sheep, are significant contributors to the country's income. However, the sector faces challenges such as droughts and inadequate infrastructure.
3. Remittances:
Remittances from Somalis living abroad are a major source of income for many households. These funds contribute significantly to poverty alleviation and economic stability.
4. Political and Security Challenges:
Persistent political instability and security challenges, including the presence of militant groups, have hampered economic development. The lack of a stable government has impeded infrastructure development and foreign investment.
5. Financial System:
Somalia has a cash-based economy, with limited access to formal banking services. Mobile money services have gained popularity, providing a means for financial transactions in areas with limited banking infrastructure.
6. Humanitarian Aid Dependency:
The country has been dependent on humanitarian aid due to recurring droughts, famine, and displacement caused by conflict. Humanitarian efforts play a crucial role in addressing immediate needs and supporting resilience.
7. Oil and Gas Potential:
Somalia has potential oil and gas reserves off its coast, but exploration and development have been hampered by maritime disputes and security concerns.
8. Infrastructure Challenges:
Decades of conflict have left Somalia with inadequate infrastructure, including roads, ports, and telecommunications. Rebuilding these essential structures is crucial for economic development.
9. International Assistance:
International organizations and donor countries provide assistance to Somalia in various forms, including development aid, capacity-building, and humanitarian relief.
10. Economic Reforms:
Efforts to rebuild the economy include economic reforms and institution-building initiatives. However, progress has been slow due to the complex political situation.
Somalia Economy Data
What is the GDP of Somalia?
| Currency Name and Code | Somali Shilling (SOS) |
| GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) | $13,190,000,000 (USD) |
| GDP - official exchange rate | $5,800,000,000 (USD) |
| GDP - real growth rate | 2.6% |
| GDP Per Capita | $400.00 (USD) |
| GDP by Sector- agriculture | 60.2% |
| GDP by Sector- Industry | 7.4% |
| GDP by Sector- services | 32.5% |
| GDP - composition, by end use |
household consumption: 72.7% government consumption: 8.7% investment in fixed capital: 19.9% investment in inventories: 0.4% exports of goods and services: 0.3% imports of goods and services: -1.7% |
| Labor Force | 3,447,000 |
| Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture | 9% |
| Labor Force By Occupation- industry | 26% |
| Labor Force By Occupation- services | 65% |
| Annual Budget | $0 (USD) |
| Major Industries | a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, petroleum refining (mostly shut down), wireless communication |
| Agriculture Products | cattle, sheep, goats; bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; fish |
| Exchange Rate per US Dollar | Somali shilling (SOS) |
| Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14 | 49% |
| Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14 | 1,148,265 |