Editing Somaliland (section)

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Somaliland}}
[[File:GDP Somaliland 2012 to 2018.png|thumb|GDP Somaliland 2012 to 2018]]

Somaliland has the fourth-lowest GDP per capita in the world, and there are huge socio-economic challenges for Somaliland, with an unemployment rate between 60 and 70% among youth, if not higher. According to ILO, illiteracy exists up to 70% in several areas of Somaliland, especially among females and the elder population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2014/01/29/new-world-bank-gdp-and-poverty-estimates-for-somaliland|title=New World Bank GDP and Poverty Estimates for Somaliland|website=World Bank}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1150581/download |title=Responses to Information Requests – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908130425/https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1150581/download }}</ref>

Since Somaliland is unrecognised, international donors have found it difficult to provide aid. As a result, the government relies mainly upon tax receipts and [[remittance]]s from the large [[Somali diaspora]], which contribute significantly to the Somaliland economy.<ref name="ODI1">Daniel Harris with Marta Foresti 2011. [https://odi.org/en/publications/somalilands-progress-on-governance-a-case-of-blending-the-old-and-the-new/ Somaliland's progress on governance: A case of blending the old and the new] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807114908/https://www.odi.org/our-work/programmes/development-progress |date=7 August 2020}}. London: [[Overseas Development Institute]]</ref> Remittances come to Somaliland through [[Informal value transfer system|money transfer companies]], the largest of which is [[Dahabshiil]],<ref name="gILjI">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12279880 |title=Somaliland hope |work=BBC News |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=13 May 2012}}</ref> one of the few Somali money transfer companies that conform to modern money-transfer regulations. The [[World Bank]] estimates that remittances worth approximately US$1&nbsp;billion reach Somalia annually from [[émigrés]] working in the [[Gulf Cooperation Council|Gulf states]], Europe and the United States. Analysts say that Dahabshiil may handle around two-thirds of that figure and as much as half of it reaches Somaliland alone.<ref name="mUIbN">{{cite web|title=Remittances a lifeline to Somalis |url=http://www.pulitzercenter.org/openitem.cfm?id=1687 |work=Global Post|date=4 July 2009 |access-date=2 April 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Since the late 1990s, service provisions have significantly improved through limited government provisions and contributions from [[non-governmental organisations]], religious groups, the international community (especially the diaspora), and the growing private sector. Local and municipal governments have been developing key public service provisions such as water in Hargeisa and education, electricity, and security in Berbera.<ref name="ODI1" /> In 2009, the [[Banque pour le Commerce et l'Industrie – Mer Rouge]] (BCIMR), based in [[Djibouti]], opened a branch in Hargeisa and became the first bank in the country since the 1990 collapse of the [[Central Bank of Somalia|Commercial and Savings Bank of Somalia]].<ref name="dI9wN">{{cite web|url=https://www.somaliaonline.com/community/topic/43725-bcimr-opens-first-commercial-bank-in-somaliland/|title=BCIMR Opens First Commercial Bank in Somaliland|website=Somali Forum – Somalia Online|date=4 February 2009 }}</ref> In 2014, [[Dahabshil Bank International]] became the country's first commercial bank.<ref name="yZID3">{{cite web|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL2N0TK0L720141130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120094101/http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL2N0TK0L720141130|archive-date=20 January 2015|title=First commercial bank officially opens in Somaliland|date=30 November 2014|via=af.reuters.com}}</ref> In 2017 [[Premier Bank]] from Mogadishu opened a branch in Hargeisa.<ref name="wVOZO">{{cite web |title=Premier Bank Now in Hargeisa Somaliland |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201705290258.html |website=All Africa |access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref>

=== Monetary and payment system ===
{{Main|Bank of Somaliland|Somaliland shilling}}
[[File:Somaliland Shillings.jpg|thumb|upright|left|500 Somaliland Shillings, 1000 Somaliland Shillings, 5000 Somaliland Shillings]]

The [[Somaliland shilling]], which cannot easily be exchanged outside of Somaliland on account of the nation's lack of recognition, is regulated by the [[Bank of Somaliland]], the [[central bank]], which was established constitutionally in 1994.

The most popular and used payment system in the country is the ZAAD service, which is a mobile money transfer service that was launched in Somaliland in 2009 by the largest mobile operator [[Telesom]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Somaliland_Mobile_Money_CVA_Case_Study_Web_Singles.pdf |title=Telesom ZAAD: Pushing the mobile money CVA frontier |publisher=GSM Association |date=June 2019 |access-date=2 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldremit.com/en/somaliland/zaad|title=Send money to Telesom ZAAD mobile money accounts in Somaliland|website=WorldRemit|access-date=8 September 2021|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908124526/https://www.worldremit.com/en/somaliland/zaad}}</ref>

=== Telecommunications ===
{{Main|Telecommunications in Somaliland}}

Telecommunications companies serving Somaliland include [[Telesom]],<ref name="iaXqS">{{cite web|title=Golis Telecom Somalia Profile|publisher = Golis Telecom website|url=http://www.golistelecom.com/about_g.htm|access-date=17 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022212418/http://golistelecom.com/about_g.htm|archive-date=22 October 2007}}</ref> [[Somtel]], [[Telcom (Somalia)|Telcom]] and [[NationLink Telecom|NationLink]].<ref name="f5ql8">{{cite web|url=http://www.somalilandbiz.com/sector-guides/telecoms-2/|title=SOMALILAND TELECOMS SECTOR GUIDE BY SOMALILAND BIZ|access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>

The state-run [[Somaliland National TV]] is the main national public service television channel, and was launched in 2005. Its radio counterpart is [[Radio Hargeisa]].

=== Agriculture ===
{{See also|Agriculture in Somaliland}}
[[File:Livestock export in Somaliland.jpg|thumb|Livestock export in [[Berbera]], Somaliland]]

Livestock is the backbone of Somaliland's economy. Sheep, camels, and cattle are shipped from the [[Port of Berbera|Berbera port]] and sent to Gulf Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia.<ref name="GkNyc">{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7935139.stm|title=Riches of Somaliland remain untapped|date=15 March 2009|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The country is home to some of the largest livestock markets, known in Somali as ''seylad'', in the [[Horn of Africa]], with as many as 10,000 heads of sheep and goats sold daily in the markets of [[Burao]] and [[Yirowe]], many of whom shipped to [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Gulf states]] via the [[Port of Berbera|port]] of [[Berbera]].<ref name="8NvIo">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wDweAQAAIAAJ&q=yirowe|title=Regulating the Livestock Economy of Somaliland|date=2002|publisher=Academy for Peace and Development|language=en}}</ref><ref name="HvMwZ">{{Cite book|last1=Project|first1=War-torn Societies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTtyAAAAMAAJ&q=yiroowe|title=Rebuilding Somaliland: Issues and Possibilities|last2=Programme|first2=WSP Transition|date=2005|publisher=Red Sea Press|isbn=978-1-56902-228-3|language=en}}</ref> The markets handle livestock from all over the Horn of Africa.<ref name="KzVoC">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d2EwAQAAIAAJ&q=yiroowe|title=A Self-portrait of Somaliland: Rebuilding from the Ruins|date=1999|publisher=Somaliland Centre for Peace and Development|language=en}}</ref>

Agriculture is generally considered to be a potentially successful industry, especially in the production of cereals and horticulture. Mining also has potential, though simple [[quarry]]ing represents the extent of current operations, despite the presence of diverse quantities of mineral deposits.<ref name="profile" />

The primary method of agricultural production is rain-fed farming. Cereals are the primary crops cultivated. About 70% of the rain-fed agricultural land is used for the main crop, sorghum, while maize occupies another 25% of the land.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |title=Somaliland in Figures 2004 |url=http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Somaliland_in_figures_2004.pdf |journal=[[Ministry of Planning (Somaliland)]] |pages=9-10}}</ref> Scattered marginal lands are also used to grow other crops like barley, millet, groundnuts, beans, and cowpeas. The majority of farms are located near riverbanks, along the banks of streams (''togs'') and other water sources. The primary methods of channelling water from the source to the farm are floods or crude earth canals that divert perennial water (springs) to the farm. Fruits and vegetables are grown for commercial use on the majority of irrigated farms.<ref name=":4" /> 

=== Tourism ===
{{main|Tourism in Somaliland}}
[[File:Naasa Hablood - Virgin's Breast Mountain, Hargeisa, Somalilanad.jpg|thumb|left|[[Naasa Hablood]], also known as Virgin's Breast Mountain]]
The [[rock art]] and caves at [[Laas Geel]], situated on the outskirts of Hargeisa, are a popular local tourist attraction. Totaling ten caves, they were discovered by a French archaeological team in 2002 and are believed to date back around 5,000 years. The government and locals keep the [[cave painting]]s safe and only a restricted number of tourists are allowed entry.<ref name="Ggsesl">{{cite news|last=Bakano|first=Otto|title=Grotto galleries show early Somali life|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jMNd90UAafsRNEDPyelL7Hee1ydw?docId=CNG.82196a5b15ef45a2d4e744675740cd6a.6e1|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110430102432/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jMNd90UAafsRNEDPyelL7Hee1ydw?docId=CNG.82196a5b15ef45a2d4e744675740cd6a.6e1|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 April 2011|access-date=13 March 2013|newspaper=AFP|date=24 April 2011}}</ref> Other notable sights include the Freedom Arch in Hargeisa and the [[Hargeisa War Memorial|War Memorial]] in the city centre. Natural attractions are very common around the region. The [[Naasa Hablood]] are twin hills located on the outskirts of Hargeisa that Somalis in the region consider to be a majestic natural landmark.<ref name="tourism">{{cite web|url=https://somalilandtravel.com/top-sightseeing/|title=Top Sightseeing – Best Somaliland sightseeing and tourist attractions|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205063948/https://somalilandtravel.com/top-sightseeing/}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2021}}

The Ministry of Tourism has also encouraged travellers to visit historic towns and cities in Somaliland. The historic town of [[Sheekh]] is located near Berbera and is home to old British colonial buildings that have remained untouched for over forty years. [[Berbera]] also houses historic and impressive [[Ottoman architecture|Ottoman architectural]] buildings. Another equally famous historic city is [[Zeila]]. Zeila was once part of the [[Ottoman Empire]], a dependency of [[Yemen]] and [[Egypt]] and a major trade city during the 19th century. The city has been visited for its old colonial landmarks, offshore [[mangrove]]s and coral reefs, towering cliffs, and beach. The [[nomad]]ic culture of Somaliland has also attracted tourists. Most nomads live in the countryside.<ref name="tourism" />

=== Transport ===
{{See also|Hargeisa Airport|Berbera Airport}}
[[File:Berbera Airport Jun 2020.png|upright|thumb|The [[Berbera Airport]]]]
Bus services operate in [[Hargeisa]], [[Burao]], [[Gabiley]], [[Berbera]] and [[Borama]]. There are also road transportation services between the major towns and adjacent villages, which are operated by different types of vehicles. Among these are taxis, [[four-wheel drive]]s, [[minibus]]es and [[light goods vehicle]]s (LGV).<ref name="qpKuN">{{cite web|url=https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2017/July/143134/somaliland_s_booming_informal_transport_sector_pitfalls_and_potentials.aspx|title=Somaliland's booming informal transport sector: Pitfalls and potentials|access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

The most prominent airlines serving Somaliland is [[Daallo Airlines]], a Somali-owned private carrier with regular international flights that emerged after [[Somali Airlines]] ceased operations. [[African Express Airways]] and [[Ethiopian Airlines]] also fly from airports in Somaliland to [[Djibouti (city)|Djibouti City]], [[Addis Ababa]], [[Dubai]] and [[Jeddah]], and offer flights for the [[Hajj]] and [[Umrah]] pilgrimages via the [[Egal International Airport]] in Hargeisa. Other major airports in the region include the [[Berbera Airport]].<ref name="m7CIS">{{cite web|url=https://somalilandstandard.com/somalilands-first-batch-of-hajj-pilgrims-leaves-for-mecca/|title=Somaliland's First batch of Hajj pilgrims leave for Mecca |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="wDjuf">{{cite web|url=https://www.airportia.com/somalia/egal-international-airport/|title=Egal International Airport HGA|access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

=== Ports ===
{{Main|Port of Berbera|DP World Berbera New Port}}
[[File:DP World Berbera new Port.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|[[DP World Berbera New Port]]]]
In June 2016, the Somaliland government signed an agreement with [[DP World]] to manage the strategic port of [[Berbera]] with the aim of enhancing productive capacity and acting as an alternative port for landlocked Ethiopia.<ref name="dAvd3">{{cite web|url=https://www.dpworld.com/what-we-do/our-locations/Middle-East-Africa/Berbera/somaliland|title=DP World Project at Berbera – Somaliland|access-date=18 February 2020|website=DP World}}</ref><ref name="JfZiJ">{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/01/africa/somaliland-new-gateway-africa/index.html|title=Somaliland secures record $442m foreign investment deal|website=CNN|language=en|date=1 August 2017|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref>

=== Oil exploration ===
In 1958, the first test well was dug by Standard Vacuum (Exxon Mobil and Shell) in Dhagax Shabeel, Saaxil region. These wells were selected without field data or seismic testing and were solely based on the geological makeup of the region. Three of the four test wells were successful in producing of light crude oil.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ali |first=M. Y. |date=October 2015 |title=Petroleum Geology and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Guban Basin, Northern Somaliland |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282072913 |journal=Journal of Petroleum Geology |volume=38 |issue=4 |pages=433–457 |doi=10.1111/jpg.12620|bibcode=2015JPetG..38..433A |s2cid=130266059 }}</ref>

In August 2012, the Somaliland government awarded [[Genel Energy]] a licence to explore oil within its territory. Results of a surface seep study completed early in 2015 confirmed the outstanding potential offered in the SL-10B, SL-13, and Oodweyne blocks, with estimated oil reserves of 1&nbsp;billion barrels each.<ref name="T8jte">{{cite web|title=Somaliland|publisher=Genel Energy|url=http://www.genelenergy.com/operations/exploration-assets/somaliland/|access-date=3 August 2017|archive-date=4 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804013531/http://www.genelenergy.com/operations/exploration-assets/somaliland/}}</ref> Genel Energy is set to drill an exploration well for SL-10B and SL-13 block in [[Buur Dhaab|Buur-Dhaab]], 20 kilometres northwest of [[Aynaba]] by the end of 2018.<ref name="xfic8">{{cite web|title=Onshore Somaliland Mesozoic Rift Play SL10B/13 & Odewayne Licences|url=http://www.genelenergy.com/media/1977/genel-energy-onshore-somaliland-opportunity-summary_digital.pdf|publisher=Genel Energy|access-date=3 August 2017|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104062357/http://www.genelenergy.com/media/1977/genel-energy-onshore-somaliland-opportunity-summary_digital.pdf}}</ref> In December 2021, [[Genel Energy]] signed a farm-out deal with OPIC Somaliland Corporation, backed by [[Taiwan]]'s [[CPC Corporation]], on the SL10B/13 block neary [[Aynaba]].<ref name="Genel reaches">{{Cite web|last=Reed|first=Ed|date=20 December 2021|title=Genel reaches East African farm-out with Taiwan's CPC|url=https://www.energyvoice.com/oilandgas/africa/ep-africa/373989/genel-somaliland-cpc-exploration/|access-date=22 December 2021|website=Energy Voice}}</ref> According to Genel, the block could contain more than 5&nbsp;billion barrels of prospective resources.<ref name="Genel reaches" /> Drilling in SL-10B and SL-13 is scheduled to begin in late 2023, or early 2024 according to Genel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pemedianetwork.com/petroleum-economist/articles/upstream/2022/genel-s-somaliland-drilling-may-slip-to-2024/|first=Peter |last=Ramsay |date=15 November 2022 |title=Genel's Somaliland drilling may slip to 2024|website=PE Media Network|access-date=31 May 2023}}</ref>