States and regions of Somalia

Somalia is a federal republic consisting of 7 federal member states. They are Somaliland, Puntland, Khatumo, Galmudug, Hirshaabelle, South West, and Jubaland^[1] as well as the regional administration of Banaadir. Somalia is further subdivided into 18 administrative regions (gobollo, singular gobol),^[2] which are in turn subdivided into districts.

History

Puntland is a federal state in the northeast of Somalia. Galmudug is a federal state in central Somalia. Jubaland is a federal state in the south of Somalia.^[2] In November 2014, the South West State of Somalia was established.^[3] Hirshabelle State was formed in October 2016.^[4] Khatumo State in the north central region was recognized in 2023 and superceded by North Eastern State of Somalia in 2025.

The Federal Parliament is tasked with selecting the ultimate number and boundaries of autonomous regional states within the Federal Republic of Somalia.^[5][6] To this end, the legislature in December 2014 passed a law establishing the Boundary and Federalization Commission.^[7] The body is mandated with determining the boundaries of the country's constituent states, as well as arbitrating between these states.^[8]

Federal member states

Map of Somalia's states and regions

Somalia is officially divided into 7 federal member states, including the de facto independent Somaliland which remains claimed but uncontrolled.^[9][4][1]

• Somaliland
• North Eastern
• Puntland
• Galmudug
• Hirshabelle
• South West
• Jubaland

Former state entities

• Azania (2011–2013)
• Central Regions State
• Himan and Heeb (2008–2015)
• Khatumo (2012–2025)
• Maakhir (2007–2009)

Regional administrations

The Banaadir Regional Administration (BRA) covers the area of the capital city Mogadishu, and does not belong to any federal member state.

• Banaadir

Regions

President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre established five of these regions in 1974 and 1975 for biased clan reasons, Middle Juba, Lower Juba, Gedo, Bay, and Bakool;^[10] Banaadir shrank to consist of only Mogadishu at the same time.^[11]

Below are the regions of Somalia, with their capitals shown in parentheses:

• Awdal (Borama)
• Bakool (Hudur)
• Banadir (Mogadishu)
• Bari (Bosaso)
• Bay (Baidoa)
• Galgaduud (Dhusamareb)
• Gedo (Garbahaarreey)
• Hiiraan (Beledweyn)
• Lower Juba (Kismayo)
• Lower Shabelle (Merca)
• Middle Juba (Bu'ale)
• Middle Shebelle (Jowhar)
• Mudug (Galkayo)
• Nugal (Garowe)
• Sanaag (Erigavo)
• Sool (Las Anod)
• Togdheer (Burao)
• Woqooyi Galbeed (Hargeisa)

See also

• Somalia portal

• Administrative divisions of Somalia
• List of regions of Somalia by Human Development Index