The first thing you need to know is that there are 2 Somalias:
On the one hand, there is the Somalia you already know, the one related to Al Shabab, bombs, and pirates.
Conversely, Somaliland is an unacknowledged nation that is a part of Somalia. I have only been to the Somaliland region.
Capital: Hargeisa (Mogadishu in Somalia)
Population: 3.5 million (11 million in all Somalia)
Languages: Somali, a language from the same family as many northeastern African languages
Area: 637,657km² (43rd largest country)
The visa for Somaliland differs from that of Somalia. If you're arriving by plane, you can pay $60 for an arrival visa. You must obtain your visa at the Somaliland Mission in Addis Ababa or Djibouti if you are coming by land.
The majority of flights to Hargeisa's international airport originate in Addis. Additionally, you can enter overland from Ethiopia into Wajaale or from Djibouti into Zeyla.
The official currency is Somaliland Shilling 1 USD = 8500 Sh
Budget: starting at $25 a day for budget backpackers, and $45 a day if you opt for mid-range accommodation.
November to March is the best season. The rest of the year can be too hot.
