Climate: principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south; southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons
Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north
Environment Issues: water scarcity; contaminated water contributes to human health problems; improper waste disposal; deforestation; land degradation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
Ethnic Groups: Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including 30,000 Arabs)
Languages: Somali (official, according to the 2012 Transitional Federal Charter), Arabic (official, according to the 2012 Transitional Federal Charter), Italian, English
Government Type: federal parliamentary republic
URGENT is engaged in the following activities within Somalia:
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Church Planting
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Training
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Discipleship
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Resources
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Humanitarian Efforts
The work of missions, always dangerous and hedged with restrictions, was forced to cease in 1972 when their institutions were nationalized by the new Marxist regime. The work of different missions between 1897 and 1974 saw several hundred turn to the Lord. Pray for workers to the Somalis to be called, committed and ready for when these defiantly closed doors open.
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Pray for the believing minority who suffer great persecution and martyrdom.
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Pray for courage and strength for those who are boldly sharing their faith.
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Pray for safe fellowship and encouragement for isolated believers.
