Politics:
In 1991 the civil war left no clear central government authority.  In 2000 a peace conference elected a transitional legislature body and a president.  A similar process occurred in 2004, but no central government has been able to function due to ongoing instability.

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Religion:
Islam is the state religion and most people are Sunni Muslims. Islamic fundamentalists seek to enforce Sharia’ Law.  The work of missions has been limited, dangerous, and hedged with restrictions and forced to stop in 1974.  The Somali church has been driven underground.  There are only a few hundred believers.  Evangelism is possible, but limited.  Conversion can be punishable by arrest, imprisonment and even death.

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Economy:
Somalia is one of the world’s poorest and least developed nations.  Limited natural resources include petroleum, copper, iron, tin, and uranium.  The economy of Somalia is based primarily on livestock raising.  Over 70% of the people work in agriculture.  Principle crops are cereal grains, corn, fruits and vegetables.  Less than 2% of the land is arable.  Manufacturing was just starting in the early 1990s when the civil war started and factories closed down.  Exports include livestock and fruit while imports include food stuffs, chemicals, machinery, oil, and textiles.  Because no banking system exists, most economic statistics are unavailable or suspect.

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Stories:
To convert to Christianity is to invite death at the hands of the radicals.  Many believers struggle whether to remain secret or to openly declare themselves and share their faith.  Several Christian aid groups operate in Somalia under significant risks, their workers have been threatened and killed, their convoys attacked and their equipment confiscated.

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