Somalia

Somalia is a sparsely-populated East African country. The official languages are Somali and Arabic, and some members of older generations speak Italian. The terrain includes plateaus, plains, and highlands. Overall the climate is pretty hot and dry. Native animal species include the great hammerhead shark, the Somali elephant shrew, and Grevy’s zebra. Mainstays of the economy include livestock, finances, and telecommunications. Hargeisa contains lively markets and livestock markets, should you want to barter for an animal. Its Jama Mosque has a simple majesty, with a bright white exterior and twin minarets sticking way up into the sky.

Corn, wheat, and rice are starchy staples, and breads are important in the Somali diet. Typical vegetables may include okra, cabbage, or tomatoes. Beef, goat, and fish are commonly eaten. A dish called federation includes equal portions of rice and spaghetti, one on each side of a plate, with assorted stewed meats, vegetables, and an optional banana. Try cambuulo, a favorite entree of Somalis, made of azuki beans mixed with butter and sugar. Typical mealtimes conclude with the burning of luubaan (frankincense) or another fragrant substance. The house will be perfumed for hours afterward.