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Jubaland

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Jubaland is a federal member state located in southern Somalia. It sits in a special place near the Jubba River. The eastern border of this land reaches the Indian Ocean. To the west, it borders the North Eastern Province of Kenya. This area is also known as the Juba Valley.

Jubaland and surrounding areas in the 19th century, prior to the Somali Reconquest
Jubaland and surrounding areas in the 19th century, prior to the Somali Reconquest

Many different towns make up this region. Kismayo is the largest city and sits right on the coast. Other important settlements include Bardhere, Luuq, and Beled Haawo. Some towns like Jamame and Jilib have faced difficult times with Al-Shabaab. In 2005, the population was about 953,045 people.

JubalandPostageStamps
JubalandPostageStamps

The history of this land goes back many centuries. During the Middle Ages, the Ajuran Sultanate held power here. Later, the Geledi Sultanate ruled the territory. In the early 1800s, parts of the land were claimed by the Sultanate of Muscat. Between 1819 and 1823, a town called Bardheere was founded. This town was built as a fortified place. For a long time, different groups fought to reclaim and secure these lands.

Jubaland and surrounding areas in the 19th century, prior to the Somali Reconquest
Jubaland and surrounding areas in the 19th century, prior to the Somali Reconquest

During the colonial period, many changes happened to the borders. The Geledi ruler, Osman Ahmed, signed treaties with Italian colonizers. In 1925, the land was given to Italy. It briefly became a colony called Trans-Juba. You can see old postage stamps from this time.

JubalandPostageStamps
JubalandPostageStamps

Britain also controlled part of the area. They called their part the Northern Frontier District. Eventually, the region became part of Italian Somaliland in 1926. On 1 July 1960, it joined the independent Somali Republic.

Life in Jubaland changed again due to weather. Between 1974 and 1975, a huge drought hit northern Somalia. People called this the "Lingering Drought." About 90,000 people moved to the Jubba regions to find safety. The Soviet Union helped by flying these people in. New settlements called Danwadaagaha were built for them. These families learned to fish and farm. This was a new way of life compared to herding animals.

Recent years have seen many efforts to build a stable government. In 2013, over 500 delegates met in Kismayo for a big conference. They worked to plan the formation of the Jubaland state. They even approved a draft constitution. In May 2013, Ahmed Mohamed Islam was elected as President. Later, Jubaland signed an agreement with the Somali federal government. This pact helped create a better future for the region.

JubalandPostageStamps
JubalandPostageStamps
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Jubaland_and_surrounding_areas_in_the_19th...
File:JubalandPostageStamps.jpg
JubalandPostageStamps.jpg
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