Somaliland

a region occupying the eastern horn of Africa. It extends along the coast from the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb to the Juba River. The region is arid or semiarid. The total population is over half a million. It is inhabited by the Somali, a Hamitic people, a dark-skinned branch of the white race. The Somali are mixed with negro blood in the south and with Arab blood in the north. As a consequence there is considerable variation in stature, complexion, and form. Although an interesting people the Somali have no literature. Nominally they are Mohammedans. The Somali are divided into numerous tribes. They are a pastoral folk, rearing herds of camels, cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Their agriculture is carried on by negro slaves. The Somali are a fighting people. Were they not split into jealous tribes they might have preserved their independence, but, as it is, the region is divided into various protectorates.

Beginning at the south the coast of Somaliland is divided into Italian, British, and French protectorates. The inland part of the Somali country belongs to Abyssinia. The merchants of Great Britain do a considerable business with the British protectorate. Rice, cotton goods, dates, cutlery, and other articles are imported to the value of $1,000,000 a year. Skins, hides, ostrich feathers, gum, cattle, and sheep are exported. Inland transportation is carried on entirely by means of caravans.