What are somalians?

The Somali people (Somali: Soomaali) are an ethnic group native to the Horn of Africa. They are primarily concentrated in Somalia, where they make up the largest ethnic group, as well as in the Somali Region of Ethiopia, Djibouti and northeastern Kenya. There are also sizeable Somali communities in Yemen and the United Kingdom, as well as in numerous other countries around the world.

The Somali people share a common culture, language and ancestry. The Somali language belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. The Somali people are predominantly Sunni Muslim.

Somalis have a long history and have played a significant role in the history of the Horn of Africa. The ancient Somali city-states of Mogadishu, Merca and Barawa were important trading centers in the Indian Ocean. In the 16th century, the Somali people established the Adal Sultanate, which successfully resisted Portuguese attempts at colonization. In the 19th century, the Somali people were divided between the British, Italian and French colonial powers.

Somalia gained its independence from Italy in 1960 and from the United Kingdom in 1963. However, the country has since experienced a civil war and has been plagued by political instability and violence. Despite these challenges, the Somali people have maintained a strong sense of national identity and culture.

Somali culture is rich and diverse, and it has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Arab, Persian, Indian and African cultures. Somali music, dance and literature are all highly regarded. The Somali people are also known for their traditional hospitality and generosity.