Hargeisa
Hargeisa (/hɑːrˈɡeɪsə/ har-GAY-sə; Somali: Hargeysa; Arabic: هرجيسا, romanized: Harjīsā) is the capital and largest city of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, a de facto sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still considered internationally to be part of Somalia. It is also the regional capital of the Maroodi Jeex province of Somaliland.
Hargeisa
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Drone view of Hargeisa, Hargeisa downtown, Hargeisa, Jama Mosque, Naasa Hablood | |
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Flag Local council seal of Hargeisa | |
Interactive map outlining Hargeisa | |
| Coordinates: 9°33′47″N 44°4′3″E | |
| Country | Somaliland |
| Region | Maroodi Jeh |
| District | Hargeisa District |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge |
| Area | |
| • Total | 140 km2 (50 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,334 m (4,377 ft) |
| Population (2019) | |
| • Total | 1,200,000 |
| • Density | 1,600/km2 (3,000/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Hargeysaawi هرجيساوي |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
| Area code | +252 |
| Website | dhhgov.org |
Hargeisa was founded as a watering and trading stop between the coast and the interior by the Isaaq Sultanate. Initially it served as a watering well for the vast livestock of the Isaaq clan that inhabited that specific region and later were joined by other Isaaq clans that currently inhabit Hargeisa. In 1960, the Somaliland Protectorate gained independence from the United Kingdom and as scheduled united days later with the Trust Territory of Somaliland (former Italian Somaliland) to form the Somali Republic on 1 July. Up to 90% of the city was destroyed during the Isaaq genocide, a state-sponsored campaign of violence during the Somaliland War of Independence.
Hargeisa is situated in a valley in the Galgodon (Ogo) highlands, and sits at an elevation of 1,334 m (4,377 ft). Home to rock art from the Neolithic period, the city is also a commercial hub for precious stone-cutting, construction, retail services and trading, among other activities.