The document provides a historical timeline and economic data about Somalia. It outlines that Somalia had prosperous port cities trading with Arab traders from 700-1000 AD and was colonized by Britain and Italy between 1887-1960. After independence in 1960, Somalia functioned as a democracy until a coup in 1969 brought Siad Barre to power. Anarchy has persisted since his regime fell in 1991. It also shares statistics on Somalia's population, exports, imports and debt. Piracy off Somalia's coast is discussed as a key issue along with next steps for the country.

1. Somalia Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

2. Somalia-Historical Timeline Ancient 2350 BC-1 st Century AD: Egyptians establish trade Muslim Era 700-1000 AD: The port cities in Somalis trade with Arab traders and convert to Islam 1300-1900 AD: The prosperous Somali cities are visited by numerous explorers and had many Sultanate Dynasties Colonial Era 1887-1960 British Somaliland protectorate subordinated to Aden Benadir Coast Italian Protectorate established (unoccupied until 1893) Both territories gain independence in 1960 and unite to form Somalia Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

3. Somalia-Historical Timeline Post Independence: 1960-1966: Somalia was a functioning democracy 1967: Somalia’s president assisinated 1969: Siad Barre ascends to power via military coup 1977: Somalia invades Ethiopia’s Ogaden region 1991: Siad Barre’s regime falls 1991-Present: Anarchy persists Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

4. Somalia- Economic data Population: 8.8 Million (2008) Exports fob (US$m) 249 (2005) Imports fob (US$m) 671 (2005) Total External Debt (US$ m; year ) 2,836 (2006) Principal Exports 1990 (US$m): Livestock 43 Banana 28 Hides & skins 3 Principal Imports 1990 (US$m): Manufactures 204 Non-fuel prmary prdcts 104 fuels 52 Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

5. Somalia- Map Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

6. Somalia- Piracy Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

7. Somalia- Piracy Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

8. Somalia-Next Steps New Somali Transition Government Internationally recognized Government in exile Somaliland Peace and stability Democracy US Aid to Somalia 2008 US$ 320 2009 US$ 157 Feb 22, 2009 Foreign Affairs Working Group

9. For Information on Obama Foreign Policy Working Group Contact Larry Roeder at 703-327-0057