The country of hot Africa Somalia 1st of July celebrates his Independence Day. For many years, Somalis followed a difficult and bloody path to obtain official independence. Today, the people of this country suffer from hunger and drought, and 73% of the population lives on less than $2 a day.

Somali Independence Day celebrated since 1960. On July 1, a union of the territories of Somaliland, previously under the influence of Italy and Great Britain, was formed here. The result was the independent Republic of Somalia with its own government. On July 20, 1961, the country held a popular referendum, which ratified the new Constitution.

In the 1990s, a civil war began in Somalia, the result of which was the actual fragmentation of the country’s territory into several quasi-states. More than half a million Somalis died during these events. Since 2000, the country has gradually begun to recover. But not a single tourist visited the republic until 2010, because staying here was considered very dangerous. In addition, as a result of the drought in 2011, about 260,000 people died in the country.

Somalia is now mainly a farming country. Many residents are self-employed. The state has quite educated youth – representatives of wealthy families. But the majority of the population works hard to ensure a decent existence.

IN Independence Day in Somalia the annual Open Air Festival begins. This is a bright event, rich in elements of national Somali culture. During the festive events, representatives of the authorities raise the issues of education, health care, and the cultural heritage of Somalia.