Introduction

Puntland , located in northeastern Somalia, has several distinctive geographical features that shape its landscape and environment:

Coastline

Puntland boasts an extensive coastline of approximately 1,600 km (825 nautical miles). This coastline stretches along:

The Gulf of Aden in the north

The Guardafui Channel in the northeast

The Somali Sea (Indian Ocean) in the southeast

Notable Geographical Points

Cape Guardafui: Forms the tip of the Horn of Africa, marking the northeastern extremity of the African continent.

Ras Hafun: The easternmost point of the entire African continent.

Topography

Mountain Ranges: The Karkaar mountain range begins in Puntland.

Golis Mountains: Located near Milxo, known for gold deposits.

Climate and Environment

Climate: Puntland has a tropical hot climate with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 37°C.

Seasons: Experiences four seasons - two rainy (Gu’ and Deyr) and two dry (Haga and Jilal).

Rainfall: The region receives low annual rainfall.

Natural Resources

Marine Resources: The long coastline is abundant with fish and other marine resources.

Minerals: Gold has been discovered in the Golis mountains.

Aromatic Resources: The region is known for frankincense and myrrh production, which contributes to its economy.

Administrative Geography

Puntland is composed of several regions, including:

Bari

Nugaal

Mudug (partial)

Sool

Karkaar

Sanaag (partial)

Ayn

Conclusion

These geographical features contribute to Puntland’s unique position within Somalia and the Horn of Africa, influencing its economy, climate, and strategic importance in the region.