What is Somali? The **Somali culture** is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of nomadic pastoralism, trade, and oral tradition, deeply rooted in the Horn of Africa. Predominantly inhabiting Somalia, a country known for its rugged terrain and one of the longest coastlines in Africa, the Somali people have adapted to their environment through a lifestyle that emphasizes mobility and. Etymology Samaale, the oldest common ancestor of several Somali clans, is generally regarded as the source of the ethnonym Somali. One other theory is that the name is held to be derived from the words soo and maal, which together mean go and milk. The mall features Somali restaurants, cafés, and retail stores, reflecting the Somali culture and entrepreneurial spirit. A large mosque inside the mall offers space for daily prayers, serving both shoppers and workers. In January 2013 the United States officially recognized the Somali government for the first time since 1991. However, the U.S. government does not maintain a diplomatic presence in Somalia at this time. A Somali is a member of the people historically of the Horn of Africa occupying all of Somalia, a strip of Djibouti, the southern Ethiopian region of Ogaden, and part of northwestern Kenya. The Gulf of Aden forms Somalia's northern borders and the Somali Sea and Guardafui Channel bound it to the east. Somalia Bordering Countries: Kenya, Ethiopia. Regional Maps: Map of Africa Outline Map of Somalia The blank outline map respresents mainland Somalia. Livestock accounts for upwards of 40% of the GDP and 50% of export earnings. Somalia has a population of 19 million people within its borders, 10 million in neighboring countries, and nearly 2 million in the global diaspora. About 10% of the Somali diaspora live within North America.