Somali History
  • 1. Somali history is rich and diverse, spanning thousands of years of civilization and cultural evolution. The Somali people have a long and storied past, with ancient cities like Opone and Malao serving as important centers of trade and commerce in the region. The Somali language, which has ancient roots in the Afro-Asiatic family, played a critical role in the development of literature, poetry, and oral traditions. Over the centuries, the Somali people have experienced various influences from neighboring civilizations, leading to a unique blend of cultures and traditions. From the legendary Queen Arawelo to the medieval empires of Ifat and Adal, Somali history is replete with tales of kings, warriors, poets, and adventurers who shaped the destiny of the Somali people. Despite periods of conflict and turmoil, Somalia has a resilient spirit that has endured through the ages, symbolized by the iconic Somali flag with its five-pointed star. Today, Somalia continues to strive for peace, stability, and prosperity, drawing strength from its rich historical heritage and cultural legacy.

    When did Somalia gain independence from Italy and Britain?
A) 1956
B) 1982
C) 1975
D) 1960
  • 2. Who was the first President of Somalia?
A) Abdirashid Ali Shermarke
B) Aden Abdullah Osman Daar
C) Siad Barre
D) Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
  • 3. What is the capital city of Somalia?
A) Bosaso
B) Hargeisa
C) Mogadishu
D) Kismayo
  • 4. Which foreign power colonized Somalia in the late 19th century?
A) Germany
B) France
C) Italy
D) Britain
  • 5. Who led the military coup that overthrew the Somali government in 1969?
A) Ali Mahdi Muhammad
B) Siad Barre
C) Abdirizak Haji Hussein
D) Mohamed Farrah Aidid
  • 6. What is the predominant religion in Somalia?
A) Islam
B) Christianity
C) Buddhism
D) Hinduism
  • 7. Which Somali region declared autonomy in 1998 and later formed the federal state of Jubaland?
A) Puntland
B) Hirshabelle
C) South West
D) Gedo
  • 8. Which country supported the Barre regime during the Ogaden War of 1977?
A) United States
B) China
C) United Kingdom
D) Soviet Union
  • 9. Who became the President of Somalia in 2017 after the 2016 presidential election?
A) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
B) Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed
C) Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
D) Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
  • 10. What was the name of the breakaway state in northern Somalia that declared independence in 1991?
A) Somaliland
B) Hirshabelle
C) Galmudug
D) Puntland
  • 11. What type of script is traditionally used to write the Somali language?
A) Arabic
B) Latin
C) Cyrillic
D) Osmanya
  • 12. Which famous ancient trade network passed through Somalia?
A) The Trans-Saharan Trade Route
B) The Spice Trade Route
C) The Incense Route
D) The Silk Road
  • 13. Which country took control of the northern part of Somalia in the late 19th century?
A) Italy
B) Germany
C) Britain
D) France
  • 14. What is the traditional nomadic lifestyle of many Somali people called?
A) Urbanism
B) Industrialism
C) Agriculture
D) Pastoralism
  • 15. What is the currency of Somalia?
A) Somali Dirham
B) Somali Peso
C) Somali Shilling
D) Somali Dinar
  • 16. Who was the Somali-born athlete dubbed the "Moor of Moscow" due to his success in the 1980 Olympics?
A) Abdi Bile
B) Mahieddine Mekhissi-Benabbad
C) Mohamed Suleiman
D) Mo Farah
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