Demographics of Somalia

This 2002 CIA map shows the distribution of Somali clan populations: Hawiye (25%), Isaaq (22%), Darod (20%), Rahanweyn (17%), Dir (7%), Digil (3%), and ethnic minorities (6%)

Somali clan refers to the clan grouping of the Somali people. It is an important social unit and clan membership continues to play an important part in their Somali culture and politics. Clans are patrilineal and are often divided into sub-clans, sometimes with many sub-divisions.

In traditional Somali society, marriage was often to someone from another clan, ie exogamy, but during the recent conflict in Somalia this seems to have become the exception rather than the rule.

Major clans

There is no clear agreement on the clan and sub-clan structures. The divisions and subdivisions as here given are partial and simplified. Many lineages are omitted. (For a comparison of different views on the clan-lineage-structures see Worldbank, Conflict in Somalia p. 56.)

The two clans are classed as Samaale:

• Dir - 7%
  • subclans include the Ciise (Issa), Gadabuursi (Gudubiirsi), Biimaal, Suure, Fiqi Muxumed, Qubeys, Gurguure, Baadimaal, Gadsan, Akiisho, Madigaan, Gariire, Guure, Dabruube, Layiile, Wardaay, Gudubiirsi, and Biimaal.

• Hawiye - 22%
  • subclans Wacdaan, Wadalaan, Ajuuraan, Murale, Baadicadde, Abgaal, Murusade and Habar Gidir.

• Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak) - 20%
  • subclans Habar Awal, Arap, Garhajis, Habar Tol Jaalo, Tol Jaalo, and Ayoub.

• Darod - 25%
  • Majeerteen, Mareexaan, Warsangeli, Dhulbahante, Awrtable, Ogaadeen, and Leelkase.

• Digil - 3%
  • Geledi, Tunni, Dabare, Bagadi, and Garre.

• Rahanweyn - 17%
  • Leysaan, Xariin, Hadame, Eelaay, Jiroon, Luwaay and Jilible sections. All of these sub-clans belong to larger Mirifle clan.

• Minorities / Others - 6%
  • Tumaal, Madhibaan, Yibir, Eeyle, Yaxar, Ogeyslabe

See also

• Somali people
• Culture of Somalia
• Clan

References

• Somalia Tribal Study, 2005
• Victims and Vulnerable Groups in Southern Somalia
• Country Information and Policy Unit, Home Office, Great Britain, Somalia Assessment 2001, Annex B: Somali Clan Structure, [1]
• Worldbank, Conflict in Somalia: Drivers and Dynamics, January 2005, Appendix 2, Lineage Charts, [2]
• Laitin, David D. and Said S. Samatar, Somalia: Nation in Search of a State, Colorado:Westview Press, 1987. ISBN 0-86531-555-8.