Mogadishu, locally called Xamar or Hamar, is the capital and largest city of Somalia, situated just north of the Equator on the Indian Ocean. The city has ancient roots dating back to the 10th century when it became one of the first Arab settlements on the East African coast. Over the centuries, Mogadishu grew into an important port for trade across the Somali Sea, connecting with Arab, Persian, and later Portuguese traders. In 1871, the city came under the rule of the Sultan of Zanzibar.

It is the closest mainland city to the Seychelles, located 835 miles across the Somali Sea. The city is part of the Banaadir region, which borders Hirshabelle to the north and South West State to the southwest. Unlike other regions in Somalia, Banaadir is both a municipality and a region.

Mogadishu’s history is rich, stretching from the ancient Zengisa Acra polity to the Muzaffar dynasty in the Middle Ages, followed by the Ajuran Sultanate and the Geledi-Qais alliance in later periods. Colonial rule began in the 1880s, with Italian treaties leading to eventual direct governance by Italy after 1906. The city later experienced British military control after World War II, before becoming part of the United Nations Trust Territory in the 1950s, paving the way for Somalia's independence in 1960.

• Population: Mogadishu’s population is estimated to be around 3.79 million people in 2024, covering a land area of 49 square miles (127 square kilometres).Population Density: The city has a high population density, with an average of 77,000 people per square mile (29,900 per square kilometre).
• Government: A transitional government was first established in 2000, with Abdulkassim Salat Hassan appointed as president. However, a formal greement to create a new parliament wasn’t reached until 2004.
• Education: Somalia continues to face challenges in education, with low enrolment rates. More males are enrolled than females, with 14–38% of males in education compared to 9–27% of females. The gender gap becomes more significant at higher education levels. The literacy rate for women aged 15-24 is currently around 28%.
• Economy: The city is gradually rebuilding its economy. With the establishment of the First Somali Bank, a fully functional bank, Mogadishu is seeing steady economic growth and development.

The Federal Government of Somalia was established on 20 August 2012, marking the end of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and creating the first permanent central government since the Somali Civil War. Based in Mogadishu, the Federal Government operates the executive branch, while the Federal Parliament of Somalia serves as the legislative branch.

Mogadishu's municipal government is led by Yusuf Hussein Jimaale, who continues his role as mayor in 2024. Under his administration, Mogadishu has undergone several development initiatives aimed at rebuilding the city's infrastructure and services. These include a $150 million urban renewal project, which focuses on improving waste management, establishing modern garbage disposal and incineration plants, and enhancing the city’s overall cleanliness through a citywide cleanup initiative.

Other major projects include the construction of new asphalt and cement plants, the renovation of the Town Hall and key government buildings, and the expansion of healthcare facilities. The Somali Armed Forces have also seen the establishment of a Police Training Centre and a permanent base in Jasiira. Additionally, the administration has improved access to national identity cards and continues to upgrade public playgrounds across several districts.

International diplomatic presence is growing in Mogadishu, with numerous embassies and consulates reopening or being established. The EU Delegation office was reopened, and more embassies from European Union member states are planned. Relations with the United States have strengthened, with plans for a new US embassy in the city. These diplomatic developments signal Mogadishu's ongoing recovery and its role in regional and international affairs.

Mogadishu has long been a key commercial and financial hub in Somalia, with its economy continuing to expand significantly since the city's pacification in 2011. The reopening of the SomalFruit processing factory and the refurbishment of the local Coca-Cola factory were among the first signs of economic recovery. In 2012, First Somali Bank became the first commercial bank to open in southern Somalia since 1991, marking a major milestone in the city’s financial rejuvenation. The opening of the first dollar store by Somali civil engineer Nasra Agil was another significant step in Mogadishu’s growing retail sector.

The real estate sector has seen remarkable growth, partly driven by the establishment of a construction yard in 2012 by the Municipality of Istanbul and the Turkish Red Crescent, which produces materials for building projects across the city. Investments in infrastructure, such as TEDx entrepreneurial conferences, have also showcased new business opportunities, attracting both Somali and international investors. By 2024, new businesses and projects, including the city’s first dry cleaning business in years, continue to flourish.

Several major firms are headquartered in Mogadishu, including  Hormuud Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in southern and central Somalia, and Telcom, another key provider. The Somali Energy Company supplies electric power to the city’s residents and businesses, while Villa and Mansion Architects, founded by Somali-British architect Alexander Yusuf, operates from its regional office in Mogadishu.

The International Bank of Somalia, established in 2014, offers Islamic finance and international banking services. To boost foreign investment, the Somali government introduced a new investment law in 2013, creating a secure framework for investors.

Real estate projects, like the seven-storey Tawakal Plaza Mogadishu, are reshaping the city’s skyline, featuring a supermarket, luxury hotel, restaurant, and conference facilities. Retailers like Nabaad Supermarket continue to offer a wide range of products, sourced mainly from the UAE and China. The Al Buruuj firm launched the Daru-Salam City real estate project in 2015, further boosting Mogadishu’s modernisation and economic growth.

Roads: The road network in Mogadishu connects the city to other regions in Somalia and neighbouring countries. The city’s layout features grid-like streets that support both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Major upgrades, such as the 23-kilometre road leading to the airport, have been completed in recent years. This project, a joint effort between Somali and Turkish engineers, was part of a broader initiative to modernise all of Mogadishu’s roads, with the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency playing a key role in citywide cleaning and road maintenance efforts. In addition, solar-powered street lights have been installed across Mogadishu’s major roads, improving night-time visibility.

Public Transport: Minibuses remain the most common form of public transport in Mogadishu, with auto rickshaws also being popular for shorter commutes. The taxi industry has expanded in recent years, with services like Mogadishu Taxi and City Taxi offering affordable rides across the city. A citywide street naming and postal code system has also been implemented, improving navigation and security.

Airport: Aden Adde International Airport has seen significant improvements since its reopening. A new terminal was opened in 2015, allowing the airport to handle up to 1,000 passengers per hour. Airlines such as Jubba Airways, Daallo Airlines, and Turkish Airlines now operate flights to key domestic and international destinations, including Djibouti, Jeddah, and Istanbul. The Somali government is also working on reviving the national carrier, Somali Airlines, further boosting the country’s aviation sector.

Port: The Port of Mogadishu, the largest harbour in Somalia, has undergone a major rehabilitation. A modernisation project, involving international partners like Alpha Logistics and Al-Bayrak, has helped restore the port’s operations. The port is now crucial for trade and economic growth, handling a wide range of goods and services.