Puntland << POONT land >> is a region in eastern Africa, on the northeast corner of the horn of Africa. It is internationally recognized as part of the country of Somalia. However, the region broke away from Somalia during a civil war in 1991 and declared itself an autonomous (self-governing) state in 1998. Puntland has an elected president and parliament. It does not seek full independence from Somalia. Instead, its aim is to have a high degree of control over its own affairs within a reunified Somalia.
Almost all the inhabitants of Puntland are Muslims and speak the Somali language. The land is dry and rugged. Most people make their living by raising camels, sheep, and goats for domestic needs as well as for export to the Middle East. A small fishing industry is centered in Boosaaso. Garoowe (also spelled Garowe) is Puntland’s capital.
Modern Puntland takes its name from an ancient region called Punt. In ancient Egypt, Punt was known as the land of the fragrant substances called frankincense and myrrh. Today, people in Puntland still gather incense materials for use in religious ceremonies and perfuming laundry, and for sale overseas.
See also Somalia.
