Somaliland: Political Risk

=Snapshot=

Somaliland is a breakaway, semi-desert territory on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, which declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991. Although it is not internationally recognised, the region has a working political system, government institutions, a police force and its own currency. The territory has lobbied hard to win support for its claim to be a sovereign state.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14115069

A Reuters article noted that while other East African countries have become a major hub of oil and gas exploration activity, Somalia has largely missed out due to instability born out of violent conflicts.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/30/somalia-exploration-somaliland-idUSL5E8LUDPU20121030

Development consultancy Adam Smith International also describes Somaliland as a "frontier economy" with slack capacity for investment, presenting a high risk, high return profile for investors.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development-professionals-network/adam-smith-international-partner-zone/adam-smith-international-somaliland-pro-poor-investment

=Indices=

GDP Per Capita - difficult to find, W Alpha says $298 for Somalia.

=References=