Somalia
There is currently no accurate demographic data on Somalia's population. The last national census was conducted in 1975.
The provided figures are the most reliable available. However, these estimates may not accurately capture Somalia's nomadic communities, minority groups or the large internally displaced population.
Population 1
Language 2
| Northern Standard Somali (official) | 63.6% |
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| Maay Somali | 18.4% |
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| Benadiri Somali | 16.9% |
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| Mushunguli | 0.2% |
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| Arabic (official) | 0.1% |
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| Bajuni/Kibajuni Swahili | 0.1% |
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| Other | 0.01% |
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| (2021 est.) |
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| There are at least 11 languages spoken in Somalia. Estimates represent the languages most widely spoken as a first language. |
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Religion 1
| Sunni Muslim (official) | 98.1% |
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| Shia Muslim | 1.2% |
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| Islamic schismatic | 0.6% |
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| Ethno-religious minorities | 0.1% |
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| (2020 est.) |
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Ethnicity 3
| Somali (majority), including more than 500 clans and sub-clans | 85% |
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| Other minority ethnic groups, including: | 15% |
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- Arab
- Bantu (Gosha, Shabelle, Shidle, Boni)
- Benadiri/Reer Xamar
- Asharaf
- Bravanese
- Shekal
- Occupational caste groups
- Amaran
- Bajuni
- Ethno-religious minorities (Ashraf, Shekal, Christians)
|
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Somalis in Australia 4
These demographic statistics pertain to individuals in Australia who were born in Somalia, as reported in the 2021 Australian Housing and Population Census. The data specifically represents responses from first-generation migrants and does not encompass the total number of people in Australia who may identify as Somali.
Population
8,101
This figure does not account for individuals born in neighbouring African countries during displacement. The true number of Somali people in Australia is likely much higher.
Citizenship
| Australian citizen | 68.6% |
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| Not an Australian citizen | 29.8% |
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38
Gender
Religion
| Islam | 95.3% |
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| No Religion | 2.7% |
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| Catholic | 1.3% |
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| Other Religion | 0.6% |
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| Not Stated | 2.7% |
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Ancestry
| Somali | 83.7% |
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| English | 4.3% |
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| Australian | 2.5% |
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| Arab | 0.7% |
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These are the top ancestry responses of people born in Somalia. Respondents were able to provide up to two answers. Therefore, the sum of all ancestry responses exceeds the total number of people.
Language Spoken at Home
| Somali | 84.1% |
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| English | 6.5% |
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| Arabic | 2.8% |
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| Swahili | 0.5% |
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| Other Languages | 0.8% |
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Of those who speak a language other than English at home, 79.1% speak English fluently.
Diaspora
| Victoria | 53.0% |
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| Queensland | 17.1% |
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| Western Australia | 15.9% |
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| New South Wales | 10.4% |
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| Other | 3.6% |
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Year of Arrival
| Prior to 1991 | 3.0% |
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| 1991 - 2000 | 33.0% |
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| 2001 - 2010 | 28.5% |
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| 2011 - 2015 | 21.6% |
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| 2016 - 2021 | 10.3% |
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Australians with Somali Ancestry 5
18,401
This figure represents the total number of people in Australia who reported Somali ancestry in the 2021 Census, including individuals born in Australia, Somalia, and other countries. It captures the responses of first-, second-, and third-generation migrants who may identify as Somali, regardless of their place of birth.
