South West State of Somalia | |
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![]() Location of the South West State within Somalia | |
Capital | Barawe (de jure) Baidoa (de facto) |
Largest city | Baidoa |
Official languages | Af-May, Arabic, English language |
Ethnic groups | Somali Rahanweyn |
Religion | Islam |
Demonym(s) | Somali |
Government | |
Abdiaziz Laftagareen | |
Establishment | |
• Established | 13 November 2002 |
Area | |
• Total | 98,863 km2 (38,171 sq mi) (3rd state of somalia) |
Population | |
• 2022 estimate | 6,387,355 |
GDP (PPP) | 2018 estimate |
• Total | 5,895,765 |
HDI (2012) | 0.2 low |
Currency | Somali shilling |
Calling code | +252 |
Internet TLD | .so |
The South-West State of Somalia (Somali: Dawlad Goboleedka Koonfur Galbeed ee Soomaaliya, Af-May: Koofur Orsy), is a Federal Member State in southwestern Somalia. It was founded by Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud, leader of the Somalia RRA on 1 April 2002.[1][2] It was the third autonomous region to be established.
After its dissolution in 2005, the territory was re-established in November 2009 as an official federal member state of Somalia. Abdiaziz Laftagareen was selected the president of this state. The official capital of South-West state is Barawa, located on the coast of the Somali Sea, though the state administration is currently based in Baidoa.[3]