View source for Bosaso

{{Short description|City in Bari, Puntland}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Bosaso
| other_name         = بوصاصو
| native_name        = <small>''Boosaaso''</small>
| nickname           = 
| settlement_type    = City
| motto              = 
| image_skyline      = Bosacity.jpg
| imagesize          = 250px
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = 
| flag_size          = 
| image_seal         = 
| seal_size          = 
| image_map          = 
| mapsize            = 
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = Somalia#Horn of Africa#Africa
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Somalia##Location within the Horn of Africa##Location within Africa
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| coordinates        = {{coord|11|17|19|N|49|10|55|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Autonomous state
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Puntland}}
| subdivision_type1  = Region
| subdivision_name1  = [[Bari, Somalia|Bari]]
| subdivision_type2  = District
| subdivision_name2  = [[Bosaso District|Bosaso]]
| subdivision_type3  = 
| subdivision_name3  = 
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = Municipality
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Abdirahman Abdillahi jinac
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 18th century
| area_magnitude     = 
| unit_pref          = Metric
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 15
| elevation_ft       = 
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 30
| area_land_km2      = 
| population_as_of   = 2015
| population_footnotes = <ref name=cityfact/>
| population_note    = 
| population_total   = 235,000 
| population_density_km2 = 
| timezone           = [[East Africa Time|EAT]]
| utc_offset         = +3
| timezone_DST       = 
| utc_offset_DST     = 
| postal_code_type   = 
| postal_code        = 
| area_code          = 
| blank_name         = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info         = [[Desert climate#Hot desert climates|BWh]]
| website            = {{URL|bosasomunicipality.com}}
| name               = 
}}
'''Bosaso''' ({{langx|so|Boosaaso}}, {{langx|ar|بوصاصو}}), historically known as '''Bender Qassim''' is a city in the northeastern [[Bari, Somalia|Bari]] province (''[[Administrative divisions of Somalia|gobol]]'') of [[Somalia]]. It is the seat of the [[Bosaso District]]. Located on the southern coast of the [[Gulf of Aden]], the municipality serves as the region's commercial capital and is a major seaport within the regional state of [[Puntland]].<ref name="Bomundis">{{cite web|title=Bosaso Municipality - Districts|url=http://bosasomunicipality.com/districts|publisher=Bosaso Municipality|access-date=25 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202193210/http://bosasomunicipality.com/districts|archive-date=2 February 2015}}</ref>

The city has a diverse economy centred on education, government, banking, tourism, aviation, food, clothes, logistics, steel, energy, health care, hospitality, retail and technology. The area's many colleges and universities make it a regional hub of higher education, including law, medicine, engineering, business and entrepreneurship.<ref name="Bomundis"/>

==History==
{{main|Maritime history of Somalia}}
The ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' indicates that [[Ancient Greek]] merchants sailed to Bosaso, providing notes about the strategic and geographical location of the current Bosaso area, which was known as '''[[Mosylon]]''' in ancient times. <blockquote>About {{frac|3|1|2}} hours' walk from Bet Qasim, we came to Bander Kasin (also called by the Arabs: the native name is Bosaso), which was built about sixty years ago. The [[Kaptallah]] was considered as first settlers. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Internet History Sourcebooks Project: Ancient History |url=https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/periplus.asp |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=sourcebooks.fordham.edu}}</ref>{{fv|date=January 2024|reason=quote not in source}}</blockquote>
[[File:BosasoCity.jpg|thumb|left|Overview of Bosaso]]

For centuries the city was among the areas ruled by Dishiishe clan. <ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite book|title=La Migiurtinia Ed Il Territorio Del Nugál|pages=57}}</ref> later forming a part of [[Italian Somaliland]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fV5C-R1Jr_wC&q=The%2520Majeerteen%2520Sultanate%2520%28Migiurtinia%29%2520was%2520founded&pg=PT80|title=The World's Most Dangerous Place: Inside the Outlaw State of Somalia|last=Fergusson|first=James|date=2013-05-01|publisher=Da Capo Press|isbn=978-0306821585|language=en}}</ref> The town would eventually be administered through the official [[Bari, Somalia|Bari]] region in the post-independence period.

Bosaso's population is estimated at 700,000 residents. It is the third largest city in Somalia after Mogadishu and [[Hargeisa]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Bosaso, Somalia|year=2014|url=https://www.minneapolis.org/about-us/sister-cities/bosaso-somalia/| language=en-US}}</ref> While Bosaso is a melting pot, with residents hailing from all the major clans of [[Somalia]], most of its population is from the [[Harti]] confederation of [[Darod]] sub-clans.<ref name=":0"/>

Bosaso was previously known as Bandar Qasim, a name derived from a local trader of the same name who is said to have first settled in the area during the 14th century. It is believed that Qasim's favourite [[camel]] was called Boosaas, from which derived the current name of the town. The town was thus first called Bandar Qassim after its founder ("Qasim's town"), then later dubbed Bosaso after its founder's trusted camel. Historically, Bosaso has been a [[Harti]] stronghold, and evolved as a coastal town.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historical Background |url=http://biyokulule.com/Bosaso_history.htm |website=Biyokulule |access-date=Jan 19, 2024}}</ref>

Near Bosaso, at the end of the [[Baalade]] valley, lies a {{convert|2|to|3|km|mi|abbr=off|adj=mid|-long}} [[Earthworks (archaeology)|earthwork]].<ref name="Mheah">{{cite book|last=Hodd|first=Michael|title=East African Handbook|year=1994|publisher=Trade & Travel Publications|isbn=0844289833|page=640|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bL8tAQAAIAAJ}}</ref><ref name="Astgi">{{cite book|last=Ali|first=Ismail Mohamed|title=Somalia Today: General Information|year=1970|publisher=Ministry of Information and National Guidance, Somali Democratic Republic|page=295|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tMVAAAAAYAAJ}}</ref> Local tradition recounts that the massive embankment marks the grave of a community matriarch. It is the largest such structure in the wider Horn region.<ref name="Astgi"/><ref name=":0"/><ref name="Miles">S. B. Miles, ''On the Neighbourhood of Bunder Marayah'', Vol. 42, (Blackwell Publishing on behalf of The Royal Geographical Society (with the institute of British Geographers): 1872), p.61-63.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bile Dubbe |first1=Maxamuud |title=Taariikh Nololeedkii Ugaas Yassin Ugaas Cabdiraxmaan |url=http://www.somalitalk.com/2000/dec/ugaas.html |website=Somalitalk |access-date=January 1, 2002|language=so}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=International Labour Office|author2=League of Nations|title=Record of proceedings|publisher=International Labour Office|year=1956|page=249}}</ref><ref name="Hehbiy">[http://puntlandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ismail.pdf H. E. Hagi Bashir Ismail Yousuf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202161916/http://puntlandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ismail.pdf |date=2013-02-02 }}</ref>

==Geography==

===Location and habitat===
Bosaso is situated in northeastern Somalia, on the [[Gulf of Aden]] coast. Nearby settlements include to the east Rehiss ({{convert|2.0|nmi|km mi|round=0.5|abbr=in|order=out|disp=or}}), to the northeast [[Marero]] ({{convert|7.5|nmi|km mi|round=0.5|abbr=in|order=out|disp=or}}), to the west [[Baalade]] ({{convert|1.9|nmi|km mi|round=0.5|abbr=in|order=out|disp=or}}), to the southwest [[Laas Geel]] ({{convert|8.8|nmi|km mi|round=0.5|abbr=in|order=out|disp=or}}), to the south Lasgoriga ({{convert|11.2|nmi|km mi|round=0.5|abbr=in|order=out|disp=or}}), and to the southeast [[El Dhurre]] ({{convert|19.5|nmi|km mi|round=0.5|abbr=in|order=out|disp=or}}).<ref name="Frgbs">{{cite web|title=Boosaaso, Somalia|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/SO/03/Boosaaso.html|publisher=Falling Rain|access-date=31 May 2013}}</ref> The largest cities in the country most proximate to Bosaso are [[Erigavo]] ({{convert|212|km|mi|abbr=in|disp=or}}), [[Burao]] ({{convert|442|km|mi|abbr=in|disp=or}}), and [[Berbera]] ({{convert|465|km|mi|abbr=in|disp=or}}). [[Shimbiris]], the highest peak in Somalia, is located some {{convert|220|km|mi|abbr=in}} to the southwest in the [[Cal Madow]] mountain range.<ref name="Wfbbq">{{cite web|title=Bosaso (Bender Cassim)|url=http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Bosaso|publisher=Weather-Forecast|access-date=31 May 2013}}</ref>

In June 2014, the Puntland government launched a new tree-planting campaign in the state, with the regional Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism slated to plant 25,000 trees by the end of the year. Bosaso is among the seven cities and towns earmarked for the reforestation initiative, which also include [[Garowe]], [[Qardho]], [[Dhahar]], [[Buuhoodle]], [[Buraan|Baran]] and [[Galkayo]]. The campaign is part of a broader partnership between the Puntland authorities and EU to set up various environmental protection measures in the region, with the aim of promoting reforestation and afforestation.<ref name="Gswedcipgcftp">{{cite news|title=Somalia: World Environment Day celebrated in Puntland, Govt calls for tree plantation|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia-World-Environment-Day-celebrated-in-Puntland-Govt-calls-for-tree-plantation_printer.shtml|access-date=6 June 2014|agency=Garowe Online|date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220447/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia-World-Environment-Day-celebrated-in-Puntland-Govt-calls-for-tree-plantation_printer.shtml|archive-date=6 June 2014}}</ref>

{{wide image|COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Bedding van de rivier Balada in de omgeving van Bender Gasem TMnr 60027146.jpg |300px|align-cap=center|COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Bedding van de rivier Balada in de omgeving van Bender Gasem TMnr 60027146 (Eng; [[Baalade]] Valley near Bendergazim) photographed by [[Georges Revoil]] c. 1881}}

===Climate===
Bosaso has a [[hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh''). It has a mean annual [[Humidity|relative humidity]] of around 60%. The average daily mean temperature year-round is {{convert|30|C|F}}, with an average annual high of {{convert|35|C|F}} and an average annual low of {{convert|25|C|F}}. Average low temperatures are coolest during the winter months of December to February, when thermometer readings typically level out at {{convert|20|C|F}}. The weather slowly heats up in the spring, as the April rainy season begins. Average high temperatures later peak during the summer months of June to August, when they consistently exceed {{convert|40|C|F}}. Come September, cooler weather starts to set in again. Rainfall reaches a high over this period, with an average precipitation of {{convert|7|mm|in|abbr=in}} in November. Total rainfall year-round is around {{convert|19|mm|in|abbr=in}}.<ref name="Armb"/>

{{Weather box|location = Bosaso
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 38.5
|Feb record high C = 37.0
|Mar record high C = 38.5
|Apr record high C = 42.1
|May record high C = 45.0
|Jun record high C = 45.0
|Jul record high C = 45.2
|Aug record high C = 45.3
|Sep record high C = 44.7
|Oct record high C = 45.0
|Nov record high C = 36.0
|Dec record high C = 36.0
|year record high C = 45.3
|Jan high C = 29.0
|Feb high C = 30.0
|Mar high C = 31.0
|Apr high C = 34.0
|May high C = 37.0
|Jun high C = 41.0
|Jul high C = 41.0
|Aug high C = 40.0
|Sep high C = 39.0
|Oct high C = 33.0
|Nov high C = 30.0
|Dec high C = 29.0
|year high C = 35.0
|Jan mean C = 25.0
|Feb mean C = 25.0
|Mar mean C = 26.7
|Apr mean C = 28.8
|May mean C = 31.1
|Jun mean C = 35.6
|Jul mean C = 36.1
|Aug mean C = 35.6
|Sep mean C = 33.3
|Oct mean C = 27.8
|Nov mean C = 25.6
|Dec mean C = 25.6
|year mean C = 30.0
|Jan low C = 20.6
|Feb low C = 20.6
|Mar low C = 21.6
|Apr low C = 24.4
|May low C = 26.1
|Jun low C = 30.6
|Jul low C = 31.7
|Aug low C = 30.0
|Sep low C = 28.3
|Oct low C = 22.2
|Nov low C = 21.1
|Dec low C = 20.0
|year low C = 25.0
|Jan record low C = 12.5
|Feb record low C = 14.0
|Mar record low C = 15.0
|Apr record low C = 16.8
|May record low C = 19.0
|Jun record low C = 21.3
|Jul record low C = 23.0
|Aug record low C = 24.5
|Sep record low C = 21.3
|Oct record low C = 14.0
|Nov record low C = 11.5
|Dec record low C = 11.5
|year record low C = 11.5
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 0
|Feb rain mm = 0
|Mar rain mm = 1
|Apr rain mm = 3
|May rain mm = 3
|Jun rain mm = 0
|Jul rain mm = 0
|Aug rain mm = 0
|Sep rain mm = 0
|Oct rain mm = 2
|Nov rain mm = 7
|Dec rain mm = 3
|year rain mm = 19
|Jan humidity = 66
|Feb humidity = 68
|Mar humidity = 64
|Apr humidity = 64
|May humidity = 62
|Jun humidity = 48
|Jul humidity = 40
|Aug humidity = 48
|Sep humidity = 56
|Oct humidity = 70
|Nov humidity = 74
|Dec humidity = 71
|year humidity = 61
| Jan percentsun = 80
| Feb percentsun = 80
| Mar percentsun = 87
| Apr percentsun = 80
| May percentsun = 80
| Jun percentsun = 80
| Jul percentsun = 80
| Aug percentsun = 80
| Sep percentsun = 80
| Oct percentsun = 80
| Nov percentsun = 80
| Dec percentsun = 80
| year percentsun = 81
|source 1=Arab Meteorology Book<ref name="Armb">{{cite web|url=http://extras.springer.com/2007/978-1-4020-4577-6/Book_Shahin_ISBN_9781402045776_Appendix.pdf|title=Meteorological Data|date=May 2013|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072830/http://extras.springer.com/2007/978-1-4020-4577-6/Book_Shahin_ISBN_9781402045776_Appendix.pdf}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (extremes),<ref name = DWD>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_632100_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Bosaso (Bender Cassim) / Somalia
| work = Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| access-date = 22 October 2016}}</ref> Food and Agriculture Organization: Somalia Water and Land Management (percent sunshine)<ref name = faosun>
{{cite web
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005063105/http://sddr.faoswalim.org/downloads/Long%20Term%20Mean_Monthly__sunshine%20fraction.xls
| archive-date = 5 October 2016
| url =  http://sddr.faoswalim.org/downloads/Long%20Term%20Mean_Monthly__sunshine%20fraction.xls
| title = Long term mean monthly sunshine fraction in Somalia
| publisher = Food and Agriculture Organization
| access-date = 4 November 2016}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
[[File:Bosaso2009.JPG|thumb|A residential area in Bosaso]]
Reliable census and survey data on Bosaso are limited, but estimates from United Nations agencies and humanitarian assessments can be used to trace population changes in both the Bosaso District (administrative area) and the city of Bosaso (urban core).

The [[Bosaso District]] has experienced significant growth. According to a 2005 breakdown by UNDP/UN OCHA, Bosaso’s total population was 164,906—divided into 107,181 urban and 57,725 non-urban residents.<ref>{{cite report |title=POP-Rural & Urban 2005 |publisher=UNDP / United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) |year=2005 |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203029/https://docs.unocha.org/sites/dms/Somalia/UNDP-POP-RURAL-URBAN%202005.pdf |access-date=2025-10-13 |page= ? |quote=Bossaso total 164,906; urban 107,181; nonurban 57,725.}}</ref> The UNDP estimate thus indicates the urban share was roughly 65% of district population at that time. Later, the Population Estimation Survey of Somalia conducted by UNFPA and the Somali National Bureau of Statistics estimated Bosaso District’s population in 2013–2014 at 469,566.<ref>{{cite report |title=Population Estimation Survey of Somalia 2014 |publisher=UNFPA; Somali National Bureau of Statistics |year=2014 |url=https://somalia.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Population-Estimation-Survey-of-Somalia-PESS-2013-2014.pdf |access-date=2025-10-13}}</ref> Subsequent projections and compiled estimates placed the district’s population at about 615,000 by 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bosaso District population statistics |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/somalia/admin/bari/1601__boosaaso/ |publisher=CityPopulation |access-date=2025-10-13 |quote=OCHA-based 2019 projection.}}</ref> During the 2021–2022 drought crisis, the International Organization for Migration projected an influx of 52,471 internally displaced or drought-affected people entering Bosaso District.<ref>{{cite report |title=Somalia – Drought Analysis 2021–2022 |publisher=International Organization for Migration (IOM) |year=2022 |url=https://s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.sheltercluster.org/public/docs/iom_dtm_somalia_drought_analysis_01_2022.pdf |access-date=2025-10-13 |page=4 |quote=Projected influx of 52,471 individuals to Bosaso District.}}</ref>

The city of Bosaso has also seen considerable growth. In 2005, of the total 164,906 district residents, 107,181 were recorded as urban (i.e. residing in Bosaso town), giving an early estimate for the city core population.<ref>{{cite report |title=POP-Rural & Urban 2005 |publisher=UNDP / OCHA |year=2005 |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203029/https://docs.unocha.org/sites/dms/Somalia/UNDP-POP-RURAL-URBAN%202005.pdf |access-date=2025-10-13 |page= ? |quote=urban 107,181}}</ref> A 2009 UN-Habitat urban planning document estimated the city’s population at about 250,000, including approximately 45,000 internally displaced persons; these figures are referred to in the UNDP Bosaso City Strategy (2024).<ref name=undp2024>{{cite report |title=Bosaso City Strategy 2024 |publisher=United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |year=2024 |url=https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2025-03/undp-somalia-bosaso_city_strategy_2024.pdf |access-date=2025-10-13 |page=159 |quote=UN-Habitat estimated Bosaso’s population at 250,000 and IDPs at 45,000.}}</ref> By 2015, secondary statistical compilations listed the urban population at approximately 235,000.<ref name=cityfact>{{cite web |title=Boosaaso – Population |url=https://www.city-facts.com/boosaaso/population |publisher=City-Facts |access-date=2025-10-13}}</ref> Humanitarian assessments during the 2020s recorded a large displaced population. In April 2024, a UNHCR/CCCM site verification confirmed 116,740 internally displaced persons living in 22 sites across Bosaso.<ref>{{cite report |title=Somalia: Verified IDP Sites in Bossaso as at April 2024 |publisher=UNHCR / CCCM Cluster Somalia |date=2024-04-23 |url=https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/108143 |access-date=2025-10-13 |quote=22 IDP sites hosting 19,431 households (116,740 individuals).}}</ref> Some academic literature describes Bosaso as “one of the most populous towns in Puntland State, with a population of over 700,000 people.”<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Elmi |first1=Abdirahman |last2=Ali |first2=Hassan |last3=Farah |first3=Mohamed |last4=Salah |first4=Ahmed |title=Prevalence and Factors Associated with Malaria Among Adults Living in Bosaso-Somalia |journal=International Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering |volume=11 |issue=3 |year=2023 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374738531_Prevalence_and_Factors_Associated_with_Malaria_Among_Adults_Living_in_Bosaso-Somalia |access-date=2025-10-13 |quote=Bosaso is one of the most populous towns in Somalia's Puntland state, with a population of over 700,000 people.}}</ref>

In short that the district’s urban core had about 107,181 residents in 2005, that district population growth later took it to the 400–600 thousand range by the 2010s, and that estimates for the city’s population (excluding or including IDPs) range between ~235,000 and ~250,000 in the 2010s, though some unverified claims assert 700,000 or more.

Furthermore, Bosaso is a major port for boats carrying emigrants from within the country as well as adjacent territories across the [[Gulf of Aden]] to settle (sometimes illegally) in the [[Persian Gulf]] states.<ref name="bottle">{{cite news | url= http://reliefweb.int/node/243196 | title= Somalia's port of Bosaso: bottleneck of East Africa's misery | publisher=Reliefweb | author= Lucie Peytermann | date= September 12, 2007 | access-date=February 22, 2012}}</ref>

While Bosaso today is a melting pot, with residents hailing from many different parts of Somalia, most of the city's population is from [[Dishiishe]], [[Majeerteen]], [[Warsangeli]] and other [[Harti]]  groups of [[Darod]]. The city is also home to newly arrived [[Internally displaced person|IDPs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bringing school closer to internally displaced children in Bosaaso |url=https://somalia.un.org/en/226965-bringing-school-closer-internally-displaced-children-bosaaso |publisher=Somalia.un.org |access-date=February 5, 2024}}</ref><ref>The Weekly Review, p. 40.</ref><ref name="LPR">[http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Newsletters/peace.html Life & Peace Review, Vol. 8, No. 4, 04/94]</ref>

==Municipality==
[[File:Bosasohorizon.jpg|thumb|right|170px|The Bosaso horizon]]
Bosaso city affairs are managed by the Bosaso Municipality, its leadership is appointed by members of the area's 29 District Councilors. The municipal authority is currently led by Mayor [[Abdisalam Bashiir Abdisalam]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.halbeeg.com/2018/09/06/abdisalam-bashir-elected-as-bossaso-mayor/|title = Abdisalam Bashir elected as Bossaso mayor|date = 6 September 2018}}</ref> who succeeded [[Yasin Mire Mohamud]]<ref>[http://www.villapuntland.com/?p=15257 Somalia: Second session of Boosaaso local council officially opened today]</ref> who himself succeeded [[Hassan Abdallah Hassan]] in office.<ref name="Spbengm">[http://www.raadreeb.com/2011/09/09/bosaso-district-council-elects-new-mayor/ Bosaso District Council Elects New Mayor] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527035939/http://raadreeb.com/2011/09/09/bosaso-district-council-elects-new-mayor/ |date=2012-05-27 }}</ref>

Each of the city's various districts also has its own municipal sub-authorities, complete with a mayor and civil servants.<ref name="Bomundis"/>

==Economy==
Bosaso is a city that is experiencing rapid growth. Prior to the Somali civil war, it had a population of under 50,000 inhabitants. Since the conflict, Somalis belonging to the Harti Darod sub-clans began migrating back to their ancestral areas of [[Puntland]].<ref name="GARW">{{cite web |url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Editorial_29/Somalia_President_Farole_the_Pride_of_Puntland_Editorial.shtml |title=President Farole - the Pride of Puntland |publisher=Garoweonline.com |date=2010-05-12 |access-date=2010-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619122328/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Editorial_29/Somalia_President_Farole_the_Pride_of_Puntland_Editorial.shtml |archive-date=2010-06-19 }}</ref> As a consequence of these migrations, Bosaso's population and the local housing industry have grown tremendously.
[[File:Amalbanpun.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Amal Express|Amal Bank]] branch in Bosaso]]

In December 2011, a new commercial market opened in Bosaso's northern Dayaha ("Star") neighborhood, near the port. Approximately {{convert|1/2|km|yd|spell=in}} in size, it was designed to ensure easy vehicle access. The market is the result of careful planning between Puntland government officials and civil society representatives.<ref name="Gnmoib">{{cite news|title=Somalia: New market opens in Bossaso|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Wararka_19/Somalia_New_market_opens_in_Bossaso.shtml|access-date=13 November 2012|newspaper=Garowe Online|date=14 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005001933/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Wararka_19/Somalia_New_market_opens_in_Bossaso.shtml|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> In September 2013, Puntland Minister of Fisheries Mohamed Farah Adan also announced that the Ministry in conjunction with the FAO would open a new fish market in the city, complete with modern refrigerators.<ref name="Sptomts">{{cite news|title=Somalia: Puntland to open maritime training schools|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_to_open_maritime_training_schools_printer.shtml|access-date=4 October 2013|newspaper=Garowe Online|date=10 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220417/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_to_open_maritime_training_schools_printer.shtml|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

Bosaso is home to [[Golis Telecom Somalia]], the largest [[telecommunications]] operator in northeastern Somalia. Founded in 2002 with the objective of supplying the country with GSM mobile services, [[fixed line]] and [[Internet service provider|internet services]], it has an extensive network that covers all of the nation's major cities and more than 40 districts in both Puntland and [[Somaliland]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Golis Telecom Somalia Profile | publisher = Golis Telecom website | url = http://www.golistelecom.com/about_g.htm | access-date = 2007-12-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071022212418/http://golistelecom.com/about_g.htm | archive-date = October 22, 2007 }}</ref> According to ''[[The Economist]]'', Golis offers one of the cheapest international calling rates on the planet, at US$0.2 less than anywhere else in the world.<ref>{{cite news | title = Somalia calling; Mobile phones.(Golis Telecom Somalia) | newspaper = Economist | url = http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5328015 | access-date = 2005-12-20| date=2005-12-20}}</ref> In addition, [[Netco (Somalia)|Netco]] has its headquarters in the city. Other telecommunication firms serving the region include [[Telcom (Somalia)|Telcom]] and [[NationLink Telecom|NationLink]].

In September 2013, Puntland Deputy Minister of Environment Burhan Elmi Hirsi also announced a plan by the Puntland government to establish a [[Natural-gas processing|gas manufacturing plant]] in Bosaso. The new project is part of a broader campaign by the Puntland environmental authorities to avert deforestation and promote alternative sources of fuel.<ref name="Spronmtad">{{cite news|title=Somalia: Puntland rolls out new measures to avert deforestation|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_rolls_out_measures_to_avert_deforestation_printer.shtml|access-date=4 October 2013|newspaper=Garowe Online|date=6 September 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Bosascem2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Cement]] making machines on the outskirts of Bosaso]]

The [[Hafun Fishing Company]] was established in 1992 in Bosaso.<ref name="Hfc">{{cite web|title=Hafun Fishing Company|url=http://hafunfishing.com/about.htm|access-date=5 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154013/http://hafunfishing.com/about.htm|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="Hfhf">{{cite web|title=Hafun Fishing|url=http://www.hotfrog.co.uk/Companies/Hafun-Fishing|publisher=Hotfrog|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> It was named after the northeastern port town of [[Hafun]], where HFC also has an office. The firm exports a wide range of fish products, which it mainly sends to partners in the Middle East. The company is exploring additional global markets for its fish goods. It also maintains commercial interests in Puntland's housing market, which are represented by the firm's growing local real estate sales and development division.<ref name="Hfc"/>

Additionally, the [[Bosaso Tannery]] is based in the city. A ten-year-old manufacturing, distributing, wholesale and import/export company, it processes wet salted, dry salted, wet blue, limed, pickled, and air/frame dried [[sheep]] and [[goat]] hides and skin.<ref name="Itcbt">{{cite web|title=Bosaso Tannery|url=http://legacy.intracen.org/dbms/leather/Contact.Asp?DS=HS&CG=G10&CD=&PD=&ID=20253|publisher=International Trade Centre|access-date=21 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103065945/http://legacy.intracen.org/dbms/leather/Contact.Asp?DS=HS&CG=G10&CD=&PD=&ID=20253|archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref> Principle wet blue exports are to Turkey, Pakistan, India and China.<ref name="Itcbt"/> Raw [[camel]] hides and sheep and goat skin are also exported to the United Arab Emirates.<ref name="Gbbt">{{cite web|title=Bosaso Tannery|url=http://gulfbusiness.tradeholding.com/default.cgi/action/viewcompanies/companyid/427154/|publisher=Gulf Business|access-date=22 August 2013}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:Bosasairp.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Bender Qassim International Airport]] in 2007, prior to renovations]]
Bosaso is traversed by a {{convert|750|km|mi|adj=on}} north–south highway. It connects major cities in the northern part of the country, such as [[Galkayo]] and [[Garowe]], with towns in the south.<ref name="Tfohdio">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130223041615/http://www.waayaha.net/view.php?articleid=7880 The First 100 Days in Office]}}</ref> In June 2012, the [[Puntland Highway Authority]] (PHA) launched an upgrade and repair project on the large thoroughfare between Bosaso and Garowe.<ref name="Ptubgh">{{cite news|title=Puntland to upgrade Bosaso-Garowe highway|url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/06/28/newsbrief-07|access-date=6 November 2012|newspaper=Sabahi|date=28 June 2012}}</ref> The transportation body also began rehabilitation work in October 2012 on the central artery linking the city with [[Qardho]].<ref name="Ptrbqr">{{cite news|title=Puntland to rehabilitate Bosaso-Qardo road|url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/10/22/newsbrief-07|access-date=6 November 2012|newspaper=Sabahi|date=22 October 2012}}</ref> Additionally, plans are in the works to construct new roads connecting littoral towns in the region to the [[Garowe–Bosaso Highway|main highway]].<ref name="Ptubgh"/> In June 2014, Puntland President [[Abdiweli Mohamed Ali]] along with Bosaso Mayor [[Hassan Abdallah Hassan]] and other state officials also inaugurated a new {{convert|5.9|km|mi|adj=on}} paved road in the city. The construction project leads to the Bosaso seaport, and was completed in conjunction with UNHABITAT. According to Ali, his administration plans to invest at least 23 million Euros in contributions from international partners in similar road infrastructure development initiatives.<ref name="Gsppinpribpc">{{cite news|title=Somalia: Puntland President inaugurates new paved road in Bossaso Port City|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia-Puntland-President-inaugurates-new-paved-road-in-Bossaso-Port-City_printer.shtml|access-date=2 June 2014|agency=Garowe Online|date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605061237/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia-Puntland-President-inaugurates-new-paved-road-in-Bossaso-Port-City_printer.shtml|archive-date=5 June 2014}}</ref>

The city has a major [[seaport]], the [[Port of Bosaso]]. It was constructed during the mid-1980s by the [[Siad Barre]] administration for annual livestock shipments to the [[Middle East]]. In January 2012, a renovation project was launched, with KMC contracted to upgrade the Bosaso Port's harbor. The initiative's first phase saw the clean-up of unwanted materials from the dockyard and was completed within the month. The second phase involves the reconstruction of the port's adjoining seabed, with the objective of accommodating larger ships.<ref name="Gsbprcfp">{{cite news|title=Somalia: Bossaso port renovation project completes first phase|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Bossaso_port_renovation_project_completes_first_phase.shtml|access-date=13 November 2012|newspaper=Garowe Online|date=29 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223051400/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Bossaso_port_renovation_project_completes_first_phase.shtml|archive-date=23 February 2013}}</ref>

Besides its busy seaport, Bosaso has a major airport, the [[Bender Qassim International Airport]]. In 2008, the Puntland government signed a multimillion-dollar deal with [[Dubai]]'s Lootah Group, a regional industrial group operating in the Middle East and Africa. According to the agreement, the first phase of the investment is worth [[United Arab Emirates dirham|Dhs]]170m ([[United States dollar|$]]46.28m) and will see a set of new companies established to operate, manage and build Bosaso's free trade zone and sea and airport facilities. The Bosaso Airport Company is slated to develop the airport complex to meet international standards, including a new {{convert|3.4|km|mi|adj=on}} runway, main and auxiliary buildings, taxi and apron areas, and security perimeters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ameinfo.com/176786.html |title=Government of Punt Land State of Somalia, Lootah Investment sign strategic agreements worth Dhs170m |publisher=Ameinfo.com |access-date=2010-12-30}}</ref> In December 2014, the foundation stone for a new runway was also laid at the airport. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is now slated to upgrade the airport's existing gravel runway, pave it with asphalt, and convert it from {{convert|1.8|to|2.65|km|mi|abbr=in}} in accordance with the code 4C operations clause.<ref name="Spplfsfbar">{{cite news|title=Somalia: Puntland President lays foundation stone for Bossaso airport runway|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/page/show/post/1112/somalia-puntland-president-lays-foundation-stone-for-bossaso-airport-runway|access-date=4 December 2014|agency=Garowe Online|date=4 December 2014|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709015707/https://www.garoweonline.com/page/show/post/1112/somalia-puntland-president-lays-foundation-stone-for-bossaso-airport-runway|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Eaubosaso2.jpg|thumb|right|Entrance to [[East Africa University]]'s Bosaso campus]]
Bosaso has a number of academic institutions. According to the Puntland Ministry of Education, there are 74 primary schools in the [[Bosaso District]]. Among these are the Iftin School, Alfurqan, Umul-Qura and Garisa.<ref name="Moepps">{{cite web|title=Puntland - Primary schools|url=http://www.moepuntland.com/primary/|publisher=Ministry of Education of Puntland|access-date=26 May 2013}}</ref> Secondary schools in the area include Hamdan, Shafi'i, [[Ughaz]] Yasin, Najah, Bosaso and Haji Yasin.<ref name="Moepss">{{cite web|title=Puntland - Secondary schools|url=http://www.moepuntland.com/secondary/|publisher=Ministry of Education of Puntland|access-date=26 May 2013}}</ref>

Tertiary education is provided by Bosaso College (BC),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bosasocollege.com |title=Bosaso College |publisher=Bosasocollege.com |access-date=2008-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014060954/http://bosasocollege.com/ |archive-date=2008-10-14 }}</ref> as well as the Puntland Nursing Institute (PNI). [[East Africa University]] (EAU) also has a Bosaso branch, one of its seven campuses in Puntland.<ref name="Mdl">{{cite web|title=A programme for improving governance, leadership and management capacity of the three health authorities in Somalia|url=http://gallery.mailchimp.com/8f102acd5706302123896fceb/files/Governance_Leadership_and_Management_Programme_for_Somalia.doc|publisher=Mannion Daniels Limited|access-date=20 June 2013}}</ref> Additionally, the Sam Greathouse School of Modern Technology (SG-SMT) has been working with the local government to construct a large scale dial-up network linking Bosaso to other northern Somali cities, including [[Berbera]] and [[Las Anod]].{{fact|date=August 2025}}

==Panorama==
{{wide image|Bosaatnight.jpg|800px|align-cap=center|Bosaso panorama at dusk}}
{{wide image|Bosasocityview.jpg|800px|align-cap=center|Bosaso cityscape}}

==Tourist attractions==

[[Biyo Kulule]] is a hot spring located southeast of the city, {{convert|7|km|mi}} outside the city.

[[Mareero]] located ({{convert|25|km|mi}} eastern direction of Bosaso, it is known for its white sand beach.

Ga'a, Laag, [[Karin, Somalia|Karin]], [[Yalho]] are considered as places to visit.

<gallery mode=packed heights="250px" style="text-align:left">
Angle_view_of_Biyo_Kulule.jpg|Biyo Kulule
Mareero Beach.jpg|Mareero Beach
</gallery>

==Media==
Bosaso is home to a number of private media outlets. Radio Daljir, Puntland's largest radio station, has its main headquarters in the city. The broadcaster's network of seven FM transmitters reaches most of Puntland as well as part of the neighboring [[Galmudug]] region to the south. Also centered in Bosaso with its studios in Garowe is the [[Somali Broadcasting Corporation]] (SBC), Puntland's oldest and second largest private radio station. Additionally, [[Horseed Media|Horseed Radio]], Al Xigma, and One Nation Radio have headquarters in the city.<ref name="Tsaobm">{{cite book|last=Planning and Statistics Department, Puntland Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation|title=The Statistical Abstract of Bosaso Municipality|year=2006|publisher=Bosaso Municipal Council|page=58}}</ref> In May 2013, Radio Garowe likewise launched a new FM station in Bosaso.<ref name="Srglnfmsib">{{cite news|title=Somalia: Radio Garowe launches new FM station in Bossaso|url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Radio_Garowe_launches_new_FM_station_in_Bossaso_printer.shtml|access-date=25 May 2013|newspaper=Garowe Online|date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105070102/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Radio_Garowe_launches_new_FM_station_in_Bossaso_printer.shtml|archive-date=5 November 2013}}</ref>

The city also has its own private television channels and studios, the [[Eastern Television Network]] (ETN TV) and SBC TV.<ref name="Tsaobm"/>

==Districts==
Bosaso is subdivided into 16 administrative villages{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}.

==Sister cities==
On 12 August 2016 Mayor [[Yasin Mire Mohamud]] of Bosaso and Mayor [[Betsy Hodges]] of Minneapolis jointly signed the memorandum of understanding that formalizes the Sister City relationship, the agreement was previously approved by Minneapolis council later embraced by Bosaso local council.
{| class="wikitable" "text-align:left;font-size:100%;"|
|-
! style="background:#39e; color:white; height:17px; width:120px;"| Country
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| City
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|-
|! !| {{Flag|United States}}
|! !| [[File:Minneapolis seal.png|25px]] [[Minneapolis]]<ref name="Mccanscis">{{cite news|title=Minneapolis City Council Approves New Sister City In Somalia|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/10/10/minneapolis-city-council-approves-new-sister-city-in-somalia/|access-date=10 October 2014|agency=CBS|date=10 October 2014}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
* [[Garowe-Bosaso Highway]]
* [[Somali Architecture]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{Cite periodical
  |periodical= The Weekly Review
  | publisher = Stellascope Ltd.
  | year = 1993
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=GbJIAAAAYAAJ
  | access-date = 2010-03-24| title = The Weekly Review
 }}
* [http://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-4556869&fid=5776&c=somalia Bosaso - Coordinates]

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150202193210/http://bosasomunicipality.com/districts Bosaso Municipality]
* [https://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-4556933&fid=5779&c=somalia, Bosaso, Somalia]

{{Geographic location
| Centre = Bosaso
| North = [[Gulf of Aden]]
| Northeast = Rehiss
| East = [[Marero]]
| Southeast = Gaaca
| South = Baalade
| Southwest = Qaw
| West = [[Baalade]]
| Northwest = Baalade
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bosaso| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Bari, Somalia]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Somalia]]
[[Category:Gulf of Aden]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Africa]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in the Arabian Peninsula]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 1400s]]