# Somaliland shilling

> official currency of the Republic of Somaliland

**Wikidata**: [Q737384](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q737384)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somaliland_shilling)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/somaliland-shilling

## Summary
The Somaliland shilling (SOS) is the official currency of the Republic of Somaliland, a de facto independent state in the Horn of Africa that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks formal international recognition.

## Key Facts
- The Somaliland shilling is the official currency of the Republic of Somaliland.
- It is issued by the Bank of Somaliland, the central bank of Somaliland.
- The currency also utilizes a mobile money service called ZAAD.
- The Bank of Somaliland operates the official website at https://bankofsomaliland.net/.
- The currency was established on October 18, 1994.
- It is classified as a unit of currency under the identifier `/m/04jscp`.
- The currency has specific monetary values: 0.00013 and 0.0016 (exact meaning unspecified).
- The currency is represented by images including "Somaliland Shillings.jpg" and "500 Somaliland Shillings notes.jpg".
- It belongs to the category "Banknotes of Somaliland".
- The currency has a sitelink count of 39 on Wikipedia.

## FAQs
**What is the Somaliland shilling?**
The Somaliland shilling (SOS) is the official currency of the Republic of Somaliland, a de facto independent state in the Horn of Africa.

**When was the Somaliland shilling established?**
The Somaliland shilling was established on October 18, 1994, by the Bank of Somaliland.

**Who issues the Somaliland shilling?**
The Bank of Somaliland, the central bank of Somaliland, issues the Somaliland shilling.

**What is the relationship between the Somaliland shilling and other currencies?**
The Somaliland shilling operates as the official currency of Somaliland, separate from the Somali shilling used in the rest of Somalia, and is used alongside the mobile money service ZAAD.

**What are the characteristics of the Somaliland shilling?**
The Somaliland shilling is represented by banknotes with images like "Somaliland Shillings.jpg" and "500 Somaliland Shillings notes.jpg", and is categorized under "Banknotes of Somaliland".

## Why It Matters
The Somaliland shilling represents a critical example of economic sovereignty for an unrecognized state. As the official currency of Somaliland, it functions as a symbol of the de facto independent state's self-governance and economic autonomy. The establishment of its own currency and central bank demonstrates Somaliland's attempt to create functional institutions separate from Somalia, despite lacking international recognition. The currency facilitates trade and economic activity within the region while serving as a marker of the state's identity and persistence in the international system.

## Notable For
- **Currency of an Unrecognized State**: The Somaliland shilling is the official currency of a de facto independent state that has not gained formal recognition from any United Nations member state.
- **Operates Independent Central Bank**: The Bank of Somaliland issues and manages the Somaliland shilling, establishing a functional monetary system separate from the rest of Somalia.
- **Monetary System in Conflict Zone**: The currency operates in a region characterized by political instability and territorial disputes, demonstrating economic resilience.
- **Mobile Money Integration**: The Somaliland shilling system incorporates ZAAD as a key financial instrument alongside traditional banknotes.
- **Longevity of De Facto Currency**: The currency has been in use since 1994, supporting the economic activities of Somaliland despite international non-recognition.

## Body
### History and Establishment
The Somaliland shilling was established on October 18, 1994, by the Bank of Somaliland, the central banking authority of Somaliland. This followed the declaration of independence by Somaliland from Somalia on May 18, 1991. The currency represents the de facto independent state's attempt to create its own economic system separate from the rest of Somalia.

### Monetary System and Issuance
The Somaliland shilling is issued by the Bank of Somaliland, which operates the official website at https://bankofsomaliland.net/. The currency is represented by banknotes including denominations like 500 Somaliland Shillings notes, as indicated by the images "Somaliland Shillings.jpg" and "500 Somaliland Shillings notes.jpg". The currency has specific monetary values documented as 0.00013 and 0.0016, though the exact meaning of these values is not specified in the source material.

### Relationship with Financial Institutions
The Bank of Somaliland serves as the central authority for the Somaliland shilling, managing monetary policy and ensuring the stability of the currency. The bank operates alongside the mobile money service ZAAD, which provides an additional financial instrument for economic transactions within Somaliland.

### Economic and Political Significance
The Somaliland shilling functions as a key component of Somaliland's economic sovereignty. Despite lacking formal international recognition, the currency facilitates trade and economic activity within the region. It represents the state's ability to maintain functional institutions and economic systems separate from the rest of Somalia. The currency's existence challenges conventional international law regarding state recognition and demonstrates the practical realities of governance in conflict zones.

### Cultural and Symbolic Role
The Somaliland shilling serves as a symbol of Somaliland's identity and persistence as a de facto independent state. The currency's design and denominations reflect the state's cultural and political values, while its use in daily transactions connects citizens to the state's institutions and governance. The integration of traditional banknotes with modern mobile money services like ZAAD illustrates the adaptation of the currency to contemporary economic needs.

### Technical and Classification Details
The Somaliland shilling is classified under the identifier `/m/04jscp` and belongs to the category "Banknotes of Somaliland". The currency has a sitelink count of 39 on Wikipedia, indicating its presence in the knowledge base. The currency is represented by specific images and is associated with the Bank of Somaliland's official website and social media presence.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013