Outline of Puntland

Flag of Puntland

Coat of arms of Puntland

Puntland (Somali: Puntland, Arabic: أرض البنط), officially the Puntland State of Somalia (Somali: Maamul dowladda Puntland), is officially a federal member state in north-eastern Somalia though it is, as of April 2024 A independent state until constitutional changes.^[1]The capital of Puntland is Garowe.

Puntland is officially a federal state in Somalia. Its location is the tip of the Horn.

A third of Somalia's population lives in the state,^[2] which contains about a third of the nation's geographical area.^[3]

The name "Puntland" is derived from the Land of Punt mentioned by ancient Egyptian sources. However, the exact location of the fabled territory is still a mystery. Many studies suggest that the Land of Punt was located in Somalia,^[4][5] whereas others propose that it was situated elsewhere.^[6]

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Puntland. Part of Puntland is ex-Majertenia Sultanate, Other parts include The Warsengeli Sultanate and Dervish controlled area. According to the Constitution of Puntland, Puntland consists of 3 regions: Bari,Nugal and Mudug.

In the colonial era, the region had relationships with the outside world. In 1870s some area signed treaty with Italy. The terms of each treaty specified that Italy was to steer clear of any interference in the sultanates' respective administrations.[9] In return for Italian arms and an annual subsidy, the Sultans conceded to a minimum of oversight and economic concessions.[10] The Italians also agreed to dispatch a few ambassadors to promote both the sultanates' and their own interests.[9] The new protectorates were thereafter managed by Vincenzo Filonardi through a chartered company.[10] An Anglo-Italian border protocol was later signed on 5 May 1894, followed by an agreement in 1906 between Cavalier Pestalozza and General Swaine acknowledging that Badhan fell under the Majeerteen Sultanate's administration.[9] With the gradual extension into northern Somalia of Italian colonial rule, both Kingdoms were eventually annexed in the early 20th century.[11] However, unlike the southern territories, the northern sultanates were not subject to direct rule due to the earlier treaties they had signed with the Italians.