United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings, but Saudi Arabia's recent ban on Somali livestock, because of Rift Valley Fever concerns, has severely hampered the sector. Nomads and semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports. ”

“ Despite the seeming anarchy, Somalia's service sector has managed to survive and grow. Telecommunication firms provide wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a formal banking sector, money exchange services have sprouted throughout the country, handling between $200 million and $500 million in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to operate, and militias provide security. ”

“ Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices) : note - businesses print their own money, so inflation rates cannot be sensibly determined (2003 est.) Labor force: 3.7 million (very few are skilled laborers) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture (mostly pastoral nomadism) 71%, industry and services 29% Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: NA
expenditures: NA, including capital expenditures of NA Agriculture - products: cattle, sheep, goats ”