Jubaland

Jubaland (Somali: Jubbaland; Arabic: جوبالاند; Italian: Oltregiuba), or the Juba Valley (Somali: Dooxada Jubba), is a federal member state in southern Somalia. Its eastern border lies no more than 100 km (60 mi) east of the Jubba River, stretching from Dolow to the Indian Ocean, while its western side flanks the North Eastern Province in Kenya, which was carved out of Jubaland during the colonial period. Jubaland has a total area of 110,293 km2 (42,584 sq mi). As of 2005, it had a total population of 953,045 inhabitants. The largest city is Kismayo, which is situated on the coast. Bardhere, Luuq, and Beled Haawo are the region's other principal settlements. Other cities such as Jamame and Jilib are currently occupied by Al-Shabaab. During the Middle Ages, the influential Somali Ajuran Sultanate held sway over the territory, followed in turn by the Geledi Sultanate. They were later incorporated into British East Africa. In 1925, Jubaland was ceded to Italy, forming a part of Italian Somaliland. On 1 July 1960, the region, along with the rest of Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland, became part of the independent Somali Republic.