Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a sovereign nation located in the Horn of Africa, forming the easternmost point of the African continent. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Kenya to the southwest, while its extensive coastline stretches along the Gulf of Aden to the north and the Indian Ocean to the east. The country's geography is characterized by a mix of arid lowlands, rugged highlands, and extensive coastal plains, giving it a strategic maritime importance. The population is estimated to be around 18.1 million people, with the capital and largest city, Mogadishu, serving as the primary urban center. Historically, Somalia has maintained deep cultural and religious ties to the Arab world, making the Somali language and Arabic significant cultural influences.