District Las Anod Time zone EAT (UTC+3) Local time Monday 3:10 AM | Region Sool Elevation 691 m (2,267 ft) Population 105,000 (2016) | |
 | ||
Weather 19°C, Wind E at 13 km/h, 80% Humidity | ||
Las Anod (Somali: Laascaanood, Arabic: لاس عانود) is the administrative capital of the northern Sool region of Somalia. The city was part of the Dervish State until 1921, when it was incorporated into the former British Somalia protectorate.
Contents
- Map of Laascaanood Somalia
- History
- Geography
- Demographics
- Education
- Economy
- Landmarks and services
- Media
- Notable residents
- References
Map of Laascaanood, Somalia
History
During the pre-independence period, Las Anod served as an early center for Mohammed Abdullah Hassan's Dervish resistance.
On October 15, 1969, while paying a visit to the city, Somalia's then President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was shot dead by one of his own bodyguards. His assassination was quickly followed by a military coup d'état on October 21, 1969 (the day after his funeral), in which the Somali Army seized power without encountering armed opposition — essentially a bloodless takeover. The putsch was spearheaded by Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, who at the time commanded the army. Large protests have also been staged in the city against visiting delegations from Somaliland. Additionally, the khaatumo authorities have condemned the occupation and demanded that Somaliland withdraw its troops.
Geography
Las Anod is strategically positioned along trade routes in northwestern Somalia. The city is almost surrounded by hills and has considerable water resources, the latter of which makes it a prime destination for peoples from other parts of generally arid Somalia as well as from neighboring countries such as Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Demographics
According to the UNDP Las Anod has a population of around 75,436 inhabitants. The city is primarily inhabited by people from the Somali ethnic group, with the Dhulbahante sub-clan of the Darod well-represented.
Education
Las Anod has various primary schools which are private and Public. Currently there are 6 Primary Schools in the city of Las Anod; Golkhatumo, Gateway, Abyan, Ilays, Imamu Shafi and Sool primary schools.
Secondary school education is provided by Ilays Educational Academy, Muse Yusuf and Nugaal High Schools. Founded in 2004, Nugaal University (NU) is the first post-secondary institution of higher learning to be established in the area. The first group of four-year Nugaal University students graduated in September 2009. Also there are Ilays National University and Gollis University both established in Las Anod in 2015.
There are also a number of academic institutions in Las Anod which provide diverse education services such as Sool Institute of Heath Sciences (SIHS), Al-Furqan Islamic Institute, Sahal software College, Future Technology Center etc.
Economy
Las Anod's economy is mainly centered on pastoralism and communications, with some additional retail trade. The area around the city is rich in livestock, while mobile phone and money transfer services provide almost 40% of tax revenues.
The main telecommunication services available in Las Anod are operated by Telesom, Somtel and Golis Telecom Somalia, among other companies. Several Somali banks also have branches in Las Anod such as Salaam Bank, Amal Bank, Dara-Salaam Bank and Dahabshiil Bank.
Landmarks and services
Las Anod Airport offers air transportation to local residents. The city also has a general hospital, the Las Anod Hospital, which was opened in 1958. There is also a privately operated hospital called Manhal, established in 2010.
In addition, the Las Anod features several landmarks. Among these sites are Goolad, Dhiif Hotel,Laba Qow,Geedka Jacaylka, Masjid Jama, Ataash Hotel, Royal, Hotel Hamdi, Durdurka, Darayda, Abdi Bille Football Stadium, Hills of Hilble, and Hills of Sayidka.
Media
Radio Laascaanood is the main radio station operating in the Sool region from Las Anod.