Global population growth peaked in the 1960s at over 2 percent per year, according to ourworldindata.org. Since then, rates have more than halved, falling to less than 1 percent.
Within the world’s areas, however, population trends continue to change, increasing in some regions while decreasing elsewhere.
Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, is believed to be the most densely populated city in the world. It’s home to almost three million people, with 33,244 people per kilometre.
Mogadishu has been an important trading port for centuries, and temperatures there can reach up to 45C.
The city is also said to have had a thriving nightlife and arts scene during the 1970s, which is also known as Somalia’s golden age of music.
Somalia has experienced a great deal of political unrest and instability over the years, becoming one of the world’s most dangerous countries. However, it has had some recovery after establishing the Federal Government of Somalia in 2012. This has meant that many refugees have returned to the capital to help rebuild the country.
Civil war has been breaking out all over Somalia since the 1980s, including the Battle of Mogadishu that erupted between October 3 and 4 in 1993, where 18 US soldiers and hundreds of Somali militia fighters and civilians were killed.
The British Foreign Office advises against travelling to Somalia in general, but Mogadishu is especially risky. This is mainly because of the increased likelihood of terrorist attacks.
The travel advice says: “The terrorist group Al Shabaab, and other groups opposed to the Somali government, continue to carry out frequent attacks, including in the capital Mogadishu.
“Terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against Westerners and those working for Western organisations in Somalia, including Somaliland.”
There have already been two attacks on the capital this year, and both have included fatalities.
It’s not just terrorist attacks but kidnappings are also a concern in the region, and British travellers are expected to be targeted.
The government says: “British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.”
Before the civil war, Mogadishu was known as the white pearl of the Indian Ocean, because of the many beautiful white buildings, its green palm trees and the vibrant blue of the ocean.
