The primary reason that the African Union has given for not recognizing them is that they viewed Somalilands’s claim as just another enclave seeking separation. Apparently, this violates the principles of the African Union.

During its brief existence, the State of Somaliland received international recognition from 35 countries, that included China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Israel, Libya, the Soviet Union.

Somaliland has been a distinct region from Somalia since the late 1800s. It was a British protectorate until 1960 (meaning a dependent territory, over which the British government exercised limited jurisdiction). It then became independent for just five days.

Located in one of the most poverty-stricken regions in the world, Somalia is one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty in Somalia has been an enormous issue for more than a century but has recently been slightly alleviated due to increased foreign aid and government stability.

Although number one on the global stage in terms of total GDP, the U.S. places fifth with a GDP per capita of $63,051….Mapped: The 25 Richest Countries in the World.

Here are 20 of the richest countries in the world as calculated by GDP per capita.

• Iceland- GDP: $48,070.
• Germany – GDP: $48,189.
• Australia – GDP:$48,806.
• Sweden- GDP: $49,678.
• Bahrain- GDP: $50,302.
• United States — GDP: $57,293.
• Japan — GDP: $58,094.
• Switzerland — GDP: $59,375.

Last year, China closed its GDP gap with the U.S., expanding its economy by 2.3 percent to $14.7 trillion. This is only $6.2 trillion less than the American GDP, down from $7.1 trillion in 2019, CNBC reported.