Italian Somaliland Italian Somaliland, a former Italian colony in East Africa, extended south from Ras Asir to Kenya. Area: 178,218 sq. mil. (461,585 sq. km.). Captial: Mogadishu. In 1885, Italy obtained commercial concessions in the area from the sultan of Zanzibar, and in 1905 purchased the coast from Warshek to Brava. The Italians then extended their occupation inward. Cession of Jubaland Province by Britain in 1924, and seizure of the sultanates of Obbia and Mijertein in 1925-27 brought direct Italian administration over the whole territory. Italian dominance continued until World War II. British troops occupied Italian Somaliland in 1941. Britain administered the colony until 1950, when it became a UN trust territory administered by Italy. On July 1, 1960, Italian Somaliland united with British Somaliland to form the independent Somali Democratic Republic.Â
RULERS: Italian, 1892-1941, 1950-1960 British, 1941-1950
MONETARY SYSTEM: 1 Rupia = 100 Bese to 1925 1 Lira = 100 Centesimi, 1925-1950 1 Somalo = 1 Lira 1950-1960 1 Shilling = 100 Cents, WW II British occupation