Somalia, also known as the Democratic Republic of Somalia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. The history of Somalia can be traced back to the Paleolithic period. (Funk & Wagnalls, 1900) Ancient structures, ruined cities, and stone walls found in Somalia are evidence of a country that once thrived with a sophisticated civilization (p. 132). Somalia is a country that was once known for its rich geographic location located near oil wells in the Persian Gulf and a major location for international imports and exports along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. For centuries, the culture of Somalia was different from that of other African countries in that it was not made up of a collection of tribes, but of homogeneous peoples. To survive, in an ever-changing culture, Somalis have come to rely on the supportive bond of clan (CBC Archives, n.d.). Separate clan federations fighting for power and control are the main ingredient of instability and conflict in Somalia. The constant fighting between Somali clans has dragged their country, already struggling with famine and disease, to the point of undue bloodshed. Clans created to provide a sense of social security and belonging to its millions of members are killing their country. Since 1991, more than 400,000 people have died as a result of the civil war in Somalia. Another 600,000 people died of disease and starvation. Not everyone believes that Somali clans are all negative, as they are seen as such by the international world. According to Raquia Omar, a prominent Somali and former head of the human rights group Africa Watch, "we are wrong to see clans only as something negative." Clans provide a strong group of people who have the same interest and history. They speak the same language and practice the... medium of paper... TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Videos, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Np, nd Web. July 13, 2011. "Politics, Government and Taxation of Somalia, Information on Politics, Government and Taxation in Somalia." Encyclopedia of Nations - Information on the Countries of the World, United Nations and World Leaders, n.d. Web. 13 July 2011. "Somalia: Culture, Chaos and clan - CBC Archives." Np, nd Web July 13, 2011. "The United States Army in Somalia, 1992-1994." Military History. nd Web July 13 2011. .