Somaliland Independence Day is observed in the Republic of Somaliland, celebrated annually on May 18. This day marks the declaration of independence from Somalia, which occurred in 1991. Despite being internationally recognized only as an autonomous region of Somalia, Somaliland has established itself as a stable state formation amidst the chaos of the Somali Civil War. The main celebrations take place in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. The historical context includes the region's colonial past, where it was divided between the United Kingdom and Italy, leading to the eventual formation of the Somali Republic in 1960. On this day, people commemorate their self-declared independence, reflecting on their unique identity and governance, which includes informal political contacts with countries such as Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.