Clan System and Marriage
There are approximately 3.5 million people in Somaliland. Somali society is organized into clan families, which range from 5,000 to more than 50,000 in size. The major clan family in Somaliland is the Isaaq. There are also a number of other prominent clan families. They are the Gudarbirsi sub-group of the Dir clan and the other clan family is the Dulbahante and Warsangeli - sub-Clans of Harti - a sub-group of the Darod clan system (Darod . The Gadabuursi mostly reside in the Awdal region of Somaliland, the Isaaqs live in three regions: the Wooqoyi Galbeed, Togdheer and in Sanaag regions. While the Darod prominently reside in the Sool, Cayn and some parts of Sanaag regions.The clan families is divided into lineage units, typically ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 members. It is possible for Somalis to know how they are related simply by giving their name and clan membership.
Arranged marriages are common, and Somalis practice endogamy. In the case of arranged marriages, brides are usually much younger than the grooms. Marriage to a cousin from the mother's side of the family (of a different lineage) is traditionally favored to strengthen family alliance, but this practice is now less common. Virginity is valued in women prior to marriage. Divorce is legal in Somaliland. Romantic marriages are becoming more common and now represent the majority of marriages in Somaliland. Such choices of partner are, however, often the partner's clan.
Read more about this topic: Culture Of Somaliland
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