Somalia’s deep-rooted nomadic culture, known as reer guuraanimo, shaped generations of pastoralists who moved in search of pasture and water. While many Somalis have since settled in cities, the spirit of mobility continues to define the nation’s identity especially through migration and the expansive Somali diaspora. Driven by authoritarian repression in the 1980s and civil war from 1991, Somalis sought asylum across Africa, Europe, North America, and Australia. Refugee camps like Dadaab became starting points for resettlement abroad. Even in exile, the diaspora remained closely tied to Somalia. Through remittances now estimated at $1.6 to $2 billion annually the diaspora supported relatives, funded education, and even helped stabilize the economy. Since 2009, waves of educated, entrepreneurial returnees have launched businesses, introduced new services, and taken on key government roles.