Merca

This coastal city on the Indian Ocean shore south of Mogadishu, Merca serves as the capital of the Lower Shabelle region and is known for its distinct local culture and textile production. The city has a long history of resistance against Italian colonial forces, and its port once handled banana and fruit exports to Italy for decades following Somali independence in 1960.

• Population230,100
• Nearest water from center 3.7 km2.3 mi
• Nearest mountain from center 1.4 km0.9 mi