And everyone wants to know why the rest of the world does not recognise the country when it is peaceful and has had three democratic elections.

Somaliland obtained its independence from Britain in June 1960 but then entered into an ill-fated union (which was never officially consecrated) with former Italin Somaliland. It broke fre ein 1991 after a bitter civil war.

The Somalilanders are a friendly lot and made my travelling companion and I feel very at home, amongst the sand, the camels, sheep and goats, the hills, teh mountains and beaches of this sun-drenched country.

And everywhere colour!