- Unrecognized states
- Independence declared 1 August 1998
- Capital Garowe
- President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali
- Population 2,284,633
- Area 212,510 km²
- Motto Star of the North
Puntland is a region in Northeastern Somalia, its leaders declared independence in 1998. Internationally, it is recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia. Puntland has long been the epicenter of piracy networks in the Gulf of Aden. In 2009, Puntland MPs introduced a new state flag consisting of blue, green and white horizontal stripes—the white stripe in the centre represents peace and stability in the region. Puntland has 1600 km of coastline, which is abundant with fish and other natural marine resources. Additional economic products and activities of the region include livestock, frankincense, myrrh, gum arabic, manufacturing and agriculture.