Somalia, formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic, is an African country that exists solely in a de jure capacity. Somalia has no recognized central government authority, no national currency, nor any other feature associated with a well-established nation state. De facto authority is in the hands of the governments of the unrecognized entities of Somaliland, Puntland and small groups of rival warlords who lead small opposing governments.Abdullahi Yusuf was elected transitional President by Somalias transitional parliament on October 10, 2004. He won 189 of the 275 votes from parliament. The session of Parliament was held in neighbouring Kenya. His government is recognized by most western nations as the countrys legitimate rulers, though his actual authority is extremely questionable.