Socotra - the Island of Happiness 

Socotra is about 120 by 40 km and covers an area of 3625 km². It is composed of a basement complex of igneous and metamorphic rocks of Pre-Cambrian age overlain by sedimentary rocks, mainly limestone and sandstone. Topographically it can be divided into three main zones. The coastal plains vary considerably in width, up to about 5 km. A limestone plateau extends across most of the island, averaging 300-700 m in altitude.

Diversity of Flora and Fauna:

Biologically, the Socotran Archipelago is well-known for its assemblage of endemic and unusual species. There are 850 recorded plant species, of which approximately 230 to 260 (about 30 percent) are endemic. There are also ten endemic genera: Ankalanthus, Ballochia, Trichocalyx, Duvaliandra, Socotranthus, Haya, Lachnocapsa, Dendrosicyos, Placoda, and Nirarathamnos; and one near-endemic family (Dirachmaceae). Some of the plants on Socotra represent the last surviving members of their genus. The limestone plateau and the Hagghier Mountains are the richest areas for endemic plant species, but endemics are found throughout the island in every type of vegetation. Due to habitat fragmentation and degradation, several endemic plant species are endangered.

The Distribution of Population:

The Climate:

On the island four types of relief can be found:  

The mountains: The most important is the mountainous range of Hajhar Mountains which are located at the eastern part of the island along Arida Bay, overlooking the island of capital Hadiboo and extending north easterly to south westerly at a distance of 25 km. The highest peak is Dawkam with 1630 m above the sea level. The central plateau: It occupies most of the island area and is parted by Wadi Tatrat (Tatrat valley) into two parts: the eastern and the western plateau. Coastal plains: The coastal plains are situated in the north and south of the island while there are no plains in the east or west of the island due to the extension of drifts to the coast. The northern coastal plain is named Hadiboo plain and the southern Nawjad plain by the island inhabitants.

The wadis (valleys): The plains are interspersed by many valleys that run some in the northern part and some in the southern part of the island. The most important is Azroo valley which intersects the island from north to south in addition to the valleys springing out from the Hajhar Mountains which are characterized for their running water all along the year.