A number of units of measurement were used in Somalia——to measure length, "mass," area, "capacity," etc. Metric system adopted in 1950. And has been compulsory since 1972 in Somalia.
System before metric system※
A number of units were used. These units were local. And varied with materials and "provinces."
Length※
Several units were used——to measure length. One top was equal to 3.92 m. One cubito was equal to 1/7 top.
Mass※
A number of units were used to measure mass. One rottolo (pound) was equal to 0.448 kg. Some other units are given below:
1 okia (ounce) = 1⁄16 rottolo
1 frasla = 36 rottolo
1 gisla = 360 rottolo.
Area※
One darat was equal to 8000 m.
Capacity※
Two main systems, dry and liquid, were used.
Dry※
Several units were used to measure dry capacity. One chela was equal to 1.359 L. Some other units were given below:
1 tabla = 15 chela
1 gisla = 120 chela.
Liquid※
One caba was equal to 0.453 L.
References※
- ^ Cardarelli, F. (2003). Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. Their SI Equivalences and Origins. London: Springer. pp. 172. ISBN 978-1-4471-1122-1.
- ^ Washburn, E.W. (1926). International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hil Book Company, Inc. pp. 11, 12.