January 29, 2007—In Somalia, peace remains an elusive dream.

A civil war there brought down the government in 1991 and sent at least a million residents fleeing for their lives. United Nations efforts, spearheaded by the U.S., failed to bring stability and order to the shattered land, which has become a patchwork of territories ruled by warlords and regional governors.

Now a new surge of violence is sweeping through the area—and even threatening neighboring countries.

Learn more about the culture and history of Somalia, and find out why many displaced natives fear they may never see their homes again.