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The idea of the University of Southern Somalia (USS) was originally conceived in 2002 by a group of Somali scholars and intellectuals in the United States. After considerable planning, the university was inaugurated at Eden Hotel in Baidoa on May 5, 2007. Baidoa is selected as the main campus of the university for a number of economic, geographic, demographic, and social reasons. Economically, Baidoa is one of the most important commercial centers of the country.The region is also the largest producer of Live Stock, Millet and Sorghum. Geographically, the Bay region borders several regions including the Lower and Middle Shabelle, Bakool and Gedo, Lower Jubba, and Hiiraan. Demographically, the region is located at the center of the most densely populated areas of the country. Socially, Baidoa is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and has historically attracted Somalis from every corner of the country. More important, the region has important historical and

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