Bosaaso (formerly Bander Qassim) is the capital city of Puntland and the main commercial city of the region. The city its one of the largest cities in Somalia, with a population of 387,000. Bosaaso has the busiest port in Somalia, and a major airport, Bander Qassim Int Airport . Bosaaso is a rapidly growing city.

Like Hargeisa and Berbera, the rapid construction in the city has been financed by relative Somalis abroad in Europe and North America who are makng money. The city has almost grown 15 times since the war as people from all over Somalia are migrating here. It is one of the best examples of how Somalia isn't a total war zone.

Bosaaso is also the major port for boats carrying Somalis immigrating across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the other Gulf states to settle illegally. It is also a port of entry for khat ports.