Administrative divisions of Somalia became part of Italian East Africa with Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and Eritrea. Italian Somaliland was one of six governorates of the new colony, the Somalia Governorate, and incorporated Somali-inhabited parts of the former Abyssinia. The governorate was subdivided into 10 commissariats, which were themselves divided into residencies. Following World War II, the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somalia consisted of six Regions. The British Somaliland protectorate also consisted of two Regions. Upon independence in 1960, the Somali Republic maintained the 12 districts of the former Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland that merged to form the new country. In 1964, a new Northeastern
SS Abyssinia liners required for a weekly service. "Abyssinia" and her sister, "Algeria" were the first Cunard express steamers built to carry steerage passengers, a concept that was proved profitable four years earlier by the Inman Line. As completed in 1870, "Abyssinia" carried 200 first class passengers and 1050 steerage. She had a service speed of 12.5 knots and was a full knot slower than "Russia". Both "Abyssinia" and "Algeria" were larger than their near sister, "Parthia". Unlike "Abyssinia" and "Algeria" which were built in Glasgow, "Parthia" had been constructed in Dumbarton. Cunard employed "Abyssinia" on the Liverpool, Queenstown, New York service.