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Gedo is the second largest region of Somalia (with Bari being the largest). In 1996, Gedo's population was estimated to be 154, 800. After the breakout of the civil war and loss of the central government, the population of the region was mostly concentrated in cities of Baardheere and Beled Xaawo for security reason. Beled Xaawo is second most populous town in the region. It lies on the western side of the region on the Kenyan border. Gedo's largest city, Baardheere, is economically strong and is the breast basket of the region. Agricultural abundance from this fertile land, which includes maize, potatoes, sorghum and onions, is shipped to many different parts of the country.

However, the economy of the region has always been a depressed one. At one time, the U.N. released a report indicating that business in this region was less than in any other region in Somalia. The economy heavily relies on old models, external food aid and lifestock. The region is characterized by extreme drought, conflict, and lack of clean drinking water.

There is simmering animosity between the majority Rahanweyn clan and the smaller, but politically dominant, Mareehan (Daarood) clan. Although the Mareehan and Rahanweyn frequently inter-marry, there is a rivalry for the scant resources and food aid in this region.