Burao (Burco) is the capital of the Togdheer region and the second-largest city in Somaliland. It lies on open plains at about 1,000 metres, cut in two by the seasonal Togdheer river, which is usually dry but flows after the rains.

The city is famous for its livestock market, one of the largest in the region, which draws camel and goat traders from far afield. Burao is a trade crossroads linking the interior with the port of Berbera.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991; the Federal Government of Somalia considers it part of Somalia, and it is not recognised as a state by the United Nations or most countries.

Burao began as a watering place for pastoralists. In the early 20th century it played a part in the Dervish struggle, and in 1922 it saw a tax revolt against British rule. The 1945 Sheikh Bashir rebellion is also part of local history.

The city suffered heavy destruction in the 1988 war. A conference of northern clans held in Burao in April–May 1991 ended with the declaration of Somaliland on 18 May 1991.

Burao has a strong pastoral culture and is associated with celebrated poets and artists, including Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame "Hadraawi". Markets and street-side tea shops are the city's meeting places.

Burao's economy is built on the livestock trade and exports. Thousands of sheep and goats are reportedly sold at its market each day, attracting traders from across Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti. A large meat-and-produce market and retail trade complete the picture.