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The tiny country of Djibouti is strategically situated between the western edge of the Gulf of Aden and the entrance to the Red Sea.
The Afars, descendants of 3rd century settlers, and the Issas from Somalia, are the country's two main ethnic groups.
In the mid-1800s, the French purchased a part of northeast Africa, naming it French Somaliland. Renamed the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas in 1967, Djibouti remained its capital.
In 1945 Djibouti was transformed into a French overseas territory, but local ethnic fighting, land disputes with Ethiopia and Somalia and cries for "Freedom" continued. Finally, in 1977, France recognized its independence.
As a significant regional port, Djibouti's modern economy revolves (almost totally) around the shipping and refueling industries, as the country has limited natural resources and is (through little fault of its own) economically underdeveloped.
Plagued by a multitude of difficulties, including thousands of refugees from the Ethiopian civil wars, large tracts of unusable desert land, and a 50% unemployment rate, Djibouti struggles on, relying on sheer determination and foreign assistance.
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- Official Name Republic of Djibouti
- Population 847,732
- Capital City Djibouti (465,000)
- Currency Djiboutian Franc
- Currency Converter
- Languages Arabic (official), French (official)
- National Day 27 June, Independence Day
- Religions Muslim, others
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- Land Area 23,180 sq km (8,950 sq miles)
- Highest Point Moussa Ali (2,063 m) (6,768 ft)
- Lowest Point Lake Assal (-155 m)
- Land Divisions 5 districts, including: Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, and Tadjoura
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| Djibouti is, in essence, a vast desert wasteland. From the narrow coastal plain, the land rises in the north to a small series of mountains. Central and south Djibouti is covered by a stony desert and scattered volcanic plateaus crisscrossed by deep, time-worn troughs, some with shallow salt water lakes. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 11º 56' N, 43º 15' E
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Tourist attractions in Djibouti include the beaches and tropical islands along the coastal areas. In addition, there are a few active volcanoes a few miles inland.
Other points-of-interest include the Day Forest National Park and the wildlife preserve near the town of Ali Sabieh, one famous for its red mountains and the countless amounts of gazelles.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Djibouti is very hot and very dry, especially during the summer months, when high temperatures commonly exceed 110º. In addition, the country receives almost 10 hours of daily sunshine throughout the year, which adds to the oppressive heat factor.
Small amounts of rain occur in the northern mountains, and less frequently along the coastal areas. Inland, the arid landscape is at the mercy of the occasional (often rare) summer downpour.
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Djibouti fishermen in the Gulf of Aden...
Colorfully dressed Djibouti women...
Desert camels, Djibouti ... |
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