DJIBOUTI

Date of establishment: June 27, 1977

Brief history:

Antiquity to 19th century: Djibouti was an important port on the trade route between Africa and Asia. The region was historically inhabited by the Afar and Issa ethnic groups and was part of various empires and sultanates, including the Ifat and Adal Sultanates.

1862: France gained control of the port of Obock, north of Djibouti, through treaties with local chiefs.

1884-1887: France expanded its control to the area now known as Djibouti, establishing the colony of French Somaliland.

1896: French Somaliland was officially established, with the city of Djibouti becoming the capital.

1946: French Somaliland became an overseas territory of France, giving it a degree of autonomy.

1967: French Somaliland was renamed the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

1977: Djibouti became an independent state on June 27, 1977, after a referendum in which the population voted for independence from France. Hassan Gouled Aptidon became the first president.

1991: The country began to face internal conflicts, particularly a civil war between the government and the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), a rebel group mainly composed of Afar fighters.

1994: A peace agreement was signed with the moderate faction of FRUD, leading to a degree of political stability, although sporadic violence continued.

1998: Tensions with Ethiopia escalated during the Eritrean-Ethiopian War, as Djibouti supported Ethiopia.

2000: A peace agreement was signed between Djibouti and Ethiopia, solidifying their alliance and cooperation.

2001: A final peace agreement was signed with the remaining faction of FRUD, ending the civil war.

2003-2006: Djibouti established itself as a key logistics and military hub for foreign powers, including the United States and France, which established military bases in the country.

2011: Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who succeeded Hassan Gouled Aptidon in 1999, was re-elected for a third term as president after a constitutional amendment allowed him to run again.

2015: Djibouti continued to attract foreign military bases, with China opening its first overseas military base in the country, highlighting Djibouti’s strategic importance.

2021: President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh was re-elected for a fifth term amidst some political opposition and claims of election irregularities.

Present: Djibouti has become a strategic port and an important center of trade and transport in the region. It serves as a crucial logistics hub for international shipping and military operations, benefiting from its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

 

International abbreviation: DJI

 

Currency: Djibouti franc (DJF)

The currency of Djibouti is the Djiboutian franc (DJF). The banknote denominations in circulation are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs. The coins in circulation are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 francs.

In addition to the Djiboutian franc, US dollars and euros are often used in the country, especially for larger transactions and in the hospitality industry, due to Djibouti’s significant international presence and its status as a strategic port and logistics hub.

 

Internet domain: .dj

 

Dialing code: +253

 

Time zone: +3 GMT

 

Geography:

Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, on the coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the smallest countries on the African mainland. Djibouti borders Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. The country also has a maritime boundary with Yemen, across the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

Most of Djibouti’s territory consists of arid, mountainous desert, with some coastal plains and plateaus. The terrain includes several mountain ranges, such as the Goda Mountains and the Mousa Ali Range. The lowest point is Lake Assal, which lies 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on Earth and the lowest in Africa. The highest point is Mousa Ali, which reaches an elevation of 2,028 meters (6,654 feet).

Due to its strategic location at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, Djibouti serves as an important port and transport hub connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Port of Djibouti is one of the busiest in the region, facilitating the transit of goods and serving as a refueling and transshipment center. The country’s strategic location has also made it a focal point for military bases from various countries, enhancing its geopolitical significance.

 

Highest peak: Mousa Ali 2 028 m a.s.l. (6 654 feet above sea level)

Mount Mousa Ali is located at the tripoint border of Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, not just in Djibouti. It is the highest point in Djibouti, standing at an elevation of 2,028 meters (6,654 feet).

Mount Mousa Ali is a stratovolcano that has shown no significant volcanic activity in recent history. At the top of the volcano is a crater approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet) in diameter and up to 200 meters (656 feet) deep, believed to have been formed during the last eruption thousands of years ago. There are thermal springs and salt flats at the foot of the mountain, adding to the area’s unique geological features.

The mountain is considered significant by the local communities and is often associated with various legends and stories. From the top of Mount Mousa Ali, there are stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the adjacent mountain ranges and the coast of the Red Sea.

 

Climate:

Djibouti has an arid and hot climate, typical of regions in the Horn of Africa and areas surrounding the Red Sea. The average annual temperature is around 30°C (86°F). During the summer months, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), especially in coastal areas. In winter, daytime temperatures average around 25°C (77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F).

The country experiences very low rainfall, averaging around 150 mm (6 inches) per year, making it one of the driest countries in the world. Most of the precipitation occurs during a short rainy season from November to March, not May to September.

In addition to the arid climate, Djibouti has high solar radiation, leading to high evaporation rates and increased salinity in soil and water. This combination of factors results in most of Djibouti’s land being infertile, limiting agricultural production. Water resources are extremely scarce, and much of the population relies on groundwater, which is often brackish and requires desalination for use. Irrigation using seawater is not common due to the high salinity; instead, efforts are made to develop sustainable water management practices to make use of limited freshwater resources.

 

Fauna and flora:

Djibouti’s fauna and flora are adapted to its arid and semi-arid climate. The lesser kudu is one of the large antelopes that live in Djibouti’s deserts and savannahs. Additionally, rare gazelle species such as the Dorcas gazelle inhabit the region.

Hyenas and jackals are among the mammals found in Djibouti, along with the African golden wolf (Canis anthus), which is present in the area, though it is not an endemic subspecies.

Crocodiles are found in some water bodies, such as Lake Abbe and areas where water is more permanent.

Acacia trees are common in desert areas, providing shade and food for many animals. The coastal regions feature mangroves and scrub vegetation. Baobab trees, known for their drought tolerance, are also present and provide shelter for birds and small animals.

Salt-tolerant plants, such as halophytes, are typical in salt marshes and coastal areas, adapted to the high salinity of these environments.

 

Agriculture:

Agriculture in Djibouti is indeed limited due to the country’s arid climate, poor soil quality, and scarcity of freshwater resources. However, in areas where irrigation is available, some crops are cultivated. These crops include beans, chickpeas, maize, sorghum, and fruits such as dates. The mention of coffee, banana, tobacco, rice, sugar cane, figs, and pomegranates is not accurate, as these crops are not typically grown in Djibouti due to the challenging agricultural conditions.

Livestock farming is more prevalent in Djibouti. Cattle, sheep, goats, and camels are raised primarily for local consumption. Camels, in particular, are well-adapted to the arid environment and play a crucial role in the livelihoods of many pastoralist communities.

Due to the harsh environmental conditions, agricultural production in Djibouti is insufficient to meet the needs of the population. As a result, the country relies heavily on food imports and foreign aid to ensure food security. Efforts to improve agricultural productivity are ongoing, focusing on sustainable water management practices and the introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties.

 

Extraction of natural resources:

Djibouti is a country with limited raw material resources, but recent discoveries have shown potential for future development. One of the significant natural resources is salt, especially in the Assal area. Lake Assal is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, and its salt reserves are commercially exploited.

In addition to salt, there have been indications of other mineral resources, such as copper, gold, and potentially lithium. However, these resources are not yet fully explored or exploited. The mountainous regions of Mount Goda and Hanle-Goma are areas where some of these minerals have been found, but large-scale mining operations have not been established.

Geothermal energy is another promising resource for Djibouti. The country has significant geothermal potential due to its location along the East African Rift System. Geothermal energy projects are being developed to produce electricity, which could reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and provide a more sustainable energy source for the country. The Lake Assal region is a key area for geothermal development.

 

Industry:

The main industries in Djibouti include food processing, cement production, and the manufacturing of construction materials. Additionally, there are smaller industrial enterprises that produce soap, cosmetics, and textile products. The country’s industrial sector is relatively limited due to its small domestic market and reliance on imports.

Djibouti is a crucial transportation hub connecting Africa to Asia and Europe. It is strategically located along major shipping routes through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. As a result, the country hosts many logistics and transport companies that facilitate international trade. The Port of Djibouti is one of the busiest in the region and serves as a gateway for goods entering and leaving East Africa, particularly for landlocked countries such as Ethiopia.

In recent years, Djibouti has been investing heavily in the construction of modern ports and transport infrastructure to enhance its position as a logistics and trade center. Key projects include the development of the Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone, and the Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway, which provides a vital link between Djibouti and Ethiopia.

 

Services and other areas of the economy: maritime transport and logistics services

 

Natural and historical attractions: Lac Assal, Grand Barra, Les Allols, and Decan Wildlife Refuge

Djibouti offers a variety of natural and historical attractions that draw visitors to the country. One of the main tourist attractions is its coastline along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The rich marine biodiversity makes these waters ideal for underwater activities.

Djibouti is home to several protected areas, such as Day Forest National Park, where tourists can explore one of the few forested regions in the country, and Lac Abbé, a unique geological and ecological site with limestone chimneys and hot springs, providing a surreal landscape.

The country has a rich history and culture that includes traditional architecture, handicrafts, and local cuisine. Local markets and bazaars, such as the Central Market in Djibouti City, are popular destinations for tourists seeking authentic experiences and shopping opportunities.

Djibouti’s efforts to improve its infrastructure for tourists include the construction of new hotels, resorts, and other facilities to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Additionally, the country’s strategic location as a transport and logistics hub enhances its accessibility to international tourists.

 

 

Form of government: semi-presidential republic

The president of Djibouti is the head of state and holds significant executive power. The president is elected for a five-year term and can be re-elected. While the president is not the head of government in the traditional sense, he does hold substantial authority over the executive branch.

Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, which has 65 members elected for five-year terms. The National Assembly is responsible for passing laws and overseeing the executive branch.

The judiciary in Djibouti is composed of the Constitutional Council and the Supreme Court, which handle constitutional matters and the highest appeals, respectively. There are also lower courts that handle various civil, criminal, and administrative cases.

Djibouti is administratively divided into six regions, including the city of Djibouti, which is its own region. These regions are further divided into districts, sub-districts, and villages. Each region is governed by a regional governor appointed by the president.

While Djibouti has a multi-party system with several political parties, the presidential system is highly centralized, and the ruling party, the People’s Rally for Progress (RPP), holds significant influence over political decision-making. This strong centralization of power limits the influence of opposition parties and political pluralism.

 

Capital city: Djibouti

The city of Djibouti is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Tadjoura, near the Red Sea. The city has an estimated population of approximately 600,000, which represents a significant portion of the country’s population.

Djibouti City is the major commercial and industrial center of the country and is home to most government institutions, including the presidential palace, the National Assembly, and various ministries. It serves as a critical transportation hub for the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, largely due to its strategic location and its port, which is one of the busiest and most important in the region. The Port of Djibouti facilitates significant international trade and is a key refueling and transshipment center.

The city boasts several major tourist attractions, including the Hamoudi Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd, and the Presidential Palace. Additionally, Djibouti City offers various options for shopping, including traditional markets (such as the Central Market) and shops that sell local handicrafts.

 

Area: 23 200 km² (8 958 square miles)

 

Population: 1 121 000 (2022 estimate)

The main ethnic groups in Djibouti are the Afar and the Somali (mainly the Issa clan), who together represent the majority of the population. In addition, there are smaller communities of Arabs, Ethiopians, and Europeans living in the country.

The official languages of Djibouti are French and Arabic. Many people also speak Somali and Afar. The majority of the population practices Islam, predominantly Sunni Islam, which plays a central role in the cultural and social life of the country.

Most of Djibouti’s population lives in urban areas, particularly in the coastal city of Djibouti, the capital. Inland areas are sparsely populated, with the population there primarily engaged in pastoralism and subsistence agriculture.

Poverty and lack of resources pose significant social and economic challenges. Despite its strategic location and economic activities centered around its port, many people in Djibouti face issues such as unemployment, limited access to healthcare and education, and inadequate infrastructure.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:  –

 

National parks: 1

 

1. Day Forest National Park