Djibouti Facts

Djibouti, state on the north side of the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa; 23,000 km², 959,000 residents (2019).Djibouti borders in the north to Eritrea, in the west to Ethiopia and in the south to Somalia and has a coast towards the Gulf of Aden in the east. The capital is Djibouti (623 900 residents, 2013).

Country facts

• Republic of Djibouti
• Jumhuriyyat Jibuti
  / Republic of Djibouti
• Country abbreviation: DJ
• Area: 23 000 km²
• Population (2019): 959,000 residents
• Capital: Djibouti
• Main languages: Somali, Arabic, French
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Ismail Omar Guelleh (President)
• Head of Government: Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed
• Per capita GDP (2018): USD 2,050
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 2 180
• Currency: 1 franc = 100 centimes
• Country number (telephony): 253
• Currency code: DJF
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
• Internet domain name: dj
• National Day: June 27 (Independence Day, 1977)

Nature

• Land use: agricultural land (9%), other (91%)
• Highest mountain: Moussa Ali (2,021 m asl)

Population

• Population density (2019): 42 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 1.5%; birthrate 22 ‰, death count 7 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (30%), 15-64 (66%), 65- (4%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 64 years, women 68 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 36 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 1 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.476 (place 172 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 78%
• Most populous city (2013): Djibouti (623,900 residents)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (2%), industry (17%), service (81%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 161 million
• Main export products: livestock, leather, coffee
• Main exporting countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Qatar
• Imports (2017): US $ 726 million
• Main import products: food, transport equipment, chemicals
• Main importing countries: United Arab Emirates, France, Saudi Arabia
• Railway network (2017): 100 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The country occupies a strategic position near one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. Djibouti’s geographic location makes it a vital hub for international shipping and global commerce. The country shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to the east.

Djibouti covers an area of approximately 23,200 square kilometers (8,958 square miles), making it one of the smallest countries on the African continent. It is bordered by some of the most geopolitically significant regions in Africa, which influences its economic, political, and military importance. Despite its small size, Djibouti has a considerable presence on the world stage due to its role as a vital maritime and logistics hub.

Topography and Natural Features

Djibouti’s topography is dominated by arid and semi-arid landscapes, with rugged mountains, vast deserts, and a sparse coastline along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The country is mainly flat and dry, with significant variations in elevation. The central and western regions of Djibouti are characterized by highland areas, with the Goda Mountains rising to about 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level, while the coastal plain is much lower and consists of dry, rocky terrain.

The country’s most prominent geographical feature is Lake Assal, located in the western part of the country. Lake Assal is a saline lake and one of the lowest points in Africa, lying at about 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level. The lake is situated within the Great Rift Valley, a geological feature that stretches from the Red Sea to Mozambique and is home to unique land formations and ecosystems.

Djibouti is part of the larger geological area known as the Afar Triple Junction, where the Arabian, African, and Indian tectonic plates meet. The geological activity in the region has led to the formation of volcanic fields, hot springs, and other unique landforms. As a result, the country’s terrain is highly varied and rugged, with volcanic craters and hot springs scattered across the landscape. The country also has some desert and semi-desert areas, characterized by low rainfall and sparse vegetation.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Djibouti has a predominantly hot, arid climate, with high temperatures year-round and very little rainfall. The country’s coastal areas experience a hot desert climate, while the inland areas tend to be more extreme, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C (104°F) during the hottest months, which occur between May and September. The coastal regions, however, benefit from the influence of the nearby Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which moderate the temperatures somewhat, providing slightly cooler conditions than the inland deserts.

Rainfall is scarce in Djibouti, and the country has two primary rainy seasons: the long rains, from March to June, and the short rains, from October to December. However, the rainfall in Djibouti is typically unpredictable and varies significantly from year to year. Despite the rare occurrence of rainfall, the rains are essential for agriculture and local water sources, which are limited in this predominantly desert landscape.

Djibouti’s climate is challenging for agriculture and settlement, as much of the country is characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and very little freshwater. However, the country’s coastal areas and highland regions offer slightly more favorable conditions for human habitation and agriculture.

People

Population and Demographics

Djibouti has a population of approximately 900,000 people, making it one of the least populous countries in Africa. The population is ethnically diverse, with the majority of people belonging to two primary ethnic groups: the Somali and the Afar. The Somali people, who are primarily Sunni Muslims, form the largest ethnic group in Djibouti, making up around 60% of the population. The Afar people, also predominantly Sunni Muslims, comprise about 35% of the population and are mainly found in the northern and inland regions of the country.

In addition to these two major groups, Djibouti is home to smaller communities of Arabs, Ethiopians, and French expatriates. The French community has had a significant influence on Djibouti’s culture and history due to the country’s colonial past. The diversity in Djibouti’s population is a reflection of the country’s position at the crossroads of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the broader Horn of Africa region.

The population of Djibouti is young, with a significant proportion under the age of 30. The country’s growth rate is moderate, but it faces challenges such as high unemployment, particularly among youth, and a large portion of the population lives in poverty. The capital city, Djibouti City, is the largest urban area, housing about 70% of the country’s total population. The rural areas of Djibouti are sparsely populated and are primarily home to nomadic herders and farmers.

Languages

The official languages of Djibouti are French and Arabic, reflecting the country’s colonial history and its position in the Arab world. French is widely used in government, business, and education, while Arabic is predominantly spoken by the Afar population and in religious contexts. In addition to these official languages, Somali is widely spoken as a mother tongue, especially among the Somali ethnic group.

Somali is the most widely spoken language in everyday life and is used by a large portion of the population in both urban and rural areas. Djibouti also has a number of local languages and dialects, including Afar, which is spoken by the Afar people in the northern part of the country. While Arabic and Somali are the most commonly used languages in social contexts, many Djiboutians are multilingual, with many people also speaking English, especially in urban areas and among the younger generation.

The presence of French and Arabic as official languages has given Djibouti a unique linguistic profile, with the country acting as a bridge between the Arab world, Europe, and the African continent.

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion in Djibouti, with over 94% of the population being Muslim. The majority of Muslims in Djibouti follow the Sunni branch of Islam, with a significant number belonging to the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. Islam plays a central role in the daily lives of Djiboutians, and religious practices such as daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and the celebration of Islamic festivals are widely observed throughout the country.

Christianity is practiced by a small minority of the population, primarily among expatriates and a few local communities. There are also small communities of Hindus and Buddhists, though their numbers are limited. Djibouti is known for its religious tolerance, and people of different faiths generally live in harmony. The government guarantees freedom of religion, and the country’s constitution allows for religious diversity and practice.

Religion influences many aspects of life in Djibouti, including culture, politics, and social interactions. The call to prayer can be heard throughout the day in urban areas, and mosques are a prominent feature of the landscape. Islamic traditions also play a significant role in Djibouti’s cultural identity, shaping social norms and customs.

Economy

Overview

Djibouti has a small but strategic economy that is heavily reliant on its location as a key maritime hub. The country’s economy is primarily service-based, with a strong focus on trade, logistics, and transportation due to its proximity to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Djibouti is a major transshipment point for goods traveling between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with its port serving as one of the busiest in the region. The country also plays a significant role in the global shipping industry, as it is situated near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.

While Djibouti lacks significant natural resources, the country has made use of its geographic location to develop an economy based on maritime trade, port services, and logistics. Djibouti is home to several foreign military bases, particularly from France, the United States, and China, which have contributed to the local economy by providing employment and infrastructure development.

Despite its small size, Djibouti’s economy is growing, thanks to its investment in infrastructure, port facilities, and transportation. However, the country still faces challenges, including high unemployment rates, poverty, and a reliance on imports for many goods and services.

Industry and Services

Djibouti’s economy is dominated by services, particularly those related to shipping, logistics, and port management. The Port of Djibouti, the main commercial port, is the largest in the region and serves as a gateway for goods going to and from Ethiopia, which is landlocked and relies heavily on Djibouti’s ports for trade. The government has made significant investments in upgrading the port facilities, expanding capacity, and attracting foreign investment in the logistics sector.

The country has also made efforts to diversify its economy by investing in infrastructure projects, such as road construction, airport expansion, and telecommunications. Djibouti has also been working to position itself as a financial services center for the region, attracting international banks and financial institutions.

Djibouti has limited manufacturing industries, but it is home to some processing of agricultural products, such as salt, which is extracted from the salt pans near Lake Assal. The country’s fishing industry is relatively small, although there is potential for growth, particularly in the area of tuna and other seafood exports.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Djibouti’s agricultural sector is minimal, as the country’s arid climate and limited water resources make it challenging for large-scale farming. The majority of agriculture in Djibouti consists of pastoralism, with many people relying on livestock, such as goats, sheep, and camels, for their livelihood. These animals provide milk, meat, and wool, which are important components of the local diet and economy.

Due to the scarcity of freshwater resources, crop production is limited, and Djibouti depends heavily on food imports. However, some crops, such as dates, vegetables, and cereals, are grown in the more fertile regions around the country’s few permanent rivers and in small-scale irrigation projects.

Djibouti’s natural resources are limited, but it is known for its salt deposits, which are extracted from Lake Assal, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. The country also has some geothermal potential, particularly in the Rift Valley region, though these resources have not yet been fully exploited.

Government

Political System

Djibouti is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party political system. The President of Djibouti is the head of state and holds significant executive powers. The president is elected for a five-year term and has control over foreign policy, defense, and appointments to the judiciary and other key government positions. The current president, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, has been in power since 1999 and has been re-elected several times in elections that have been criticized for lack of opposition and transparency.

The government structure is characterized by a separation of powers, with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The legislature, known as the National Assembly, is made up of 65 members who are elected by direct popular vote for five-year terms. While political opposition exists, the ruling party holds significant power, and elections have been marked by limited competition.

Djibouti’s political environment is largely controlled by the president and his party, with the government closely managing public life and media. While political rights are guaranteed by the constitution, opposition parties often face obstacles, and dissent is sometimes suppressed.

Legal System

Djibouti’s legal system is based on French civil law, due to the country’s history as a French colony. The judiciary is independent, but there are concerns about political interference in legal proceedings. The country has a legal framework that protects individual rights and freedoms, although there are concerns about freedom of expression and the ability of opposition groups to function freely.

The highest court in Djibouti is the Supreme Court, and the country has a system of lower courts that handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Djibouti also has a system of military courts, which are responsible for handling cases related to national security.

Foreign Relations

Djibouti maintains a foreign policy that emphasizes diplomacy, peacekeeping, and regional cooperation. The country has strategic military relationships with major global powers, including France, the United States, and China, which maintain military bases in Djibouti. These bases provide significant economic benefits through infrastructure development and employment.

Djibouti is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League. The country plays an active role in regional peacekeeping efforts, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where it has contributed to efforts to address conflicts in Somalia and other neighboring countries.

The government of Djibouti has focused on promoting economic development through trade, investment, and regional cooperation. Djibouti’s geographic location as a key maritime hub has made it a valuable partner in global shipping and trade. Its foreign relations are focused on maintaining stability in the region and leveraging its strategic position for economic development.

Djibouti Map