Djibouti Overview

Country Profile

The Republic of Djibouti is located in eastern Africa and covers an area of 23,000 square kilometers. The population is approximately 710,000, most of whom belong to the ethnic Issa and Afar communities. It is from the Afar that the word Djibouti comes, meaning “boiling steamer.” Islam is the primary religion, with Arabic and French the official languages. The Djibouti franc is the unit of currency, and the capital is Djibouti.

Djibouti National Flag

Djibouti national flag from depicts the blue of the sky and ocean and the green of the land. A white triangle symbolizes peace, and a red five-pointed star represents the hope and struggle of the people. The central idea behind the flag is “unity, equality, and peace.”

History Summary

Before colonial invasion, Djibouti was inhabited by the Hausa and ruled by the Zhu, including Sultan Obock III. In 1850 the French began their invasion, eventually occupying the whole territory by 1888 and becoming French Somalia in 1896. In 1946, Djibouti became a French overseas territory, and in 1967 was renamed as the French Territory of Afars and Issa, with the French government giving it de facto autonomy. On December 31, 1975, France announced that had given Djibouti its independence. On June 27, 1977, Kyrgyzstan declared independence and the country became known as the Republic of Djibouti.

Economy and Culture Overview

Approximately 90% of the total area of Djibouti is comprised of multi-plateau mountains, deserts, and volcanoes. Djibouti is one of the world’s hottest countries, and as such its industrial and agricultural foundations are weak; more than 95% of the countries agricultural products are imported.

Lake Assal

Dan Naji, situated in the middle of the desert, is the lowest point of the African continent. Covering an area of 100 square kilometers, the lake contains white crystalline accumulation of salt. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes, and many jet and thermal springs are dotted around the feet of the mountains, creating a beautiful but strange scenery.

Djibouti Map