Djibouti

Djibouti, officially the Republic of Djibouti, is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Somalia to the south, Ethiopia to the southwest, Eritrea in the north, and the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the east. The country covers an area of 23,200 km² (8,958 sq mi).

In the past, the area was part of the Land of Punt. Later, it became a French colony called French Somaliland. After gaining independence, it became the Republic of Djibouti, named after its capital city.

Djibouti has a small population and is made up of different groups of people. French and Arabic are the official languages, and most people follow Islam. The country is important because it is close to busy shipping routes and serves as a main port for trade with Ethiopia. It is also home to many important international offices and military bases.

Name and etymology

Djibouti is officially called the Republic of Djibouti. In local languages, it is known as Gabuuti in Afar and Jabuuti in Somali.

The country is named after its capital city, the City of Djibouti. The origin of the name is not fully known, with different stories depending on the local culture. One idea suggests it comes from the Afar word gabouti, meaning "plate". Another theory links it to gabood, meaning "upland" or "plateau". Some believe it means "Land of Tehuti" or "Land of Thoth".

In the past, from 1862 to 1894, the northern area was called Obock. Later, from 1897 to 1967, it was known as French Somaliland, and from 1967 to 1977 as the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

History

Main article: History of Djibouti

Prehistory

The Djibouti area has been home to people since very early times. Cut stones from about 3 million years ago have been found there. Remnants of an extinct elephant and tools made from stone have also been uncovered, dating back to around 1.4 million years ago. Other discoveries include stone tools and a very old human jaw.

Antiquity

In very old times, Djibouti was known to ancient Egyptians as the Land of Punt. Egyptian records from around 2500 BC mention journeys to this land, seeking valuable goods like gold and incense. The area was an important trading place, with ships traveling from Egypt to bring goods for temples.

Introduction of Islam and the Middle Ages

During the early 9th century, the area around Zeila became part of a region called Adal. Zeila was an important city where people from many places traded goods. It was one of the first cities in the world to follow Islam, and an old mosque from the 7th century still stands there.

Early modern era

By the 1800s, the area was influenced by different powers, including the Ottomans and Egyptians. In 1862, the French signed a treaty with local leaders to set up a small base. This marked the beginning of French involvement in the region.

French colonization (1862–1977)

In 1883 and 1887, the French signed agreements with local leaders to establish control. By 1894, they set up a permanent administration in Djibouti City. The building of a railway from Djibouti to Ethiopia brought growth to the city. During World War II, the area was under Vichy French control but later liberated.

Djibouti Republic

In 1977, Djibouti held a vote to become independent from France, which was overwhelmingly supported. Hassan Gouled Aptidon became the first president. Djibouti joined international groups like the United Nations and focused on building its government and economy. In the 1990s, there were some disagreements about how the government should be run, but these were resolved with agreements to share power.

Politics

Further information: Politics of Djibouti

See also: Elections in Djibouti and List of Djiboutian politicians

Djibouti is a presidential republic where the president has most of the power. The president leads the government with help from a prime minister and a group of ministers called the Council of Ministers. There is also a National Assembly that helps make laws.

The president of Djibouti is Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. He works with a prime minister, who is currently Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. The country's laws mix French ideas with local customs. The National Assembly has 65 members who are chosen every five years. The main political group is the People's Rally for Progress, which has been in charge for many years.

Main article: Foreign relations of Djibouti

Djibouti works closely with its neighbors like Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as countries such as France and the United States. It also takes part in groups like the African Union and the United Nations.

Djibouti has its own army, navy, air force, and a special police force called the National Gendarmerie. The country has had conflicts in the past, but now focuses on training and working with other nations for peace.

See also: French forces in Djibouti

Because of its important location near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Djibouti hosts military bases from several countries, including France, the United States, Japan, and China. These bases help protect the area and bring economic benefits to Djibouti.

Main article: Human rights in Djibouti

Djibouti faces challenges in protecting human rights. There are concerns about unfair detentions and difficult prison conditions.

Main articles: Regions of Djibouti and Sub-prefectures of Djibouti

Djibouti is divided into six regions, including the capital city of Djibouti. Each region is further split into smaller areas called sub-prefectures.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Djibouti

Djibouti is in the Horn of Africa, between the Gulf of Aden and the Bab-el-Mandeb, near the Red Sea's southern entrance. It is between latitudes 11° and 14°N and longitudes 41° and 44°E. The country is 23,200 square kilometres (8,958 sq mi) and borders Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somaliland. Djibouti is the southernmost country on the Arabian Plate.

Djibouti has many mountains, with the Mousa Ali range as the highest. The Grand Bara desert covers parts of southern Djibouti. The climate stays very warm all year. Coastal areas are dry, while higher areas get more rain. Wildlife includes many birds, mammals like gazelles and zebras, and sea animals such as turtles.

Location and habitat

Satellite images of Djibouti during the day (left) and night (right)

Wildlife

Main article: Wildlife of Djibouti

Economy

Main article: Economy of Djibouti

Djibouti's economy mainly focuses on services. Business activities center around the country's free trade rules and its important location in the Red Sea. Because there is not much rain, the main crops are vegetables and fruits, and other foods must be brought in from other places. The services sector made up most of the country's wealth, with industry and farming making up smaller parts.

The main trading place at the Port of Djibouti handles most of the country's trade. Many goods moved there are imports to and exports from nearby Ethiopia. The port is also a place where ships stop to refuel and load and unload goods. The government began building a new trading place called the Doraleh Container Terminal to help the country trade even more.

Efforts are being made to create more jobs by investing in different areas, especially communications and small businesses. A large power plant using heat from the earth is being built with help from OPEC, the World Bank and the Global Environmental Facility.

A company called Salt Investment (SIS) has started using the lots of salt found in Djibouti's Lake Assal region. This project makes and sells salt and creates jobs and fresh water for local people. The money used in Djibouti is called the Djiboutian franc, and it is controlled by the Central Bank of Djibouti.

As of 2010, 10 banks operate in Djibouti. The government requires banks to keep a share of their money in the bank and to have a certain amount of money ready before starting.

Saudi investors are looking into building a big bridge connecting the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula through Djibouti, called the Bridge of the Horns.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Djibouti

The Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti City is the country's main airport. The new Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway started working in January 2018. It helps move goods between Ethiopia and the port in Djibouti.

Ferry boats travel across the Gulf of Tadjoura from Djibouti City to Tadjoura. The Port of Doraleh west of Djibouti City is the main port. Djibouti is part of a big trade route called the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which runs from China to Europe.

Media and telecommunications

Main articles: Telecommunications in Djibouti and Freedom of the press in Djibouti

Telecommunications in Djibouti are managed by the Ministry of Communication.

Djibouti Telecom is the only company that provides phone and internet services. Mobile phone service mainly covers Djibouti City. The SEA-ME-WE 3 submarine cable connects to many places. Djibouti has satellite connections through 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat.

Radio Television of Djibouti is the government-owned TV and radio company. It runs the only TV station and two radio networks. The government controls licenses and operation of media.

As of 2012, there were many local internet providers. The country's internet address ends in .dj.

The main newspapers are owned by the government. Non-government news websites are based outside the country.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Djibouti

Tourism in Djibouti is growing but still small. Djibouti's top tourist spots are Lake Abbe and Lake Assal.

Energy

Main article: Energy in Djibouti

Djibouti can produce electricity from oil and diesel power plants. By 2015, each person used about 330 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, but about 45% of people did not have electricity. Japan is interested in Djibouti's geothermal energy, and has started building one near Lake Assal. A solar power plant in Grand Bara will produce electricity.

Demographics

Djibouti is home to about 1 million people. Many different groups live there. The two biggest groups are the Somalis, who make up about 60% of the people, and the Afar, who make up about 35%. There are also smaller groups, such as Yemeni Arabs, Ethiopians, and some Europeans. Most people live in cities, but some still move with their animals.

The main languages spoken in Djibouti are Somali and Afar. The official languages are Arabic and French, which are used in schools and government. Most people practice Islam, which is the official religion. There is also a small Christian community.

Djibouti is working to improve its schools. The government has built new classrooms and provided books. They have made school free and required for children. Many more girls are now going to school. There is one main university where young people can learn more after finishing their basic education.

Main article: Languages of Djibouti

Djibouti has many languages. Most people speak Somali or Afar at home. The two official languages are Arabic and French. Arabic is important for religion, and French is used in schools and government. Some people also speak other languages like Omani Arabic, Amharic, and Greek.

Main articles: Islam in Djibouti and Christianity in Djibouti

Most people in Djibouti practice Islam. The Constitution allows people to practice any religion, but Islam is the official religion. There are also some Christians in the country.

Main article: Health in Djibouti

In Djibouti, doctors are not as common as in some other places. The government is working to improve health services.

Main article: Education in Djibouti

Education is very important to the government of Djibouti. They have been working to make sure all children can go to school. They have built new schools and provided books. They have made school free and required for all children. Many more girls are now going to school. There is a university where young people can study after finishing their basic education.

The University of Djibouti is the main place for higher learning in the country.

Culture

Further information: Culture of Djibouti

People in Djibouti wear clothes that fit the hot, dry weather. Men often wear a traditional garment called a macawiis, which is like a sarong wrapped around the waist. Many also wear a loose white robe called a tobe.

Women usually wear a light, flowy dress called a dirac under other clothing. Married women often wear headscarves and shawls. On special days, women may wear pretty jewelry and headpieces.

Djibouti’s music comes from its rich traditions. Somali music uses five notes instead of seven, creating unique sounds. Afar music shares similarities with other music from the Horn of Africa and includes songs for different occasions like weddings and celebrations.

Music

Main article: Music of Djibouti

Somali music has a long history and uses five notes instead of seven, which makes it sound different from other types of music. Afar music also has traditional songs and poems that tell stories about the past.

Literature

Main article: Literature of Djibouti

Djibouti has a strong tradition of poetry. Somali poets create long, complex poems, and Afar people have many folk stories and battle songs. There are also important historical books written about the country.

Sport

Football is very popular in Djibouti. The country joined FIFA in 1994 and had its first win in a World Cup qualifying match in 2007.

Recently, archery has begun to grow, with help from the World Archery Federation. A training center is being built in Arta to support archery in the area.

Cuisine

Djiboutian food mixes flavors from Somali, Afar, Yemeni, French, and Indian cuisines. Dishes often use spices like saffron and cinnamon. Popular foods include grilled fish, spicy soups, and a sweet treat called halwa made from sugar and spices. After meals, people sometimes use incense to scent their homes.