Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. It also shares a coastline along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. If you want to visit this fascinating place, here are some interesting facts to know before you plan your trip.

Djibouti's historical background culture

From 1888 to 1977, Djibouti was under French colonial rule as part of Somaliland, with its capital established in 1894. In 1967, it was rebranded as the ‘French Territory of the Afars and the Issas’ until gaining complete independence as the ‘Republic of Djibouti’ in 1977.

Djibouti’s flag symbolism

• Two horizontal stripes of light blue and light green.
• A white triangle with a red star.
• Symbolism: Green represents the Afar people and prosperity, blue represents the Issa people, the sea, and the sky, white represents equality and peace, and the red star signifies unity and independence.

Geological Significance

Djibouti lies on the Afar Triple Junction, where three divergent segments of the Earth’s crust—the African, Somalian, and Arabian plates—are tearing away from each other.

Ethnic groups in Djibouti

The Somali and Afar ethnic groups are the most prominent in Djibouti, with the Somali community being the larger of the two. Additionally, Djibouti is home to smaller populations of Arabs, Ethiopians, and Europeans.

Djibouti hosts the sole permanent U.S. military base in Africa

Djibouti is home to the only U.S. military base in Africa that is established permanently. This base serves as a strategic location for U.S. military operations in the region, allowing for rapid response to regional threats and providing support for various security missions, including counterterrorism efforts and maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The presence of this base underscores Djibouti's importance as a key partner for the United States in maintaining stability and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

Djibouti City is home to 76% of the country's population

Djibouti City, the largest urban centre in Djibouti, boasts a population exceeding 600,000 people, representing approximately 76% of the country's total population.

Hidden beauty

Although Djibouti is small and surrounded by unstable neighbouring countries, it possesses concealed beauty, ranging from its architectural marvels to its protected wildlife areas. It may be an opportune moment for Djibouti to establish itself as an appealing tourist spot, encouraging visitors to discover its captivating attractions.

Climate and wildlife

Djibouti experiences a hot and arid climate, with the majority of its territory, around 90%, situated within the Danakil Desert. Djibouti shares its borders with Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia, and is renowned for its lively festivals, extreme temperatures, and hospitable inhabitants.

Scenic Beaches

Djibouti offers pristine beaches along its coastline, such as the captivating Plage des Sables Blancs, perfect for relaxation, swimming, and water sports.

Land of Peace and Stability

Djibouti is known for its stability and peaceful coexistence among its diverse population, contributing to its status as a beacon of peace in the region.

Unique marine life

Djibouti provides captivating diving opportunities and serves as a habitat for whale sharks, drawing underwater enthusiasts globally with its splendid marine ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Djibouti located?

Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. It also shares a maritime border with Yemen.

What languages are spoken in Djibouti?

The official languages of Djibouti are French and Arabic, while Somali and Afar are widely spoken by the local population.

What is the currency of Djibouti?

The currency used in Djibouti is the Djiboutian franc (DJF).

What is Djibouti known for?

Djibouti is known for its strategic location at the entrance to the Red Sea, hosting foreign military bases, including those of the United States, France, and China. It is also famous for its stunning landscapes, including Lake Assal, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, and its diverse marine life in the Red Sea.

Is Djibouti a diverse country?

Yes, Djibouti is known for its cultural diversity, with various ethnic groups such as the Somali, Afar, and Arab populations coexisting peacefully and contributing to the country's rich cultural heritage.