Djibouti

The Republic of Djibouti is a small but strategically important nation located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with coastlines along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Despite its arid terrain and limited natural resources, Djibouti holds immense geopolitical significance as it overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints linking the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. This strategic position has made the country a hub for international trade, logistics, and military operations.

Historical Background

The territory of present-day Djibouti has been inhabited since prehistoric times by Afar and Somali Issa peoples, both belonging to the Cushitic linguistic family. During the medieval period, it was part of the Ifat and Adal Sultanates, which established early Islamic trade and cultural networks across the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula.
In 1862, the Afar sultans signed treaties with France, granting it territorial rights that laid the foundation for French Somaliland. By 1885, further treaties with Somali clans consolidated French control. The colony served as a crucial refuelling station for ships transiting between Europe and Asia following the opening of the Suez Canal (1869).
French colonial rule fostered infrastructure development but deepened ethnic divisions by favouring the Afar minority in administration. During the decolonisation period, France organised referenda to determine the territory’s political future. In 1958 and again in 1967, referenda opted for continued association with France—decisions criticised for alleged manipulation and disenfranchisement of pro-independence Somali Issa voters.
Growing nationalist movements, led by the Ligue Populaire Africaine pour l’Indépendance (LPAI) under Hassan Gouled Aptidon, gained momentum during the 1970s. Independence was finally achieved on 27 June 1977, creating the Republic of Djibouti. Hassan Gouled Aptidon became the country’s first president, establishing a one-party system dominated by the Issa elite.
Political tensions between the Issa and Afar communities persisted, culminating in a civil conflict (1991–2001) involving the Afar-based Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD). The conflict ended with a peace accord in 2001, incorporating Afar representation in government.
Since 1999, Djibouti has been governed by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, re-elected multiple times amid limited political competition. His leadership has provided continuity and stability, underpinning the country’s economic development and international partnerships.

Geography and Environment

Djibouti covers 23,200 square kilometres, slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its 314-kilometre coastline provides direct access to major international shipping routes. The terrain is predominantly volcanic and desert-like, featuring rugged mountains, salt lakes, and arid plains.
The Moussa Ali volcano (2,021 m) marks the highest elevation, while Lac Assal, at –155 metres below sea level, is Africa’s lowest point and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world.
The climate is extremely hot and dry, with annual rainfall rarely exceeding 150 mm. Summer temperatures often surpass 45°C, moderated only along the coast. Natural hazards include earthquakes, flash floods, and occasional cyclonic disturbances.
Djibouti’s natural resources include salt, limestone, gypsum, and potential geothermal energy. However, only 0.1% of land is arable, making the nation dependent on food imports. Livestock herding remains the primary rural livelihood.
Environmental challenges—water scarcity, desertification, and deforestation—are severe. The government participates in multiple international environmental frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable water management.

People and Society

Djibouti’s population was estimated at 994,974 (2024), with an urbanisation rate of 78.6%, among the highest in Africa. Djibouti City, the capital, is home to over 60% of the population, serving as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural hub.
Ethnic composition:

• Somali Issa: 60%
• Afar: 35%
• Others (Arabs, Ethiopians, Europeans): 5%

Languages: French and Arabic (official), alongside Somali and Afar as national languages.Religion: Predominantly Sunni Islam (≈99%), shaping social norms and legal frameworks.
Demographics and social indicators (2024):

• Median age: 26.3 years
• Life expectancy: 65.9 years
• Fertility rate: 2.11 children per woman
• Birth rate: 21.8 per 1,000 people
• Literacy rate: 73.4%
• Education expenditure: 3.8% of GDP
• Health expenditure: 2.9% of GDP

The public education system is compulsory until age 16, but access remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. Female literacy and enrolment are improving through government and international aid programmes.
Healthcare services are limited but improving, supported by foreign partnerships. The country faces persistent challenges such as malnutrition, tuberculosis, and waterborne diseases, though maternal mortality has declined to 162 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Government and Politics

Djibouti is a presidential republic governed by the Constitution of 1992, which introduced multi-party democracy following decades of one-party rule.

• President: Ismail Omar Guelleh (since 1999)
• Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 65 members, elected for five-year terms
• Dominant coalition: Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP), led by the People’s Rally for Progress (RPP)

The 2021 presidential election returned Guelleh with 97.4% of the vote, following an opposition boycott. The 2023 legislative elections reaffirmed UMP dominance with 58 of 65 seats.
The judicial system blends French civil law, Islamic law (for family matters), and customary law. The Supreme Court and Constitutional Council oversee constitutional compliance.
Administratively, Djibouti is divided into six regions: Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, and Tadjourah. The national flag, adopted in 1977, features blue, green, and white horizontal stripes with a red star symbolising unity, independence, and peace.

Economy

Djibouti’s economy is predominantly service-based, capitalising on its strategic maritime position at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The nation functions as a regional logistics and shipping hub, serving as the principal access point for Ethiopia’s international trade.
Key economic indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $7.99 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $6,800
• Growth rate: 6%
• Inflation: 2.1%
• Unemployment: 25.9% (youth unemployment over 75%)
• Poverty rate: 21%

Sectoral composition:

• Services: 75.5%
• Industry: 15.4%
• Agriculture: 2.6%

Ports and trade: Djibouti’s port complex—including the Doraleh Multipurpose Port and Djibouti Free Zone—handles 95% of Ethiopian imports and exports. The Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, completed in 2017, has further cemented the country’s role in regional trade.
Djibouti’s currency, the Djiboutian franc (DJF), is pegged to the U.S. dollar at 177.721 DJF/USD, maintaining monetary stability.
Major trading partners:

• Exports: Ethiopia (77%), UAE (5%), China (3%)
• Imports: petroleum, machinery, palm oil, and fertilisers

The industrial sector is expanding, driven by construction, logistics, and energy projects—many linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Despite growth, income inequality (Gini index 41.6) and youth unemployment remain pressing social issues.

Energy and Infrastructure

Djibouti’s electricity access rate stands at 65%, higher in urban areas (73%) than rural ones (37%). The country’s energy mix depends on fossil fuels (65%), complemented by wind (34%) and nascent geothermal energy exploration.
The transport network includes 10 airports, two major seaports (Djibouti and Doraleh), and the electrified Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway—a critical artery for regional commerce.
Telecommunications are state-run, with 65% internet penetration and rapid mobile adoption. The government is investing in digital infrastructure to position Djibouti as a data and fibre-optic hub for East Africa.

Defence and Security

The Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) comprise the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie, with an estimated 10,000–12,000 personnel. Their primary missions include border protection, counterterrorism, and maritime security.
Djibouti’s location attracts multiple foreign powers:

• France maintains its largest overseas military base.
• The United States operates Camp Lemonnier, its only permanent African base.
• China established its first overseas naval base in 2017.
• Japan, Italy, and Spain maintain smaller installations supporting anti-piracy operations.

Djibouti also contributes troops to African Union peacekeeping missions in Somalia (ATMIS) and participates in regional counter-extremism initiatives.

Culture and Heritage

Djibouti’s culture embodies a blend of Arab, African, and Islamic traditions, reflecting its Red Sea heritage and nomadic roots. Oral storytelling, poetry, and dance hold a central place in Issa and Afar communities.
Cuisine features spiced meats, rice, lentils, flatbreads, and coffee seasoned with cardamom. Traditional attire includes the ma’awis (sarong-like garment) for men and the dirac for women.