Djibouti - Learn, Explore and Travel

Djibouti's location is the main economic asset of a country that is mostly barren. The capital, Djibouti city, handles Ethiopian imports and exports. Its transport facilities are used by several landlocked African countries to fly in their goods for re-export. This earns Djibouti much-needed transit taxes and harbour fees.

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The city was founded in 1888 and was designated the capital of French Somaliland three years later. The city has some beaches along its eastern shore.

Djibouti (, , , ), officially the Republic of Djibouti (, , , ), is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east. Djibouti, which had a population of 818,159 at the 2009 census, is one of the least populous countries in Africa.World Bank country data Djibouti (2009) (number rounded) The predominant religion in Djibouti is Islam, with a 94% majority, with the remaining 6% practicing Christianity. In the 19th century, Djibouti, then known as French Somaliland (), was acquired by France through various treaties with Somali sultans.[http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107467.html] In 1967 the name was changed to the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas (). The territory was declared an independent nation in 1977, and changed its name to the Republic of Djibouti. Djibouti joined the United Nations on September 20, 1977.[http://www.historyorb.com/countries/djibouti]United Nations member states While Djibouti is an independent state, it maintains deep French relations, and through various military and economic agreements with France, it receives continued security and economic assistance.[http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/djibouti/government/]

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If Traveling in Djibouti

Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for any medical treatment. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Cholera is also a serious risk and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding if these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. Typhoid immunization is usually advised. Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists year round. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil are recommended.

The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is currently over 3% or 1 in 33 adults. Protect yourself.

Djibouti has allowed the U.S. military, as well as other nations, access to its port and airport facilities. The Djiboutian Government has been very supportive of U.S. and Western interests, particularly during the Gulf crisis of 1990-91 and after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In 2002, Djibouti agreed to host a U.S. military presence at Camp Lemonnier, a former French Foreign Legion base outside the capital that now houses approximately 1,800 American personnel.

U.S. service members provide humanitarian support and development and security assistance to people and governments of the Horn of Africa and Yemen. As a victim of past international terrorist attacks, President Guelleh continues to take a very proactive position against terrorism.

cc licensed flickr photo shared by The U.S. Army

Lac Assal is the lowest point in Africa. The shore of the large salt lake lies 156 meters below sea level and t's shores are constantly covered in large clumps of salt crystals. Nearby can be found hot springs heated by geothermal activity

About two-thirds of the Republic of Djibouti's 650,000 inhabitants live in the capital city. The indigenous population is divided between the majority Somalis (predominantly of the Issa tribe, with minority Issaq and Gadabursi representation) and the Afars (Danakils). All are Cushitic-speaking peoples, and nearly all are Muslim. Among the 15,000 foreigners residing in Djibouti, the French are the most numerous. Among the French are 3,000 troops.

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The Republic of Djibouti gained its independence on June 27, 1977. It is the successor to French Somaliland (later called the French Territory of the Afars and Issas), which was created in the first half of the 19th century as a result of French interest in the Horn of Africa.

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Lonely Planet Ethiopia Eritrea and Djibouti (Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit) [Paperback]