Djibouti
Capital
Djibouti City
Population
~1.1 million
Currency
Djiboutian Franc (DJF)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- French, Arabic, Somali, Afar
- Religion
- Islam (Sunni majority)
- Climate
- Arid desert; extremely hot year-round
Culture & History
Known for: its strategic location on the Red Sea, hosting foreign military bases (US, China, France), and being a key shipping route
Also famous for: Lake Assal (Africa's lowest point and saltiest lake), desert landscapes, and being a gateway to the Suez Canal
Food: Skudahkaris (spiced rice with meat), Fah-fah (spicy soup)
Brief History
French colony (French Somaliland); gained independence in 1977; economic hub due to its ports and geopolitical significance; relies on foreign military leases and trade