DJIBOUTI

Want to Know Africa? Djibouti, Horn of Africa

Officially the Republic of Djibouti is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Bordered by Somaliland in the south, Ethiopia in the southwest, Eritrea in the north, and the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the east. The country has a total area of 23,200 km2.

Djibouti is a multi-ethnic nation with a population of over 921,804 inhabitants (the smallest in mainland Africa). French and Arabic are the country’s two official languages; Afar and Somali are national languages. About 94% of residents adhere to Islam, which is the official religion and has been predominant in the region for more than a thousand years. The Somalis and Afar make up the two largest ethnic groups, with the former comprising the majority of the population. Both speak the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic languages.

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FUN FACTS ABOUT DJIBOUTI

• In search of culture? Djibouti offers visitors a chance to experience culture in its fullness as it is home to three ethnic groups that live side by side in harmony and peace: Somali, Afar, and Arabs have been coexisting together here since the Ifat Sultanate that dates back to the 12th century.

• The red sea is a perfect spot for water activities. With a plethora of activities, visitors can shuffle between diving with whales, swimming with dolphins at Mocha island, the pearl of the sea, etc. or simply, exploring the beguiling mountains of the country.

• Being a former French colony, Djibouti affords visitors the opportunity to explore unique French-style architecture and the richness that comes with it. Visitors are exposed to the peculiarities of the French and African architecture which exists alongside each other and appreciate their peculiarities.

• Because of its geostrategic location, Djibouti is home to thousands of foreigners, Ethiopians, and lately merchants from Yemen. Djibouti is a multicultural hub by excellence, where a fusion of African, Arab, American, and European music is played all week long.

• Fish fans will be in heaven. Visitors have access here to freshly caught fish and seafood if you make a tour of the harbor or the local market on Fridays, where mesmerizing types of fish are showcased at extremely affordable prices. The city also gives visitors the opportunity to explore Firsthand Yemeni cuisine.

• Djiboutian celebrations have to be seen to be believed. The Djibouti wedding ceremonies are usually colorful and unlike any other in the world, especially in intercultural weddings, the locals make it a point of duty to capture the essence of both cultures.

• The country is home to some amazing wildlife that is well preserved in its entirely natural habitat. Don’t be afraid if you find a herd of camels crossing the main road or resting on the sidewalk, it’s totally normal!

• Djibouti holds an important position in Africa as it houses Camp Lemonneir the only American military base in Africa.

• It has one of the best-kept secrets in Africa. Ghoubet Al-Kharab, or ‘devil’ island’ is an intriguing spot in the Tadjourah Gulf. Thought to be the most dangerous place in all of Djibouti, and one of the most curious natural formations in all of Africa.

• Being a multicultural scene, Visitors are quickly immersed in this country bustling with life, which provides the opportunity to learn some French and enjoy the Eastern African vibes through music.

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