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Djibouti

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description Djibouti Overview

Djibouti is a small country at the Horn of Africa, positioned beside the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Djibouti City is the capital and a major port serving regional trade routes, especially connections to landlocked Ethiopia. The country is mostly arid, with volcanic landscapes, salt lakes, and Lake Assal, one of the lowest points on land. French and Arabic are official languages, and Afar and Somali communities make up much of the population.

help Djibouti FAQ

Where is Djibouti, and why does the Bab el-Mandeb matter?

Djibouti sits at the Horn of Africa beside the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab el-Mandeb, the strait linking the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea. This places the country on a major route between the Indian Ocean and the Suez corridor. [Djibouti government](https://diplomatie.gouv.dj/les-grands-principes)

Why is Djibouti City important to Ethiopia?

Djibouti City is the capital and hosts the country's main port complex. The World Bank describes the Djibouti-Addis Ababa corridor as the route connecting landlocked Ethiopia to world markets through Djibouti's port. [World Bank](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/12/16/djibouti-new-project-to-improve-trade-connectivity-and-boost-regional-integration)

When did Djibouti become independent?

The Republic of Djibouti proclaimed national independence on June 27, 1977. That date appears in the country's official gazette. [Djibouti official gazette](https://www.journalofficiel.dj/texte-juridique/loi-nlr-77-001-du-27-de-proclamation-de-la-republique-de-djibouti/)

What are Djibouti's official languages and currency?

Arabic and French are official languages, while Somali and Afar are widely spoken locally. The national currency is the Djiboutian franc. [CIA World Factbook](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/djibouti/)