Fact 1: Gateway to the Red Sea
Djibouti is perched at the entryway to the Red Sea, where it connects to the Gulf of Aden. Its strategic location makes it a significant maritime center. Although Djibouti is tiny in size, it has established itself as a crucial hub for trade and logistics, owing to its proximity to the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Fact 2: The 3rd Smallest Country in Africa
Djibouti is the third smallest country in Africa. Despite its small size, the country is rich in culture and history. It spans an area of about 23,200 square kilometers. Its geographical profile is characterized by mountains in the north, desert areas in the west and south, and coastal plains.
Fact 3: French and Arabic are Official Languages
Djibouti has two official languages: Arabic and French. French is the mainstream language used in schools, government administration and the media, while Arabic, specifically the Ta'izzi-Adeni Arabic, is the other language widely spoken among locals.
Fact 4: The 'Place of Tears'
Djibouti was named after its capital city. In Afar language, it roughly translates to "Place of Tears," referring to the harsh desert conditions that early inhabitants had to endure.
Fact 5: An Incredible Mix of Cultures
Djibouti boasts an amalgamation of cultures. Its population is majorly made up of two ethnic groups - the Somali and the Afar. These ethnicities contribute to the vibrant and unique traditions, food, music, and dance in the country.
Fact 6: Coffee is a National Symbol
One of the unique and interesting parts of Djiboutian culture is their love for coffee. It is considered one of the national symbols. You can’t visit Djibouti without tasting Gabana, a local twist to Arabic coffee.
Fact 7: A Desert Rose
The national flower of Djibouti is the Djibouti Desert Rose, scientifically known as Adenium Obesum. This beautiful flower blooms in a range of bright colors, including pink, red, and white.
Fact 8: The Lime Currency
The Djiboutian currency is called the Djiboutian Franc, but locals often refer to it as "lime." Although the origin of this nickname is not definitive, it has become an informal way of referring to the currency among locals.
Fact 9: Host to Foreign Military Bases
Djibouti is home to military bases from several foreign countries including America, France, China, and Italy. Its strategic location makes it an ideal naval base for combating piracy off the coast of Somalia and monitoring shipping activities in the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.
Fact 10: Only University Opened in 2006
Education in Djibouti took a leap forward in 2006 with the opening of the University of Djibouti. It is the first and only university in the country offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Fact 11: Country with No Farmland
Djibouti is a country with almost no arable land. This fact has a significant impact on the country's economy and food security, leading to the importation of almost all food products.
Fact 12: Land of Geothermal Energy
Djibouti, lying along the East African Rift, has potential for geothermal power due to seismic activity. The country's government has been exploring this channel to overcome energy challenges in the region.
Fact 13: Tropical Desert Climate
Despite its location near the equator, Djibouti has a hot desert climate. It experiences very high temperatures throughout the year, with an average high of about 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer.
Fact 14: Unique Railway Connection
The only railway line in Djibouti connects it with Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. This line is instrumental in the transportation of goods between the countries and a vital link for landlocked Ethiopia to the sea.
Fact 15: Diverse Wildlife
Djibouti is home to a host of unique wildlife species such as hamadryas baboons, Soemmerring's gazelles, and the Djibouti Francolin, a bird that is native to Djibouti.
Fact 16: Djibouti's 'Moon Landscape'
The Lac Assal region, a crater lake, is often referred to as a "moon landscape" due to its striking white salt plains. It is the third lowest land depression on Earth and salty than the Dead Sea.
Fact 17: Independence From France in 1977
After a peaceful struggle, Djibouti gained independence from France on June 27, 1977. Today, the Independence Day of Djibouti is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony.
Fact 18: Comprehensive Education
Education in Djibouti is compulsory for children between the age of 6 and 16. The country prides itself on having a comprehensive and inclusive education policy.
Fact 19: The Djiboutian Genna Game
An interesting fact about Djibouti is the popularity of Genna, a traditional Somali board game. Similar to chess, the game is a significant part of social and cultural life in Djibouti.
Fact 20: Birth Place of Stars
Djibouti is the birthplace of many internationally successful athletes including Ayanleh Souleiman and Mumin Gala. Both are middle-distance runners who have brought renown to the country due to their victories in global competitions.