Djibouti, officially known as the Republic of Djibouti, is a small country located 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 country is surrounded by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Djibouti’s strategic location near some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes has made it a critical player in international trade and military operations.
Djibouti’s geography is diverse, with low coastal plains, a central plateau, and highlands in the north. The country is home to one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, Lake Assal, which lies 155 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point in Africa. Despite its small size, Djibouti’s climate varies from arid in the coastal regions to a cooler climate in the highlands.
The population of Djibouti is approximately 900,000, with the majority living in the capital city, Djibouti City. The country is predominantly Islamic and the official languages are Arabic and French. The culture is a blend of Somali, Afar, and French influences, with Somali and Afar being the two main ethnic groups.
Djibouti’s economy is largely service-based due to its strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa. The country serves as a commercial hub for the region and hosts military bases for several foreign countries. Despite this, Djibouti faces numerous economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and reliance on foreign aid.
Djibouti is a unitary presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and head of government. The country’s political system is dominated by a single party, the People’s Rally for Progress, which has been in power since the country’s independence from France in 1977.
Education in Djibouti is a priority for the government and is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The education system is a blend of French and Arab influences, reflecting the country’s colonial history and cultural heritage. Despite improvements in recent years, the country still faces challenges in terms of access to education and quality of instruction.
