Where is Djibouti? Little country. National flag of Djibouti

Republic, state on S.-V. Africa. Independence declared in 1977 G. During the colonial period - French ownership, until 1967 G. Somalia (French) or, officially. French Coast of Somalia, then French Afar territory and. Issa, after the name of the two main nationalities of this territory. With the declaration of independence, the name was adopted for the main city of the country -. The city was founded in 1883 G. on Cape Rae-Djibouti (Arabic race "cape") composed of small coral reefs. The explanation for the name is associated with the uneven surface of the cape and the adjacent coast.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Djibouti

(Djibouti), 1) state in the NE. Africa, on the south coast of the Gulf of Aden. And Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Area 23.4 thousand km², capital Djibouti. In ancient times, the territory was inhabited by the nomadic Afar and Issa tribes; in the 5th–6th centuries. – as part of the state of Aksum; in the 7th–19th centuries. - under the rule of the Arab sultanates; since 1896 – colony French Coast Somalia ; since 1946 - an overseas territory of France, since 1967 - French Afar and Issa Territory . Since 1977 – independent Republic of Djibouti ; the head of state is the president, legislative power belongs to the National. meeting.
The landscape is dominated by mountain ranges and lava plateaus with cones of extinct volcanoes, which are located within the depression Afar . On the NE. spurs of the ridge Danakil (Musa-Ali city, 2022 m). IN deep depression salty lake Assal (156 m below sea level). High seismicity. The climate is tropical, desert (one of the hottest places in the world). In summer there are sandstorms from Arabia - khamsin, but in May and September there is 100% humidity on the coast. There are no permanent rivers. B.h. deserts and semi-deserts; in the oases there are palm trees (dum and date). National parks, reserves. Population 461 thousand people. (2001); of which 35% are Afars, 60% Issa, 5% Europeans and Arabs. Official Language – Arabic and French. Among believers, 94% are Muslims and 6% are Christians. City dwellers 83% (1996). Nomadic and semi-nomadic cattle predominate (cattle are a symbol of wealth for the Afars and Issa). Fish, marine crafts (crabs, mother of pearl, pearls, sponges, corals). Coffee, date palm, and early vegetables are grown. Up to 90% of food is imported. Small quantities of food, text. and sewing, leather footwear. prom-sti. Extraction of table salt on the lake. Assal and evaporating it from sea ​​water. Crafts: processing hides and skins, making jewelry from silver with pearls, mother-of-pearl, amber and coral, leather embossing. There are more than 3 thousand km of roads (of which 281 km are paved). French naval base. Cash unit – Djiboutian franc;
2) capital (since 1977), to the south. shore of the hall. Tadjoura (Indian Ocean). 387 thousand inhabitants (1995). Founded in 1888 by the French as a seaport with an artificial harbour. Large French Navy base. Miner production. water, dairy, repair shops. All government, educational and medical institutions of the country are concentrated here. The seaport for servicing transit cargo from Ethiopia is the “gateway to Ethiopia.” The city is divided into two parts: the port on the peninsulas of Marabout and Heron, which extend far into the sea, and trade, business and residential areas. On an elevated cape is the presidential residence (in neo-Moorish style). Mosques, a lot of greenery, streets under canopies of houses (from the sun). Since the 1940s, it has been built in a European style.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Republic of Djibouti. State in northeastern Africa. Capital– Djibouti (547.1 thousand people – 2003). Territory– 23.2 thousand sq. km. Administrative division– 5 districts. Population– 712 thousand people. (2004). Official language– French and Arabic. Religion– Islam, Christianity. Currency unit – Djiboutian franc. National holiday – June 27 – Independence Day (1977). Djibouti has been a member of the UN since 1977, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1977, and since 2002 its successor - the African Union (AU), the Non-Aligned Movement, the League of Arab States (LAS) since 1977, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Eastern Common Market And South Africa(COMESA) since 1994, and also an associate member of the European Union.
Geographical location and boundaries. A continental state located in the Horn of Africa and on the islands of Maskali, Musha and the Seven Brothers. It borders on Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the northwest, southwest and south, and Somalia in the southeast. East Coast washed by waters Gulf of Aden Indian Ocean. The length of the coastline is 350 km.
Nature. Djibouti is in a zone of ongoing volcanic activity. Mountain ranges alternate with lava plateaus, and there are many extinct volcanoes. The Gulf of Tadjoura juts out 60 km into the land. Highest point– Mount Musa Ali (2021 m). Minerals - gypsum, clay, limestone, rock and table salt, pumice, perlite and pozzolan. There are geothermal springs.
Climate– tropical, hot and dry. Average monthly air temperatures are +27–35° C. They reach a maximum of +42–43° in July. The average annual precipitation is 45–130 mm per year. Largest quantity moisture (500 mm) falls in the mountains of Goda and Mabla. There are no permanent rivers. Large lakes– Assal (salt) and Abbe (freshwater). a lack of drinking water is one of the main problems.
Flora mostly desert and semi-desert (cereals, various acacias). In the relict forest of Dai (Goda mountain range) there are juniper, olive tree, boxwood, thuja, ficus dracaena, etc., and in the valleys there are date palms and doum palms. Mangrove forests have been preserved on the coast and islands. Inhabited by kudu and sassa antelopes, warthogs, hyenas, wild cats, mongooses, honey badgers, sea turtles, monkeys, Saharan foxes, jackals, many birds (about 240 species, including rare species of ostriches), reptiles (including monitor lizards) , cobras and pythons), butterflies and insects. There is an abundance of fish, crabs and lobsters in the coastal waters.
Population. The average population density is 29.9 people. per 1 sq. km (2002). The average annual population growth is 2.1%. Birth rate – 40.39 per 1000 people, mortality – 19.42 per 1000 people. Infant mortality is 105.54 per 1000 births. 43.2% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents over 65 years of age – 3.1%. Life expectancy is 43.12 years (men – 41.83, women – 44.44). (All data for 2004). More than 45% of the population is below the poverty line (2003).
Djibouti is a multi-ethnic state. OK. 60% of the population are Somali peoples (including 48% - Issa (Abgal, Dalol, etc. peoples)), 35% - Afars (or Danakil), 5% - Europeans (most French and Italians), Arabs (in mostly people from Yemen), Ethiopians, etc. More than 100 thousand Djiboutians lead a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. The languages ​​spoken by the vast majority of the population are Afar and Somali.
Djibouti has a high rate of urbanization. Big cities(in thousand people): Ali-Sabiye (8), Tadjur (7.5), Dikkil (6.5), Obok (5) – 2003. Urban population- OK. 70% (2/3 of them live in the capital) – 2003.
The issue of repatriation of refugees and illegal emigrants (100 thousand people - 2003) from Iraq, Yemen, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia is an urgent issue. Djiboutian refugees live in Ethiopia and Kenya (approx. 20 thousand people - 2001). Since 2000, Djibouti has become one of the new routes for African refugees (via Moscow and Tallinn) to Sweden.
Religions. Djibouti is a secular state. 94% of the population are Sunni Muslims (there is also a small number of Shiites). Islam began to spread in the 9th century. AD Christians make up 5%, approx. 1% of Djiboutians profess Buddhism and Hinduism (2003). Representatives of some nationalities at the same time remain committed to traditional beliefs.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
State structure. Presidential republic. The 1992 constitution is in force, approved by a referendum on September 4 of the same year. The head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces is the president, who is elected by universal direct and secret suffrage for a 6-year term. The President can hold this office for no more than two terms. Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament (National Assembly), consisting of 65 deputies who are elected by universal and secret ballot for a 5-year term.
The President is Ismael Omar Gelleh. Elected April 9, 1999.
The national flag is a rectangular panel divided into two horizontal stripes of light blue (above) and light green. On the left (at the shaft) a white isosceles triangle is superimposed on the stripes, in the center of which there is a five-pointed red star.
Administrative device. The country is divided into 5 districts, which consist of municipalities. The districts are headed by the commissars of the republic (prefects who are also mayors of the district centers).
Judicial system. Based on modern law, Muslim and traditional (customary) law. The Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, the so-called Security Tribunal, Sharia Courts, District Criminal Courts and Labor Courts. Since 2000, the Ministry of Justice has been taking measures to create a unified legal system in the country.
Armed forces and defense. The armed forces were created in 1977. In 2002 they numbered 9.6 thousand people: the army - 9.2 thousand people, naval forces- 200 people, air force - 200 people. There are also paramilitary units of the gendarmerie (1.2 thousand people) and national security forces (3 thousand people) - 2002. Since 1992, universal conscription for men has been in force aged 18–25 years. Defense expenditures in 2003 amounted to $26.5 million (4.4% of GDP).
On the territory of the country since colonial times remains the largest military base France in Africa (2850 people – 2004). Franco-Djiboutian military maneuvers are held regularly. Djibouti during the first war Persian Gulf(1990–1991) was used as an operating base for US troops. In the beginning. Since the 2000s, a regional anti-terrorism center has been located here (1,500 US soldiers).
Foreign policy. It is based on a policy of non-alignment and neutrality. The main foreign policy partner is France. Djibouti promotes the development of cooperation between the countries of the Horn of Africa: in 1985–1986, the country took the initiative to create IGAD (Intergovernmental Development Organization) and took part in resolving intra-Sudanese and Somali conflicts.
Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Djibouti were established on April 3, 1978. On January 6, 1992, the government of Djibouti recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR. Agreements on trade (1990) and cultural cooperation (1995) were signed. Universities of the USSR and the Russian Federation trained national personnel for Djibouti.
Political organizations. A multi-party system has emerged (there are more than 20 political parties). The most influential of them: “ People's Union for Progress,NOP"(Rassemblement populaire pour le progrès, RPP), leader - Ismael Omar Gelleh, general. sec. – Mohamed Ali Mohamed The ruling party, the only legal party in 1981–1992, created. in 1979; " Democratic Renewal Party, PDO» (Parti du renouveau démocratique, PRD) Chairman – Abdillahi Hamareiteh, General. sec. – Maki Houmed Gaba. Basics in 1992. Advocates for the creation of a democratic government formed on the basis of a parliamentary majority; " Union of Democratic Alliance, SDA"(Alliance républicaine pour la démocratie, ARD), chairman. – Ahmed Dini Ahmed, (Adan Mohamed Abdou). The main opposition party, created. in 2002; " Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy, FVED"(Front pour la restauration de l"unité et de la démocratie, FRUD), Chairman - Ali Mohamed Daoud, Secretary General - Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed. Founded in 1991 as an Afar military group , after the split (1994), one of its factions was legalized as a party in March 1996.
Trade union associations. General Association of Labour, HERE (Union Générale du Travail). Created in 1977, until 1992 it was called the “General Union of Workers of Djibouti.” Unites 22 trade unions with 17 thousand members. Chairman - Yussuf Mohamed, Secretary General - Aden Mohamed Ardou.
ECONOMY
Djibouti is one of the least economically developed countries in the world. The basis of the economy is the agricultural sector. Frequent droughts (the last one in 2000) cause serious damage to the economy. A free economic zone has been created near the port of Djibouti.
Labor resources. Economically active population – 315 thousand people, including in the agricultural sector – 248 thousand people. (2000).
Agriculture. Share in GDP – 3.5% (2003). Its structure is dominated by livestock farming - breeding camels, goats, cattle, sheep and donkeys. Agriculture is poorly developed, the area of ​​cultivated land is approx. 1%. They grow vegetables (mainly tomatoes), watermelons and melons. Fisheries are developing (catch of barracuda, loach, trevally, meru, moray eels, tuna, manta ray, etc.). The population also engages in hunting and fishing for pearls, corals and sea sponges.
Industry. Poorly developed. In 2003, its share in GDP was 15.8%. The manufacturing industry is represented by enterprises for processing agricultural products (confectionery factories, flour mills and dairy plants, plants for the primary processing of seafood, as well as for evaporating salt from sea water, a plant for the production mineral water), paper, leather, construction and pharmaceutical industries are developing.
International trade. The volume of imports significantly exceeds the volume of exports: in 2002, imports (in US dollars) amounted to 665 million, and exports - 155 million. The main imports are soft drinks, oil and petroleum products, food products, transport equipment and chemicals. Main import partners: Saudi Arabia (19.7%), Ethiopia (10.9%), China (9.2%), France (6.5%) and Great Britain (5.1%) - 2003. Main products exports - coffee (transit), re-export, animal skins and tanned leather. The main export partners are Somalia (63.9%), Yemen (22.5%) and Ethiopia (4.7%) - 2003.
Energy. The basis of the fuel and energy balance is imported oil and oil products, as well as charcoal. There are 6 thermal power plants in operation. Research is underway on the use of alternative energy sources (including geothermal waters).
Transport. The transport network is more developed in the southern districts. An important place in its structure belongs to the seaport in Djibouti (opened in 1888, its expansion began in 2000) - a transit point on international routes from Europe and the Mediterranean to East Africa and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Other sea ​​ports- Aden and Jeddah. The maritime merchant fleet in 2004 consisted of 1 vessel. The length of the railways (they are part of the railway shared with Ethiopia) is 121 km. The first line (Djibouti–Dire Dauwa (Ethiopia)) was built in 1902. The total length of roads is more than 3.5 thousand km (with hard surfaces – 500 km). There are 13 airports and runways (3 of them have hard surfaces). Ambouli International Airport (6 km from the capital) is one of the largest in Africa. (All data for 2003).
Finance and credit. The currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF), divided into 100 centimes. National currency exchange rate: 1 USD = 177.72 DJF (beginning of 2004).
Tourism. The country has potential for the development of tourism business - the presence of a fairly extensive infrastructure, sandy beaches And picturesque landscapes Gulf of Tadjoura, conditions for yachting and spearfishing. In 1998, 20 thousand visited the country. foreign tourists(mostly French). Attractions: tropical aquarium, central market, Dorale beach (Djibouti), the protected islands of Masqali and Musha in the Gulf of Tadjour, Dai National Forest Park, as well as an exotic desert area reminiscent of a lunar landscape, near the city of Ali Sabie.
Underwater hunting (including sea turtles) is prohibited by law. (However, its meat is included in many dishes local cuisine). Fishing is permitted only with a license. The extraction and export of corals and shells from the country is prohibited.
SOCIETY AND CULTURE
Education. The foundations of the education system were laid in the 1910s. A 6-year primary education is compulsory (officially free), which children receive from the age of 6. Secondary education (7 years) begins at the age of 12 and takes place in two stages - 4 and 3 years. In 2001, 37.9 thousand children of the corresponding age attended primary schools. There are several dozen Koranic schools. Secondary technical and higher education Djiboutian youth receive education abroad (mainly in France; in the late 1990s, students from Djibouti also studied at Russian universities). OK. 55% of graduates do not return to their homeland after graduation. From the end 2000 began the implementation of a program to reform the education system. 67.9% of the population is literate (78% of men and 58.4% of women) – 2003.
Healthcare. Infectious diseases (including tuberculosis) predominate. The lack of clean drinking water (about 90% of the population had constant access to it in 2000) leads to outbreaks of intestinal infectious diseases. In 2003, there were 9.1 thousand people with AIDS and HIV-infected people, 690 people died. The growth rate of AIDS incidence is 2.9% per year (2003).
In 2000, 91% of the population had access to health care, and health care spending accounted for 5% of GDP. In terms of infant mortality rate, Djibouti is among the top ten African countries. According to the UN report on the humanitarian development of the planet (2001), the Republic of Djibouti was in 153rd place in the ranking of countries. Doctors are trained abroad (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, France and Russia). In addition to France, Germany, Iraq and Libya provided financial assistance to the healthcare system.
Architecture. It is characterized by a mixture of Arabic, African and Western European styles. The traditional type of dwelling is a small one- or two-story house under a flat roof, surrounded by a terrace and gallery. Quite thick walls protecting from the heat are built from madrepore blocks (local building material of coral origin). The windows and doors are wooden and decorated with carvings. Among nomadic peoples, their homes are covered with leather tents or huts made of mats. In the city of Djibouti, quarters built in the colonial style have been preserved. Modern construction uses aluminum, reinforced concrete structures and glass.
Fine arts and crafts. Professional painting and sculpture are in the formative stage. The name of the young artist Robert (pseudonym of Mohammed Hussein) is widely known in the country. Artistic crafts are widespread - weaving products from reeds, making souvenirs (stuffed representatives water world, various shells, stone and coral crafts).
Literature. Based on the traditions of oral folk art of the Afars and Issa, it is significantly influenced by the literature of France. Folklore (legends, myths, traditions and fairy tales) is popular. In the 1990s, several collections of legends and tales of local peoples were published in French, Afar and Somali. The circle of writers is small. Modern writers - Abdurahman Waberi (lives in France, two collections of stories by a young author are included in the compulsory school curriculum in Djibouti), Dagher Ahmed. The poet A. Vais is popular.
Music and theater. Playing musical instruments, singing and dancing are an integral part of the original culture. Traditional music is performed on tom-toms. In the 20th century she was influenced by modern European and Arabic musical cultures. The origins of the national theater began in late 1990s. 1980s Several music, dance and theater groups work at the People's Palace (built in Djibouti in 1985). In the capital there is an amateur theater "Salin", on the stage of which touring foreign artists perform (in 1989 the ensemble "Russian Song" performed concerts).
Development of national literature, music and visual arts promotes active interaction between the country's creative intelligentsia and numerous francophone organizations working in Djibouti (including the French cultural center them. A. Rimbaud) and the Goethe Institute (Germany), which regularly hold cultural events.
Press, radio broadcasting, television and Internet. Published: in French and Arabic - the weekly newspaper “La Nation de Djibouti” (La Nation de Djibouti - “The People of Djibouti”, an appendix to it is published irregularly in the Somali language), in French– the official gazette of the government “Journal officiel de la République de Djibouti” (Official Newspaper of the Republic of Djibouti), the newspaper “Le Progrès” (“Progress”) - the printed organ of the ruling NOP, a weekly magazine “Le Renouveau” (Le Renouveau – “Renewed”) - the printed organ of the PDO, etc.
"Djibouti News Agency, ADJI" (Agence Djiboutienne d'Information, ADJI) was created in 1978, has been operating since 1982. The government broadcasting and television service has been operating since 1956 (a modern multi-storey studio was built in 1991), daily broadcasts are conducted in French, Arabic and Afar languages, as well as the Somali language. Television programs are broadcast only in the city of Djibouti and its suburbs. There are 6.5 thousand Internet users (2003).
STORY
Pre-colonial period. The territory of modern Djibouti was inhabited long before the beginning of the new era. In the 3rd century. BC e. Traders from Greece, India, Persia and South Arabia entered here. In the beginning. 9– con. 14th centuries The territory of Djibouti was part of the Muslim state entity Iifat. The Turkish-Portuguese rivalry for control of Djibouti ended with the victory of Portugal (14th century), but in the 17th century. The sultanates seized power again.
Colonial period. France had been trying to gain a foothold on the coast of the Gulf of Aden since the 1850s. In 1888, the French founded the seaport of Djibouti on the coast. Since 1896, the new colony with the administrative center in Djibouti began to be called the French Coast of Somalia. Trade was actively developing, French colonists created agricultural and cattle breeding farms. The commissioning of the joint Djiboutian-Ethiopian railway (1917) turned the country into an important military-strategic point in the Indian Ocean. In 1946, the colony received the status of an overseas territory of France.
The first political party - the Democratic Union of Somalia (DSU) - was created in 1958. In the 1960s, parties were created on an ethnic basis: the People's Movement Party (PMU), the Afar Democratic Union (DSA), etc. Growth in political activity in the colony forced France in 1967 to grant it expanded autonomy, it also received a new name - “French Territory of Afars and Issas” (FTAI). In 1975, the first interethnic party was founded - the African People's League for Independence (APLN), which initiated the movement for the country's independence. In a referendum held on May 8, 1977, 98.7% of the Djiboutian population supported independence.
Period of independent development. On June 27, 1977, the independent state of the Republic of Djibouti was proclaimed. ANLN Chairman Hassan Gulid Aptidon was elected President of the country. Attempts were made to maintain an ethnic balance between the Issa and Afars (in the first two years of independence, the composition of the government changed three times). In March 1979, on the basis of the ANLN, the People's Union for Progress (PUP) party was created, led by H.G. Gulid. After his re-election to a new presidential term in 1981, a one-party regime was introduced in the country. Tensions between the Afars and the Issa in the early The 1900s led to armed conflicts. In 1991–1994, the Afar opposition military group FVED (Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy) opposed the government.
In 1992, under pressure from the opposition and international financial organizations, a multi-party system was introduced. In the 1993 presidential elections, H.G. Gulid won again. The FVED resumed armed confrontation with the authorities. After lengthy negotiations, the government recognized the FVED as a legal party. The moderate wing of the party leadership acted in a single coalition with the ruling NOP in the 1997 parliamentary elections. The radical part of the FVED continued anti-government protests until the signing of a peace treaty between them in May 2001.
In 1999, H.G. Gulid, having received 74.1% of the votes, was re-elected president for a new six-year term. With financial assistance from the IMF, the implementation of economic reforms began, calculated until 2002. The volume of GDP in 2002 amounted to 619 million US dollars, its growth was 3.5%. The inflation rate in 2002 was 2%.
The next parliamentary elections took place on January 10, 2003. In the conditions of a boycott of the elections by some opposition parties (SDA, FVED, etc.), the ruling NOP party won them.
The country is implementing a macroeconomic development program designed for 2001–2010. One of the priority areas of the government’s modern domestic policy is the fight against hunger and poverty reduction. A serious problem is unemployment (among young people it reaches 60%). The main financial donors are France, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Since 2002, close relations with France began to wind down. In the beginning. 2005 authorities raised France rent for the use of military infrastructure up to 30 million euros per year.
Presidential elections are scheduled for April 8, 2005. The incumbent president is the only official candidate. The FWED issued an appeal to the people of Djibouti with a call to “unite against the presidential elections,” and to France and the United States, which have a military presence in Djibouti, to “support the transition to democracy in the country.”
Lyubov Prokopenko
LITERATURE
Danilov P.P. Republic . M., 1989
Encyclopedia of African Peoples. L., 2000
Alwan, Daoud A., and Mibrathu, Y. Histirical Dictionary of Djibouti. Lanham, MD, Scarecrow Press, 2001
The World of Learning 2003, 53rd Edition. L.-N.Y.: Europa Publications, 2002
Zhuravlev V.L. . Directory. M., Publishing company "Oriental Literature", 2003
Africa South of the Sahara. 2004. L.-N.Y.: Europa Publications, 2003 http://www.pridetour.ru/guide/africa
Refugees in Africa. M., Institute for African Studies RAS, 2004

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

Djibouti

Djibouti
Djibouti is the capital of the East African state of Djibouti. The city was founded in 1888, and since 1892 it has been the administrative center of the French Coast colony of Somalia. Since 1977 Djibouti is the capital independent state. The city's population is about 417,000 inhabitants (the majority of the country's population).
Djibouti is divided into two parts - the port on the Marabout and Heron peninsulas and the commercial, business and residential areas. The neo-Moorish-style presidential palace stands by the ocean, but most of the city's buildings have typical colonial features.
The capital Djibouti is also a major port on the Gulf of Aden. The city's economy is mainly based on the export of Ethiopian goods (the port serves more than half of Ethiopia's foreign trade transactions), as well as on servicing and refueling ships passing through the Red Sea. In addition, there are many companies exporting coffee, leather and salt. Eat international Airport.
REPUBLIC OF DjiBOUTI
State in northeast Africa. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aden, in the southeast it borders with Somalia, in the south and west - with Ethiopia, in the north - with Eritrea. The area of ​​the country is about 23,200 km2.
The population (1998 estimates) is about 440,700 people, with an average population density of 19 people per km2. Djibouti's population has grown dramatically in recent years due to an influx of refugees from Somalia and Ethiopia. Ethnic groups: Somalis - 60%, Afars - 35%, French, Arabs and Italians - 5%. Language: French, Arabic (both state), Afar, Somali. Religion: Sunni Muslims - 94%, Christians - 6%. The capital is Djibouti (417,000 people). The government system is a republic. The head of state is President Hassan Gouled Aptidon (in office since June 24, 1977, re-elected in May 1993). The head of government is Prime Minister Barkat Gurad Hamadu (in office since September 30, 1978). The currency is the Djiboutian franc. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 47 years for men, 50 years for women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 41.8. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 14.7.
WITH late XIX century - a French colony called the French Coast of Somalia, since 1946 - an overseas territory of France. In 1967, it was renamed the French Afar and Issa Territory. Djibouti gained independence on June 27, 1977. The country is a member of the UN, the Organization of African Unity and the Arab League.
The country has a very hot and humid climate: the average January temperature is 26°C, the average July temperature is 36°C.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Djibouti is a state (area - 22 thousand sq. km) in northeast Africa, between Ethiopia (cm. Ethiopia) and Somalia. It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea. Until 1977 it was a possession of France (cm. France). The official language is Arabic. The relief of Djibouti is characterized by alternation mountain ranges, lava plateaus with cones of extinct volcanoes. The area is highly seismic and there are hot springs everywhere. The northeast is occupied by the spurs of the Danakil ridge (the highest point is Mount Musa Ali, 2022 m). The rest of the country west of the Gulf of Tadjoura, which cuts deep into the mainland, lies within the Danakil Depression, covered with almost lifeless lavas. Central part Djibouti consists of rocky, sandy and clayey plains, the lower areas of which are occupied by salt lakes. The largest of them - Assal - lies 153 m below sea level. Small rivers dry up every year.
The climate is tropical, very hot: average monthly temperatures range from 27 °C to 32 °C, precipitation in most areas ranges from 50 to 100–150 mm per year. The hottest period is from May to September. The country is dominated by deserts and semi-deserts with sparse cover of cereals and shrubs. Only on the wetter slopes of the mountains do light forests of tree-like junipers, acacias, mimosas grow, and in a few oases you can find palm trees. Just as poor animal world(a few oryx antelopes, hyenas and jackals, and monkeys in the forests), but the coastal waters are famous for the richness of coral reefs and an abundance of fish.
The country's population (about 496 thousand people) consists mainly of two peoples - the Afars and the Issa, who largely preserve the traditional way of life and social organization, but there are also quite a lot of non-indigenous residents - Arabs, Somalis, French and other immigrants from Europe. Although Arabic is the official language, French is the most commonly spoken language in the cities. Djibouti City, home to half the population, is divided into two parts: the port on the Marabout and Heron peninsulas and the commercial, business and residential areas. The neo-Moorish-style presidential palace stands by the ocean, but most of the city's buildings have typical colonial features.

Encyclopedia of tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .

• Jeti-Oguz Modern Encyclopedia

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- (Djibouti), state in East. Africa, formerly part of France. Somalia. OK. In 1888 the French founded a small enclave here, using it as a port; in 1892 they made this seaport capital of France. Somalia. The importance of D,... ... The World History

Djibouti- Territory 23.4 thousand sq. km, population 460 thousand people (1986). This is an agricultural country. The main source of livelihood for the rural population is nomadic and semi-nomadic cattle breeding. Seasonal pastures located in Ethiopia are also used. Main export... World sheep farming Read more

The relief of Djibouti is characterized by alternating mountain ranges, lava plateaus with cones of extinct volcanoes. The area is highly seismic and there are hot springs everywhere. The northeast is occupied by the spurs of the Danakil ridge (the highest point is Mount Musa Ali, 2022 m). The rest of the country west of the Gulf of Tadjoura, which cuts deep into the mainland, lies within the Danakil Depression, covered with almost lifeless lavas. The central part of Djibouti is made up of rocky, sandy and clayey plains, the lower areas of which are occupied by salt lakes. The largest of them - Assal - lies 153 m below sea level. Small rivers dry up every year. The climate is tropical, very hot: average monthly temperatures range from 27 to 32 °C, precipitation in most areas ranges from 50 to 100–150 mm per year. The hottest period is from May to September. The country is dominated by deserts and semi-deserts with sparse cover of cereals and shrubs. Only on the wetter slopes of the mountains do light forests of tree-like junipers, acacias, mimosas grow, and in a few oases you can find palm trees. The fauna is equally poor (a few oryx antelopes, hyenas and jackals, monkeys in the forests), but the coastal waters are famous for the richness of coral reefs and the abundance of fish.

The population of the country is 942,333 people (2016), mainly two peoples - the Afars and the Issa, who largely preserve the traditional way of life and social organization, but there are also quite a lot of non-indigenous residents - Arabs, Somalis, French and other immigrants from Europe. Although Arabic is the official language, French is the most commonly spoken language in the cities. Djibouti City, home to half the population, is divided into two parts - the port on the Marabout and Heron peninsulas and the commercial, business and residential areas. The neo-Moorish-style presidential palace stands by the ocean, but most of the city's buildings have typical colonial features.

Djibouti(Arabic: جيبوتي‎), officially Republic of Djibouti(جمهورية جيبوتي ‎) - a state in the Horn of Africa. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aden. In the north it borders, in the west and south - with, in the southeast - with unrecognized Somaliland, the territory of which the international community considers part of.

Etymology

With the declaration of independence from France in 1977, the country received the name Djibouti by the name of its capital. The oikonym "Djibouti", in turn, comes from the name of the cape of Ras Djibouti, on which the city is located. According to E.M. Pospelov, the toponym “Ras-Djibouti” comes from the uneven surface of the cape, composed of small coral reefs.

Story

Djibouti, 1940

In the first centuries A.D. e. The territory of present-day Djibouti was inhabited by nomadic tribes who spoke the Cushitic languages ​​- Afar and Issa. In the V-VI centuries it was part of the state of Aksum. In the 7th century it came under the rule of the Arab sultans. Among local population Islam and the Arabic language spread.

In the 16th century, when there were wars on the Somali peninsula between the Portuguese and Ethiopians on the one side and the Turks and Somalis on the other, the territory of present-day Djibouti was conquered by the Portuguese. In the 17th century, Arab dominance was re-established. Indigenous people retained a nomadic way of life, the Arabs constituted the governing and trading stratum of the population.

In 1862, the French formalized their possession of what is now Djibouti with a treaty with the Sultan of Adala, according to which France received the territory inhabited by the Afars and the anchorage at Obock. In 1881, French joint-stock companies were established to develop the territory in the Obock region. Construction began on the modern city of Djibouti. The territory, called Obock, received official name French Coast of Somalia (since 1967 - French territory of the Afars and Issa). In 1889, Russian settler subjects attempted to colonize part of the territory of the French Coast of Somalia. After the authority of the colony's founder and Russia's plans were not confirmed, the French fleet expelled the colonists.

In 1946, the colony of French Somalia received the status of an "overseas territory".

In 1977, after a referendum, independence was granted and the country became known as the Republic of Djibouti. In 1981, a one-party system was introduced (People's Rally for Progress).

Political life in Djibouti, both during its stay under the colonial protectorate and after gaining independence in 1977, was largely determined by the struggle between the largest ethnic groups inhabiting the country - the Afar and Issa. During the colonial mandate, the administration was dominated by the Afars, and after the country gained independence by the Issa. In 1979, there was a surge of discontent among the Afars, and a guerrilla war began. There was a civil war in Djibouti from 1991 to 2000, which ended with a power-sharing agreement.

In 2008, there was a brief war between Djibouti and Eritrea.

Geographical data

Djibouti Map

The area of ​​Djibouti is 23,200 km².

Nature

Relief

Mountain ranges alternate with lava plateaus and cones of extinct volcanoes. The central part of the country is occupied by rocky, sandy or clayey plains, the lowest areas of which are occupied by salt lakes.

Minerals

The country's subsoil contains reserves of limestone and perlite.

Climate

The country has a desert, hot and dry climate: the average January temperature is +26 degrees C, the average July temperature is +36. There is very little precipitation - from 45 to 130 mm per year.

Inland waters

There are no permanent rivers. In the center of the country is closed lake Assal, whose coast is the lowest point in Africa. The lake with a salinity of 350‰ is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world.

In the southwest on the border with Ethiopia is located salt Lake Abbe. The lake marks the border between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The area of ​​the lake is 340 km, of which 110 km is in Djibouti.

Vegetation

The vegetation cover is desert or semi-desert. The grass cover is very sparse. On separate mountain peaks and slopes - sparse forests of junipers, olive trees and acacias. In the oases there are palm trees (dum, date). The total forest area is 0.3%

Animal world

The animal world is poor. Around the oases there are antelopes, hyenas, jackals; there are monkeys in the forests. Lots of reptiles and insects. Coastal waters are rich in fish.

Political structure

Djibouti is a republic. In 1896-1946 - a colony of French Somalia. Since 1946 - an overseas territory of France. In 1967, the territory received internal self-government and became known as the French Territory of the Afars and Issa (FTAI). On May 8, 1977, a referendum was held, during which the majority of the population voted in favor of declaring the country's independence.

Independence was declared on June 27, 1977. The state was named the Republic of Djibouti. The country has a constitution, approved by referendum on September 4 and which came into force on September 15, 1992.

The head of state is the president. The President is elected by popular vote for a term of 6 years and can be re-elected for another term. The President has serious influence on the government and is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces Djibouti.

Legislative power belongs to a unicameral parliament - the National Assembly, which consists of 65 deputies. Deputies are elected by universal suffrage for a term of 5 years. The right to vote - from the age of 18, the right to be elected - from the age of 23.

Executive power is exercised by the president and the government (Council of Ministers). The government is headed by the prime minister. However, a clan-based social hierarchy prevails in the country, as a result of which these groups of representatives are trying to seize key positions in the executive sphere and install a key person of a certain clan as prime minister.

The judicial system is based on modern law, Muslim and traditional (customary) law. The judiciary represents Supreme Court, founded in 1979. There are also the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance, the Security Tribunal, Sharia Courts, District Criminal Courts, and Labor Courts.

Political parties

Djibouti has a multi-party system, with more than 20 political parties. The most influential of them:

• “People's Association for Progress, POP” (Rassemblement populaire pour le progrès, RPP), leader - Ismael Omar Gelleh, general. sec. - Mohamed Ali Mohamed Ruling party, the only legal party in 1981-1992;
• "Party of Democratic Renewal, PDO" (Parti du renouveau démocratique, PRD) chairman - Abdillahi Hamareiteh, general. sec. - Maki Houmed Gaba. Advocates for the creation of a democratic government formed on the basis of a parliamentary majority;
• "Union of the Democratic Alliance, SDA" (Alliance républicaine pour la démocratie, ARD), manager - Ahmed Dini Ahmed. Main opposition party;
• “Front for the restoration of unity and democracy, FVED” (Front pour la restauration de l "unité et de la démocratie, FRUD), leader - Ali Mohamed Daoud, secretary general - Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed ) Founded in 1991 as a military group of Afars, after a split (1994), one of its factions was legalized as a party in March 1996.

Armed Forces of Djibouti

Foreign policy

Administrative division

The territory of Djibouti is divided into 5 regions and the city of Djibouti, which is equivalent to the region. The regions, in turn, are divided into districts. The districts are governed by the commissioners of the republic (prefects), who are also mayors of the district centers. There are 11 districts in total:

Alaili Dadda;

Ali Sabieh District;

As Eyla District;

Balha District;

Dikhil District;

Djibouti District;

(Dorra District);

Obock District;

Randa District;

Tadjourah District;

Yoboki District;

Population

Population - 740 thousand people. (est. July 2010).

Annual growth - 2.2% (2010).

Major Cities (2009)

The total birth rate (fertility) is 2.8 births per woman (2010).

Infant mortality - 57 per 1000 (2010).

Average life expectancy is 58 years for men, 63 years for women (2010).

Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rate is 3.1% (2007 estimate).

Literacy of the population over 15 years of age is 68% (2003 estimate).

Urban population - 87% (in 2008).

Ethnic composition: Issa and other Somali tribes - 60%, Afar - 35%, others (French, Arabs, Italians, Greeks) - 5%.

Languages: official - French and Arabic, spoken - Somali and Afar.

The main religion is Sunni Islam (94%). Christians make up 6% of the country's population.

Economy

The country's economy is based on the operation of a seaport and a free trade zone. Since its founding, the capital of Djibouti has been the main commercial port for Ethiopia. The country has virtually no natural resources, so industry is practically not developed. Due to poor rainfall, agriculture is unproductive (most of the food consumed has to be imported). Djibouti is heavily dependent on foreign aid. Member of the international organization of ACP countries.

GDP per capita in 2018 was $2,050 thousand (137th place in the world). Below the poverty level - 42% of the population (in 2007), unemployment rate - 11.1% (in 2018).

Agriculture (3% of GDP) - nomadic livestock raising (goats, sheep), tomatoes, as well as watermelons and melons are grown in small quantities. In 2018, China built Railway Ethiopia-Djibouti As of mid-March 2018, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway transported about 20 thousand passengers and more than 6,000 cargo containers. Volumes of passenger and freight transport gradually growing.

Exports ($56.6 million in 2017): coffee (33%) and other plant products (beans, fruits, vegetables, tea - up to 19%), charcoal (8.4%), as well as re-export of finished industrial products from Ethiopia.

The main buyers are the UK (10%), the Netherlands (8.3%), Belarus (7.9%), Kuwait (7.5%) and India (6.7%)

Imports ($3.89 billion in 2017): food, drinks, vehicles, petroleum products.

The main suppliers are China (56%), India (7%) and Indonesia (5.2%)

External debt - $1.6 billion (2017)

mass media

State television and radio company RTD ( Radio Television de Djibouti- "Radio and Television Djibouti"), includes three television channels (Télé Djibouti 1 (launched in 1986), Télé Djibouti 2, Télé Djibouti 3) and one radio station (launched in 1964).

see also

• Russian-Djibouti relations

Notes

1. Human Development Indicators(English) . United Nations Development Program (2018). - Human Development Report on the UN Development Program website. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
2. http://chartsbin.com/view/edr
3. Emphasis on Gramota.ru and in the Dictionary of Modern Geographical Names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006"
4. Pospelov, 2002, p. 138.
5. Proportion of land area covered by forest (undefined) .
6. Republic of Djibouti (undefined) .
7. Rating of countries by GDP per capita. The World Bank
8. The list of countries in the world by unemployment rate is compiled based on verified data from the World Bank and the International Labor Organization
9. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, built by China, is gradually increasing passenger and cargo traffic. Rambler News
10. Djibouti on the oec.world directory
11. List of countries by size of external debt, based on materials from the CIA Directory for 2017
12. 60th anniversary of Radio-Djibouti

Literature

• Gusterin P.V.

  Thematic sites

  Open Directory Project

  Dictionaries and encyclopedias

  Great Russian · Britannica (online) · Brockhaus · Swiss Historic

  Regulatory control

  BNE: XX460660 BNF: 120780286 GND: 4070610-2 ISNI: 0000 0001 0729 2948 LCCN: n78080066 NDL: 00575679 NKC: ge129069 SUDOC: 029080029 VIAF: 155608529 WorldCat VIAF: 155608529

The official name is the Republic of Djibouti (Ripublique de Djibouti).

Located in northeastern Africa, in the Horn of Africa. Area 23.2 thousand km2, population 820.6 thousand people. (est. 2003). Official languages: French and Arabic. The capital is Djibouti (547.1 thousand people, 2003). Public Holiday- Independence Day June 27 (since 1977). The monetary unit is the Djiboutian franc (equal to 100 centimes).

Member of the UN (since 1977), OAU (since 1972), AU (since 1972), LAS (since 1977), AfDB, ICAO, OIC, IMF, IBRD, FAO, CGT, WHO, etc.

Sights of Djibouti

Geography of Djibouti

Located between 43° east longitude and 11°30′ north latitude, washed by the waters of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden of the Indian Ocean, coastline slightly indented, the only bay is Tadjoura. It borders on Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the north, west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. The terrain is mountainous, consisting of alternating mountain ranges with low lava plateaus. The highest point is Mount Musa Ali (2028 m). The most big lake- Assal, 155 m below sea level, salty. All rivers are drying up. The climate is tropical, dry. Permanent vegetation cover (forests) is on the basalt mountain spurs north of the Gulf of Tadjoura. The vegetation is varied on a strip up to 5-6 km wide along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Tadjoura and Aden. Here and in the oases there are large mammals, antelopes, hyenas, jackals, and monkeys in the forests. Lots of butterflies, insects and reptiles. Coastal waters are rich in commercial fish. The subsoil is practically unexplored. There is gypsum, large reserves of clay, high quality limestone and sea salt, there is a large deposit of perlite, and pumice deposits. There is a fairly high probability of the presence of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc.

Population of Djibouti

Population growth - 2.59%. Population density - 27 people. per 1 km2. Fertility rate 40.33%, mortality 14.43%, infant mortality 99.7 people. per 1000 newborns. Life expectancy - 51.6 years, incl. men - 49.73, women - 53.51 (2002). Economically active population - 282 thousand people. (2000). The share of the urban population is 60-70%, with slightly more than half of the country's population living in the capital. Among the population over 15 years of age, 46.2% are literate (1995). The republic is inhabited by two main peoples - the Issa and the Afar. The Issa are one of the major Somali tribes and speak Issa, a dialect of the Somali language. The Afars speak the Afar language. Ethnic composition (in%): Issa - 45, other Somali tribes (Isaq, Gadabursi) - 15, Afars - 35, Europeans, Arabs, Ethiopians, etc. - 5%. The Afars, Issa and other indigenous people are Sunni Muslims.

History of Djibouti

From the 7th century with the penetration of Islam into the territory of Djibouti, Arab sultanates emerged. In the 16th century As a result of the rivalry between the Turks and the Portuguese, the Portuguese seized power over the territory. From the 17th century power again passed to the Muslim sultanates. From ser. In the 19th century, especially with the beginning of construction of the Suez Canal (1856), European powers seized territories along the Horn of Africa in the struggle for control of the entrance to the Red Sea. France has been seizing the current territory of Djibouti since 1862, and in 1896 its possessions were named the French Coast of Somalia. The colonial authorities for a long time gave preference to the Afars, with whose sultans they entered into agreements when expanding their possessions, which caused conflicts between nomadic tribes not only over nomadic territories, but also on ethnic grounds. In 1946, the colony received the status of an overseas territory of France. 2nd World War contributed to the development of the national liberation movement. In 1967, the colony received expanded autonomy and the name French Territory of Afars and Issa (FTAI). Since 1972, the leader of the struggle for independence was the African People's League for Independence (LPAI), the majority of which were Issa. As a result of the referendum on June 27, 1977, the country became independent. The leader of the LPAI, Hassan Goulid Aptidon, became the President of the Republic of Djibouti. Since 1981, a one-party system was introduced.

In the beginning. 1990s Tensions between the Afars and the Issa resulted in armed clashes. In 1991, the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FWED) was created, uniting three Afar organizations. In 1991-94, the Front led an armed struggle against the government. The 1992 Constitution allowed the activities of a maximum of four political parties. In March 1994, the FWED split into two factions. One of them cooperated with the government party POP (People's Union for Progress). The opposition faction advocated the continuation of armed resistance. In February 1999, Gulid announced his retirement from politics. In April 1999, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the only candidate from the NOP, won the presidential elections. In May 2001, the government signed a peace treaty with the rebels of the anti-government FVED faction, who resumed hostilities against the Gulid regime back in 1997. Parliamentary elections took place on January 10, 2003. The NOP received 62.2% of the votes, the FVED - 36.9%. In parliament, the NOP won all 65 seats and became the ruling party.

Government and political system of Djibouti

Djibouti is a unitary presidential republic. The new Constitution has been in force since September 15, 1992. The country is divided into 5 districts (2003, people): the capital itself, Ali Sabie (13,300), Tadjoura (13,300), Dik Kil (10,800), Obok (8300).
The highest legislative body is the National Assembly, consisting of 65 deputies elected by universal suffrage for a period of 5 years. The right to vote - from the age of 18, the right to be elected - from the age of 23. The head of state is President Ismail Omar Guelleh (since May 8, 1999). The president of the country is elected by popular vote for a term of 5 years, is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, and appoints the prime minister and cabinet of ministers. Prime Minister - Dileita Mohamed Dileita (since March 4, 2001).

The judicial branch is represented by the Supreme Court, established in 1979. There is also a Supreme Court of Appeal and a Court of First Instance. The districts have criminal court, customary law and Islamic law courts.

Main parties: NOP, created in 1979 on the basis of LPAI, in 1981-92 - the only legal party, leader - Ismail Omar Guelleh; National Democratic Party (NDP), legalized in 1992, leader - Roble Awale Aden, in June 1996 the NDP formed a common front with dissidents from the NOP led by Mumin Bahdon Farah; FWED, founded in 1991, in March 1994 the Front split into two factions, one of them cooperates with the NOP, in 1996 it received legal status, the chairman is Ali Muhamed Daoud, the leader of the opposition faction is Ahmed Dini Ahmed; Democratic Renewal Party (DRP), legalized in 1992, opposition, small in number, divided due to internal contradictions, chairman - Gelle Abdillahi Hamareiteh; The Group for Democracy and the Republic (NOP-GDR), formed in May 1996 by an opposition group that left the NOP.

Public organizations - the General Association of Labor (GUT), created in 1979, until 1992 it was called the General Association of Workers of Djibouti, part of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity, chairman - Azmed Jama Egueh.

In the beginning. 21st century Djibouti is developing in conditions of relative political instability and the need for structural economic reforms. After the essentially authoritarian rule of President Gulid, the country moved to a multi-party system. Long-existing contradictions between the two main ethnic groups led to open armed confrontation. However, the contradictions that have existed and are taking place between them are not as antagonistic as the contradictions between military-political groups, as conflicts at the level of the political elite of society.

In its foreign policy, Djibouti adheres to the principles of non-alignment and supports peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region and a peaceful resolution of the situation in Somalia. It was Djibouti that played an important role in the creation of the Intergovernmental Council on Drought Management and Development. Relations with Ethiopia have been steadily developing, especially after the Ethiopian-Eritrean border conflict, as a result of which all Ethiopian maritime traffic is carried out through the port of Djibouti. The same conflict led to the severance of diplomatic relations with Eritrea, which were restored in 2000. In 2002, Germany and Djibouti signed an agreement on the deployment of German troops on the territory of Djibouti to combat international terrorism. Since 1977, there has been a treaty of friendship and cooperation with France. France has obligations for the military defense of the country. Its military base is the largest in Africa.

The National Army of Djibouti was created in 1977. The law on universal conscription was adopted in 1979. According to the 1992 Constitution, there is universal conscription for men aged 18 to 25 years. The total strength of the Armed Forces is 9,600 people, in addition, 1,200 people. serve in gendarmerie detachments and 3000 people. - in the national security forces.

Djibouti has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1978).

Economy of Djibouti

The basis of the country's economy is trade carried out through the international port of Djibouti and the associated service sector. The seaport is of international importance, being the most important in the western part of the Indian Ocean. A special role is played by the railway connecting Djibouti with Addis Ababa, and modern airport, capable of receiving heavy-duty jetliners. The financial sector is of great importance, which is determined primarily by the free convertibility of the Djiboutian franc. Serving the French military garrison and other foreigners living in the country also provides significant income. GDP 586 million US dollars. GDP per capita - $1,400, inflation 2%, unemployment 50% (2001). Sectoral structure of the economy by contribution to GDP: agriculture 3%, industry 10%, services 87%.

Djibouti has very little cultivable land; the country meets only 3% of its food needs. The population, engaged in breeding goats, sheep and camels, leads a nomadic lifestyle. Fisheries and the extraction of pearls, corals, and sponges are developed. Agriculture, including hunting, forestry and fishing, employs 75% of the working population.

Industrial production is poorly developed and is represented by small enterprises producing food products, leather goods, building materials, as well as mechanical and sewing workshops. Evaporation of salt from sea water has been developed. The public sector owns power plants, an oil company, transport (partially), communications, several processing plants, for example for the production of mineral water in Tadjoura. The conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998-99 increased the load on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line, which served as an incentive to renew the carriage and locomotive fleet. Increased use of the port of Djibouti by Ethiopia initiated a port expansion program from 2000.

The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, founded in 1909, is jointly owned by the two countries, with a length of 781 km, of which 106 km runs through Djibouti. There are only 2890 km of roads, of which 364 are paved (1996). There are 12 airports, of which 3 have a runway with a special coating, and one is international, in the capital.

Phones - 10,000, mobile phones- 5000 (2002), radios - 52,000 (1997), televisions - 28,000 (1997), Internet users - 3300 (2002).

Djibouti is heavily dependent on foreign assistance, which it is willing to provide due to its special strategic location. The main donors are the UAE, France and Saudi Arabia.

Foreign trade (millions of US dollars, 1999): exports 260; import 440. Main export goods: animal skins, coffee. Re-export is developed. Export partners: Somalia (53%), Yemen (23%), Ethiopia (5%) (1998). Main imported goods: food, drinks, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products. Import partners: France (13%), Ethiopia (12%), Italy (9%), Saudi Arabia (6%), Great Britain (6%) (1998).

External debt US$366 million (2002 estimate). Foreign exchange reserves US$69.10 million (1999).

Political instability in recent years and economic difficulties have worsened the socio-economic situation of the population. Massive influx of refugees from neighboring countries increases the percentage of the unemployed population. Djibouti's failure to reform its fiscal policy led to the adoption of an additional fiscal law in 1998 to satisfy the IMF's demand for a $9 million reduction in the budget deficit. The law included wage cuts for public sector workers, measures to improve tax collection, and an increase in the gasoline tax. and khat (a plant with a mild narcotic effect).

The 1999 government budget was (USD million): revenues 135, expenses 182. In October 1999, Djibouti agreed to accept an IMF loan of $26.5 million to support the government's three-year economic reform program (1999-2002). Achieving balance was the main condition of the reforms: these included tax reform, review of administration revenues and budget allocations; completion of the army demobilization program by the end. 2000; reform of the state civil service, incl. wage reduction; promulgation of the privatization program for 6 major state-owned enterprises. A reduction in wage contributions and a significant increase in tax collection made it possible to increase the total amount of the 2002 budget by 3.9% compared to the 2001 budget.

Tourism is developed in Djibouti. Deserted areas of the sea coast and the rich underwater world of the coral reefs of the Red Sea make snorkeling and diving in these places an attractive activity. Interesting for tourists: the Tropical Aquarium of Djibouti, yacht moorings, some of the best in the world, perfectly flat desert plains - Petit Vara and Grand Bara, which serve as a “stadium” for windsurfing on wheels. IN national parks Dai, Maskali Musha, Lac Abbe you can see nature that is unique even by African standards. The number of tourists in 1998 was 20 thousand people.

Science and culture of Djibouti

In 1996, 26% of all school-age children (31% of boys and 22% of girls) were enrolled in primary and secondary school education, and 35% were enrolled in primary education only (36% of boys and 27% of girls). According to official data, in the 1999/2000 academic year, school education in the country covered approx. 1/2 school age children. There are 70 primary schools (including three technical schools) and three lyceums in the country. There are several dozen Koranic schools where Arabic is taught. Since there are no higher educational institutions in Djibouti, those wishing to continue their education go abroad, mainly to France. The Higher Institute of Scientific and Technical Research (VINTI) was founded in 1979, created to study nature, natural resources, archeology and traditional culture of the peoples of the country. The Punt magazine, published by the section of social and human sciences of VINTI together with the Society for the Study of East Africa, covers issues of history, culture, literature and art, and also publishes articles about the traditions, customs, stories and legends of the Afar and Somali tribes. Under the auspices of the People's Palace, built in 1985, the Committee for the Development of Culture and Art of Ethnic Groups operates, studying and promoting the oral creative heritage of the Afars and Issa. Popular among Djiboutians are works of oral folk art, legends, myths, fairy tales and traditions passed down from generation to generation, often in poetic form, as well as traditional folk music with the widespread use of tom-toms. There are 5 cinemas and the Salin Theater in the capital.

Djibouti on a map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)

Djibouti differs from most African countries in its tiny size - only about 23 thousand square kilometers. It neighbors Eritrea in the north, Somalia in the southeast, Ethiopia in the west and south, and is limited to the coast of the Gulf of Aden in the east.

Geographical position

Djibouti is located in the northeast of the continent, at the very beginning of the Horn of Africa. The entire territory of the state belongs to a zone of high seismic activity. Its main part is deserts and mountain ranges. In the area of ​​the Afar Depression you can see extinct volcanoes and fields of solidified lava. Due to the abundance of craters, the local landscape is often compared to the lunar one.

There are no rivers, there is only one freshwater lake(Abbe) and a few salty ones. The largest is Assal, its coast is considered the lowest part of Africa (it is located 156 meters below sea level). In some places there are sun-scorched steppes, but their area is relatively small.

The climate in the country is desert, arid, and very hot. During the year, the temperature fluctuates on average from +25 to +40 °C. In summer, sudden dust storms are possible, and precipitation is extremely rare (mostly in mountainous areas). Exception - sea ​​coast, where it is quite humid in spring and autumn.

Flora and fauna

The flora of the region is not capable of surprising diversity. In some places on the mountain slopes you can find acacia and juniper, in the area of ​​oases - oil trees and palm trees. There is practically no grass cover in most of the territory. Agricultural land occupies a tiny part total area- only about one percent. There are mangroves along the coast.

The fauna of these places is also considered scarce. Birds settle along the shores of lakes, monkeys live in rare forests, ungulates and small predators (hyenas, foxes, jackals) live near oases, snakes, monitor lizards, and all kinds of insects live in deserts. The greatest wealth The underwater world is different - the Gulf of Aden is famous for its abundance of tropical fish, mollusks and arthropods.

State structure

Djibouti Map

The state officially appeared on world maps in 1977, receiving its name in honor of the capital (which also bears the name of Djibouti). It is a republic governed by a popularly elected president who shares executive power with the Council of Ministers. Legislative power is in the hands of the National Assembly (unicameral parliament).

The country consists of eleven districts, each of which has its own local head - a prefect (or commissioner). A multi-party system coexists with the division of society into clans, and Sharia courts function in parallel with the regular judicial system.

Population

About 800 thousand people live in the country. Due to the high birth rate over the past few years, the population has increased by almost one and a half times (and this despite the fact that the percentage of infant mortality is very high). The ethnic composition is represented by the descendants of several local tribes, mainly the Issa and Afar. The dominant religion is Islam.

They speak four languages ​​in Djibouti: two official (Arabic and French), as well as local ones - Afar and Somali. The vast majority of citizens live in several cities (primarily the capital), and only about ten percent of the population are nomadic pastoralists.

Economy

Generally East Africa is a potentially rich subcontinent, but Djibouti frankly unlucky. There are practically no mineral resources, industry is at the level of handicraft production, and the development of agriculture is hampered by climate and topography. The state is not even able to meet its own food needs. Half the population lives in poverty.

The main source of income is successful geographical location. Through the capital, which is the largest port, there is a constant transit of goods from Ethiopia. Recently, the prospects for the development of the tourism business have been considered - according to foreign investors, the region may turn out to be quite profitable in this regard.

Like other African countries, Djibouti was a colony in the past - from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, this territory belonged to France. Previously, local lands either became dependent on the Arabs or were conquered by the Portuguese.

After independence, ethnic conflicts and struggles for power began between the indigenous peoples (Issa and Afar) - up to a full-scale civil war. In the new century the situation finally stabilized.

Attractions

The main attractions of Djibouti are its “cosmic” landscapes, which are truly impressive. Hot springs near Ardukob (this volcano “fell asleep” just a few years ago), salt lakes, black fields of petrified lava and white dunes of sand are popular among tourists. As for the Gulf of Aden, this place is true paradise for fans of snorkeling and diving.