Djibouti is the capital of which country. Little country

Djibouti, a former French colony, gained independence in 1977. But unlike other African countries, this state has retained the desire for civilization without abandoning its traditions and customs. The bizarre interweaving of the main religion - Islam and local pagan beliefs - has created a unique original beauty of this country. Which, despite its poverty, offers vacationers good service and excellent conditions for a relaxed holiday on the seashore. However, the proximity to Somalia and Ethiopia makes this country not very popular for mass tourism - there are often skirmishes in the border areas.

Culture features

Centuries-old traditions are carefully guarded here, which do not change even under the influence of Sunni Islam. However, Western civilization had a great influence, under the influence of which this country was for many decades. As a result, most of the buildings are a unique mix between Arabic, European and African styles. Many works of culture are preserved orally and passed on from the older generation to the younger. Here they enjoy playing national musical instruments, which color every national holiday with the sounds of tom-toms and rhythmic dances.

Attractions Djibouti

Unfortunately, unique historical and cultural monuments have not been preserved here. But there are many natural beauties that attract sophisticated tourists. Most likely, your journey around the country will begin with its capital - the city. There are many interesting places where you can have a good time. For example, the Tropical Aquarium is one of the best on the entire African continent. We also recommend visiting the dormant Ardoukoba volcano, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the Gulf of Tadjour. In the capital there is an amazing market Le Marche Central, which attracts, first of all, with legal sales of fresh sprigs of "khat" - a natural stimulant, a light drug, very popular in this country.

After exploring the sights of the capital, go to see the natural beauties of the state. This:

1. Lake Assal is a crater reservoir located at around 155 meters below sea level. The lowest point in Africa.
2. Day Forest National Park, home to the Goda Mountains. The unique East African juniper still grows here.
3. Mount Hemed - you can climb its flat top to enjoy the magnificent view. If you are going to spend the night here, then take warm clothes, as at night the temperature here drops to +10 Celsius.
4. The Garbes fumarole field is a unique collection of volcanic basalt rocks.

Many travelers prefer a beach holiday in Djibouti. And not in vain, the sea here is warm, clean, and the beaches are well-groomed and attract with their desertedness. All conditions for rich fishing are created here, yachting is organized, surfing is organized. You can also take an underwater excursion to the sunken ships off the Mandeb Strait. In a word, Djibouti is a vacation for every taste and budget.

When is the best time to go to Djibouti

Although the country has warm weather all year round, the best time to visit here is from November to mid-April. During these months it is relatively dry and comfortable. In the mountains, the temperature is much lower than average, so if you are going to travel through the mountains, stock up on warm clothes.

Safety regulations

It is recommended not to travel alone in the border regions with Somalia and Eritrea. The safest for tourists is the area of ​​​​Lake Assal, the White Sands beach and some islands. Most cases of theft and robbery are associated with the influx of refugees who flooded the country from Somalia and other African countries. Travelers are strongly advised to drink only bottled water, carefully observe hygiene rules, and get vaccinated against meningitis, dengue fever, polio, hepatitis A and B.

Djibouti(Arabic جيبوتي ‎), officially Republic of Djibouti(جمهورية جيبوتي ‎) - a state in, in the Horn of Africa. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aden. In the north it borders with, 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 their capital. Oikonym "Djibouti", in turn, comes from the name of the cape 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 Cushitic languages ​​- Afar and Issa. In the 5th-6th centuries it was part of the state of Aksum. In the 7th century, it was under the rule of the Arab sultans. Islam and the Arabic language spread among the local population.

In the 16th century, when wars were going on on the Somali Peninsula between the Portuguese and Ethiopians on the one hand and the Turks and Somalis on the other, the territory of present-day Djibouti was conquered by the Portuguese. In the 17th century, the dominance of the Arabs was again established. The indigenous population maintained a nomadic way of life, the Arabs were the managerial and trading strata of the population.

In 1862, the French formalized their possession of the current Djibouti by an agreement with the Sultan of Adal, according to which France received the territory inhabited by the Afars and the anchorage in Obock. In 1881, French joint-stock companies were established to develop the territory in the Obock area. Construction began on the modern city of Djibouti. The territory, referred to as Obock, in 1896 received the official name of the French Coast of Somalia (since 1967 - the French territory of the Afars and Issas). In 1889, Russian subjects-settlers attempted to colonize part of the territory of the French Coast of Somalia. After the powers of the founder of the colony and the plans of Russia were not confirmed, the French fleet expelled the colonists.

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

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

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

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

Geographic data

Djibouti Map

The territory of Djibouti is 23,200 km².

Nature

Relief

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

Minerals

The bowels of the country contain reserves of limestone, 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. Precipitation is extremely low - from 45 to 130 mm per year.

Inland waters

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

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

Vegetation

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

Animal world

The animal world is poor. Antelopes, hyenas, jackals are found around the oases; in the forests - monkeys. Lots of reptiles and insects. Coastal waters are rich in fish.

Political structure

Djibouti is a republic. In 1896-1946 - the colony of French Somalia. Since 1946 - overseas territory of France. In 1967, the territory received internal self-government and became known as the French Territory of Afars and Issas (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.

On June 27, 1977, independence was proclaimed. The state was named the Republic of Djibouti. The country has a constitution, approved by referendum on 4 September and entered into force on 15 September 1992.

The head of state is the president. The President is elected by popular vote for a term of 6 years and may be re-elected for another term. The President has significant influence over the government and is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Djibouti.

Legislative power belongs to the unicameral parliament - the National Assembly, which consists of 65 deputies. Deputies are elected by popular vote 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 put a key person of a certain clan in the position of prime minister.

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

Political parties

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

• "People's Association for Progress, NOP" (Rassemblement populaire pour le progrès, RPP), leader - Ismael Omar Gelleh, gen. sec. - Mohamed Ali Mohamed. ruling party, the only legal party in 1981-1992;
• "Democratic Renewal Party, PDO" (Parti du renouveau démocratique, PRD) Chairman - Abdillahi Hamareiteh, Gen. sec. - Maki Houmed Gaba. Supports the creation of a democratic government formed on the basis of a parliamentary majority;
• Alliance républicaine pour la démocratie, ARD, run by 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, general sec. - Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed ) Founded in 1991 as an Afar military group, 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, equated to the region. In turn, the regions are divided into districts. The districts are governed by the commissioners of the republic (prefects), who are also the mayors of the district centers. There are 11 districts in total:

Alaili (Alaili Dadda);

Ali Sabieh District;

As Eyla District;

Balga (Balha District);

Dikhil District;

Djibouti (Djibouti District);

(Dorra District);

Obock (Obock District);

Randa (Randa District);

Tadjoura (Tadjourah District);

Yoboki (Yoboki District);

Population

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

Annual growth - 2.2% (2010).

Major cities (2009)

The total fertility 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).

Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - 3.1% (2007 estimate).

The literacy rate of the population over 15 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, colloquial - 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 the seaport and the free trade zone. Since its foundation, the capital of Djibouti has been the main trading port for Ethiopia. The country has practically no natural resources, so the 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. It is a member of the international organization of ACT countries.

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

Agriculture (3% of GDP) - nomadic animal husbandry (goats, sheep), tomatoes are grown in small quantities, as well as watermelons and melons. In 2018, China built the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway As of mid-March 2018, by the Addis railway -Abeba-Djibouti transported about 20 thousand passengers and more than 6000 cargo containers. The volumes of passenger and freight traffic are 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, beverages, vehicles, petroleum products.

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

External debt - $1.6 billion (2017)

mass media

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

see also

• Russian-Djiboutian relations

Notes

1. Human Development Indices and Indicators(English) . United Nations Development Program (2018). - Human Development Report on the website of the United Nations Development Program. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
2. http://chartsbin.com/view/edr
3. Emphasis on Gramota.ru and in the Dictionary of Modern Geographical Names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006"
4. Pospelov, 2002, p. 138.
5. Share of land area covered with forest (indefinite) .
6. Republic of Djibouti (indefinite) .
7. Ranking of countries in terms of GDP per capita. The World Bank
8. The list of countries in the world by unemployment rate is based on confirmed data from the World Bank and the International Labor Organization
9. On the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway built by China, the volume of passenger and freight traffic is gradually growing. Rambler News
10. Djibouti on oec.world
11. List of countries by size of external debt, based on materials from the CIA Handbook for 2017
12. 60th anniversaire de Radio Djibouti

Literature

• Gusterin P.V.

  Thematic sites

  Open Directory Project

  Dictionaries and encyclopedias

  Big Russian Britannica (online) Brockhaus Swiss Historical

  Regulatory control

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Djibouti (Djibouti), Republic of Djibouti (République de Djibouti).

General information

Djibouti is a state in northeast Africa, in the Horn of Africa. It borders Eritrea to the north, Somalia to the southeast, and Ethiopia to the south and west. In the east it is washed by the Gulf of Aden of the Red Sea (the length of the coastline is 314 km). The area is 23.2 thousand km 2. Population 790.7 thousand people (2007). The capital is Djibouti. The official languages ​​are Arabic and French. The monetary unit is the Djiboutian franc. Administrative-territorial division: 5 districts (table).

Djibouti is a member of the UN (1977), OAU (1977), AU (2002), Non-Aligned Movement (1977), Arab League (1977), Organization of the Islamic Conference (1994), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA; 1994), associate member EU.

A. I. Voropaev.

Political system

Djibouti is a unitary state. Constitution adopted 4/9/1992; bears the imprint of the French constitutional tradition. The form of government is a presidential republic.

The head of state and executive power is the president, who is elected for 6 years (with the right to one re-election) on the basis of general direct elections by an absolute majority system in two rounds. The President determines the directions of state policy, exercises regulatory power.

The highest legislative body is the unicameral parliament (National Assembly). Deputies are elected for 5 years on the basis of universal direct suffrage by secret ballot.

The supreme body of executive power is the government, headed by the prime minister, accountable to the president. The government plays the role of an advisory body that assists the president in the performance of his functions. Members of the government are responsible to the president.

The constitution of Djibouti makes Islam the state religion.

Djibouti has a multi-party system. Leading political parties: People's Rally for Progress, Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy, National Democratic Party, Social Democratic People's Party.

A. S. Ermolenko.

Nature

The shores of the Gulf of Aden are low-lying, leveled, abrasion-accumulative, partially bordered by coral reefs. The northern and southern shores of the largest Gulf of Tadjoura are abrasion-accumulative, mostly high and steep, in places with narrow beaches and shallows. In the relief, low-mountain and mid-mountain volcanic massifs up to 2021 m high (Mount Musa Ali, the highest point of Djibouti) and low lava plateaus alternate. To the west of the Gulf of Tadjoura is the Afar depression with the basin of the largest lake in Djibouti, Asal Lake (153 m below sea level, the lowest point in Djibouti and Africa). In the central and southwestern parts of the country, accumulative-denudation and accumulative plains are common, the central low areas of which are occupied by salt lakes and solonchaks.

The territory of Djibouti is located within the Afar Basin of the East African Rift System. It is composed of Paleogene-Neogene plateau basalts and rhyolites, Quaternary basaltic lavas; on the plains - Pliocene-Quaternary lacustrine, proluvial and other deposits. Earthquakes are frequent (the largest - 1969, 1988, 1994). Modern volcanism (fissure type Ardukoba volcano, last major eruption in 1978; fumarolic activity). Deposits of rock salt (Lake Asal), gypsum, natural building materials. Sources of thermal waters.

The climate is tropical arid. Average January temperatures are 25°С, July 35°С. Precipitation per year is from 50 mm (the coast of Lake Asal) to 300 mm on the slopes of the mountains north of the Gulf of Tadjoura. The amount of precipitation is very unevenly distributed over the years. Djibouti has a dense network of intermittent streams (oueds); there are no permanent rivers. On the border with Ethiopia - the only freshwater lake Abbe in Djibouti.

The vegetation cover is dominated by grass-shrub semi-deserts with a very sparse herbaceous cover and single low-growing acacias. On solonchaks, halophyte vegetation is formed with the dominance of sporobolus, swedes. In the Dai National Park (area of ​​10,000 hectares), an array of sparse coniferous forests of slender juniper is protected. Along the coast of the Gulf of Aden - mangroves.

Djibouti has over 60 species of mammals; ungulates are diverse (dikdik, beira, jumping antelope, Somali gazelle, lesser kudu, oryx, etc.), among carnivores there are striped hyena, cheetah, etc. Several species of monkeys (hamadryas, green monkeys). The avifauna includes several endemic species (ocher-breasted francolin, motley pitilia).

Lit.: Audru J. La végétation et les potentialites pastorales de la République de Djibouti. R., 1987.

Population

The main population of Djibouti is Kushites (89.5%), of which Afar - 48.3%, Somali - 41.2%. Djibouti is also home to Arabs (7.5%), French (2.3%), Amhara (0.4%), Greeks (0.2%), Indo-Pakistani, etc.

Natural population growth of 2% with a birth rate of 39.5 per 1,000 inhabitants and a death rate of 19.3 per 1,000 inhabitants (2006). With a high fertility rate (5.3 children per 1 woman), infant mortality is very high (102 per 1000 live births; 2006). Age structure of the population: under 14 years old - 43.4%, from 15 to 64 years old - 53.3%, over 65 years old - 3.3%. The average age of the population is 18.2 years. Average life expectancy is 43.2 years (men - 41.9, women - 44.5 years). There are 100 women for every 105 men. The average population density is about 34 people / km 2. Over 81% of the population lives in the city of Djibouti (642.8 thousand people; 2007); other large cities (2007, thousand people): Ali Sabih 41.3, Tadjoura 22.9, Obock 18.3. The economically active population is 282 thousand people (2000; no data on the structure of employment). The high unemployment rate (over 50%) is supported by a massive influx of refugees from neighboring countries.

A. I. Voropaev.

Religion

According to official data (2005), about 94% of the population of Djibouti are Muslims; about 5% - Christians (mostly foreigners): Catholics, Protestants (evangelicals, Lutherans), followers of the Ethiopian Catholic Church; the number of Hindus and Jews together does not exceed 1% of the population.

On the territory of Djibouti, Islam of the Sunni direction of the Shafi'i madhhab is widespread. Among part of the Muslims, the Sufi brotherhoods of Qadiriyya, Idrisiyya, Salihiyya, Rifayya are influential; there are supporters of the Ahmadiyya sect, Shiites Ismailis and Zaidis.

Historical outline

The territory of modern Djibouti was inhabited in ancient times; in the 3rd-1st millennium BC, it may have been part of the country of Punt, which actively traded with Egypt. In the 3rd century BC, traders from Greece, India, Persia and South Arabia began to penetrate here. In the 5th-6th centuries AD, part of the Aksumite kingdom, in the 13th-15th centuries - the state of Yifat. Close contacts of the population of Djibouti with the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula contributed to the Islamization of one of the main ethnic groups of Djibouti - the Afar. In the 16th century, the Portuguese controlled the coast of the Somali peninsula for a short time.

From the 1840s, France began to show interest in this area. In 1884-85, she managed to establish her protectorate over the sultanates of Raheyta, Tadjur, Gobad that existed here, and by 1887 to seize the entire coast of the Gulf of Tadzhura. In February 1888, Great Britain recognized French possessions in the Horn of Africa, and at the same time agreements were reached on the delimitation of British and French possessions in this area. In 1888 the French founded the port of Djibouti, which in 1892 became the administrative center of French possessions. On May 20, 1896, the protectorate was named the French Coast of Somalia. Its borders were established by an agreement of French representatives with the Emperor of Ethiopia Menelik II in 1897 (in 1945 and 1954 these borders were confirmed by Emperor Haile Selassie I), Franco-Italian protocols of 1900-1901. The economic life of the protectorate was concentrated around the city of Djibouti. A significant part of the population was employed in the maintenance of this port. The main occupations of the inhabitants of Djibouti remained the traditional semi-nomadic cattle breeding, fishing, and pearl fishing. In 1917 a railway was built connecting Djibouti with Ethiopia. Djibouti has become an important military-strategic and economic point on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

In the 1930s, Italy made a claim to Djibouti, but was rebuffed by France. In 1940-42 Djibouti was ruled by the Vichy government. From the end of 1942 it was under the control of the "Fighting France", from 1944 - the government of the French Republic. In 1946, Djibouti was declared an "overseas" territory as part of the French Union formed in the same year. In 1957, an administrative reform was carried out in Djibouti, aimed at expanding local self-government. According to the results of a referendum in 1958, Djibouti became part of the French Community (the successor to the French Union) and received the right to send its delegates to the French Parliament and the Assembly of the French Community. In 1966 Charles de Gaulle visited Djibouti. His arrival was accompanied by mass demonstrations, the participants of which demanded the declaration of independence for Djibouti. However, a referendum held in March 1967 showed that 60% of the population of Djibouti did not support the idea of ​​the country's independence. In July 1967, Djibouti was renamed the French Territory of Afars and Issas and received extended autonomy. In the 1960s, the first political parties appeared in Djibouti (Popular Movement Party, Afar Democratic Union), formed along ethnic lines. In 1971, an interethnic party, the African People's League (PLAI; after 1975, the African People's League for Independence), was founded, which enjoyed the support of broad sections of the population of Djibouti and the democratic forces of France. LPAI initiated the movement for the independence of the country. The activities of the league, the requirements of the UN and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) forced France to agree to the next referendum, which took place on May 8, 1977. 98.7% of those who took part in the vote were in favor of Djibouti gaining independence.

On June 27, 1977, the Republic of Djibouti was formed. In the same year, it was admitted to the UN, the OAU and the Arab League. In 1978 Djibouti established diplomatic relations with the USSR. H. Gouled Aptidon, chairman of the LPAI, became the president of the country. A course was taken to develop political democracy, strengthen the foundations of a liberal economy and non-alignment. With independence in Djibouti, the ethnic confrontation between the Afars and Somali (Issa) who inhabited the country escalated. In order to overcome interethnic contradictions, in March 1979, on the basis of the LPAI, the People's Association for Progress (PUP) party was created, headed by Gouled Aptidon. In 1981, after the election of Gouled Aptidon as president for a new term, the activities of opposition parties were banned in the country (until 1992) and the regime of personal power of the president was established. Dissatisfaction with the sole rule of Guled Aptidon and the dominance of Somalia in the government caused the civil war in Djibouti 1991-94.

The government troops were opposed by the Afar military group - the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FVED). In December 1994, the warring parties signed a peace agreement. Two FVED members joined the government. The moderate wing of the FVED was recognized as a legal party and took part in the 1997 parliamentary elections, joining a coalition with the ruling NOP. The radical part of the FVED continued armed uprisings until the signing of a peace treaty with the government in 2001. In May 1999, the candidate from the NOP, I. O. Guelleh, was elected president of Djibouti (in 2005 he was re-elected for a second term), the nephew of H. Gouled Aptidon, who had been for over 20 years his chief advisor. The parliamentary elections of 10.1.2003, which were boycotted by some opposition parties, brought victory to the coalition led by the NOP. The priority directions of the domestic policy of the Guelleh government are the fight against unemployment (among young people it reaches 60%) and poverty, overcoming ethnic strife. In the field of foreign policy, Djibouti has traditionally focused on cooperation with France (since 2002, there has been a cooling in relations between the two states), the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Lit.: Tholomier R. Djibouti: pawn of the horn of Africa. Metuchen; L., 1981: Oberle Ph. Histoire de Djibouti: des origines à la République. R., 1985.

L. V. Ivanova.

economy

Djibouti is a dynamically developing African state. The country's economy depends on the functioning of the port of Djibouti, the international airport, the Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway, on remittances from migrant workers and is focused on trade and related services. Government policy is aimed at attracting external assistance and foreign capital. The financial sector plays a significant role, due to the free convertibility of the Djiboutian franc, which is pegged to the US dollar. An important source of income is the maintenance of foreign military units (French, American and German naval bases). The volume of GDP is about 1.6 billion dollars (according to purchasing power parity; 2005), per capita - 2000 dollars. Real GDP growth 3.2% (2005). Human Development Index 0.495 (2003; 150th out of 177 countries). The structure of GDP (2001): services - 81%, industry - 16%, agriculture - 3%.

Industry. Industrial production is poorly developed, the main industrial center is the city of Djibouti. Small enterprises predominate in the processing of agricultural raw materials and seafood, food (dairy, flour-grinding, confectionery production, a mineral water plant), textile, leather, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. The port of Djibouti has a small concentration of oil processing and storage facilities. Production of building materials, sea salt evaporation plant, mechanical and sewing workshops. The growth of industrial production is about 3% per year.

Electricity production (240 million kWh; 6 thermal power plants in operation) fully covers the domestic needs (223.2 million kWh; 2003) of the country. The construction of a geothermal station in the area of ​​Lake Asal is underway (2006).

Agriculture. Agriculture and fisheries provide less than 10% of national food needs. There is practically no cultivated land. The main direction of agriculture is nomadic and semi-nomadic cattle breeding (goats, sheep, camels, cattle, donkeys). Grow mainly vegetables, melons, fruits. Developed fishing, pearling, coral, sea sponges.

Transport. Djibouti - Addis Ababa Railway (Djiboutian section 106 km; jointly owned by Djibouti and Ethiopia). The length of roads is 2.9 thousand km, including 364 km with a hard surface (1999). The main cargo transportation is carried out through the seaport of Djibouti (cargo turnover of about 6 million tons and about 250 thousand TEU containers per year), which in 2000 was transferred to a 20-year lease to Dubai Ports International. At 10 km from the port, a new port of Dorale is being built (since 2004). 13 airports, 3 of them have paved runways. International airport in Djibouti.

International trade. The value of merchandise imports ($987 million; 2004) traditionally exceeds the value of exports ($250 million). Main export items: leather and hides; transit export of coffee, re-export operations. Main export trading partners: Somalia (53% of the value), Yemen (23%), Ethiopia (5%). Transport equipment, food, oil products, chemicals, medicines, industrial products are imported, mainly from France (13%), Ethiopia (12%), Italy (9%), as well as from India, China, Saudi Arabia and other countries.

A. I. Voropaev.

Armed forces

The armed forces (AF; 2004) of Djibouti consist of the Ground Forces (8 thousand people), the Air Force (0.25 thousand people), the Navy (about 0.2 thousand people) and paramilitary forces - the gendarmerie (1.4 thousand people) and the national security services (2.5 thousand people). The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the President, the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff are in direct command of the troops. In service - 27 armored combat vehicles, field and anti-aircraft artillery, mortars; about 15 aircraft and helicopters; 7 patrol boats. All weapons and military equipment of French production. Acquisition - for hire (duration of service 5-7 years). The training of recruits and junior officers is carried out in training centers, officers - mainly in military educational institutions abroad (France, etc.). Near the capital there is a French military base (over 3,000 troops). Mobilization resources 105.8 thousand people, including 62 thousand fit for military service.

Healthcare. Sport

In Djibouti, there are 18 doctors, 7 dentists, 36 nurses, 32 pharmacists, 5 midwives (2004), and 161 hospital beds (2001) per 100,000 inhabitants (2005). Health care expenditures account for 5.7% of GDP (budget financing - 66.9%, including 12.9% social insurance; private sector - 33.1%) (2003). The main causes of death are infectious diseases (bacterial and amoebic dysentery, hepatitis A, malaria, typhoid). The incidence of tuberculosis is 733.7 cases, malaria - 1616 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants (2004). Medical assistance is provided by the public and private health sectors, which is focused on attracting traditional medicine, improving the quality of medical care, preventing drug addiction and smoking, fighting malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS.

In 1983, the National Olympic Committee was founded; recognized by the IOC since 1984. Athletes from Djibouti did not win prizes at the Olympic Games. One of the most popular sports is football; in 1979 the Djibouti Football Federation was founded, since 1986 Djibouti has been a member of the CAF (African Football Confederation), since 1994 - FIFA.

V. S. Nechaev (health).

Mass media

2 government newspapers are published (2006): the weekly "La Nation de Djibouti" (since 1899, in French and Arabic, an irregular supplement in Somali), "Journal Officiel de la République de Djibouti" (since 1977, in French) . Other publications include the newspaper "Le Progrès" (since 1980), the print organ of the People's Association for Progress party, as well as the weekly "Le Renouveau", the newspaper "Le Temps" and others. Agence Djiboutienne d'information). The Government Broadcasting and Television Service was founded in 1956. The programs are broadcast in French, Arabic, Afar, Somali only in the city of Djibouti and its suburbs. There are no private radio and television companies. The US-funded Radio Sawa broadcasts in Arabic to East Africa from a station in Djibouti City.

L. V. Ivanova.

culture

Education. Primary 6-year education is compulsory and free, but for most students it ends with the study of the Koran. Primary schools are run by the state and the Roman Catholic Church. The term of study in secondary school is 7 years. Primary education covers 33% of children, secondary - 19%. The literacy rate of the population over the age of 15 is 68.6% (2004). Higher education is provided by the University of Djibouti (2006).

The literature of Djibouti is formed in the last third of the 20th century in French. Acute socio-political issues, including the preservation of African traditions in modern society, are raised in the work of A. Vaberi (collections of stories "Country Without a Shadow", 1994, "Harvest of Skulls", 2000; novel "Transit", 2003). A variety of themes and plots distinguishes the dramaturgy of I. A. Abdi, A. M. Roble. Poetry is represented by the work of Sh. Watt, I. I. Elmi.

Music. The musical culture is represented by the traditions of the Afar, Somalis and Arabs. The famous traditional Afar singer is Sheikh Ahmed. Western musical styles and forms of musical life are common in cities. In 1982, the Cultural Forum music festival was organized.

A. S. Alpatova (music).

The capital of Djibouti is an exotic place not yet explored by tourists in hot East Africa. A state not tempted by the attention of foreigners with many attractions will tell a lot more about the locals than any more popular resort.

The country has no historical monuments, cannot boast of masterpieces of architecture, and there are no five-star hotels here for wealthy travelers.

Attractiveness of the country for tourists

What kind of city Djibouti, the capital of which country - few people know. After all, the territory of the state is so small that its capital is the main and practically the only city in which all the measured life of the natives is concentrated.

Tourism in Djibouti is just beginning to develop, gradually gaining popularity with more and more people. After all, it is here that you can get acquainted with the customs and traditions of the inhabitants, in a natural environment, learn the features of the culture and lifestyle of the African population.

Unexplored nature, the Indian Ocean spread around, warm bays with islands, deserted beaches, exotic animals and marine life - all this is worth a look at least once in a lifetime.

Fans of wild pristine nature, real extreme tourism in natural conditions, have a rest in Djibouti.

State location

Djibouti, whose capital bears the same name, is located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, adjoining it with two bays - Aden and Bab el-Mandeb.

The state borders with Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somaliland - an unrecognized state by the world society, separated from Somalia. These places are known a little more among tourists and are attractive to lovers of unexplored Africa.

Landscape

This country is famous for its sandy and volcanic terrain. Djibouti is the capital of an amazing world, part of the land surface of which is covered with ashes and covered with solidified lava.

The central part is represented by clay and sandy plains.

The landscape here is reminiscent of Martian, which creates the feeling that you are far from Earth on an alien deserted planet. And active volcanoes releasing hot steam will add extreme sports, threatening to erupt from their bowels at any moment a powerful stream of red-hot lava.

Climate

As in all Djibouti, whose capital bears the same name, it is characterized by a hot and dry climate. In January, the air temperature does not fall below 25 degrees, and in July it rises above 35.

Most of the rivers dry up during especially hot periods, which leads to a shortage of fresh water. Only salt lakes, one of which - Assal - the main attraction of Djibouti, always remain full-flowing.

Nature

Djibouti, whose capital has the same name, cannot boast of the diversity of the plant world. In such a climate, only sparse desert vegetation is common - acacias and some crops of the cereal family.

In the mountains you can find juniper and ficus. It will also be interesting to look at the dracaena - a naturally growing tree of the asparagus family.

Not far from the coast, in some places, mangrove evergreen deciduous forests have been preserved, creating a natural border between land and ocean, which is the protection of the coastal zone from destructive ocean waves.

lakes

The country with the capital Djibouti is proud of its salt lakes. Oval Lake Assal, located at the lowest point of the entire African continent (155 meters below sea level), has the highest salinity in the world.

The water in the lake is very hot, and in summer its temperature reaches 50 degrees. The coastal zone is white, it is evenly covered with a thick layer of salt.

It borders on the "Pit of Demons" - Lake Lac Gube, filled with sea water.

The lake can be reached directly from Djibouti City by simply taking a taxi. Long-extinct volcanoes sprawl from the shore on all sides, and the land is pitted with solidified lava and covered with a layer of black ash.

The majestic volcano Ardukoba is active, from its top at a height of 30 meters a beautiful view of the lakes opens up. Climbing to the open volcanic crater is the main exciting attraction for tourists. At its foot transparent warm thermal springs beat.

Active and passive recreation

After it turned out which city is the capital of Djibouti, and it is well studied on the political map of Africa, you can safely go there for a couple of weeks. In addition to exploring the sights and flora, this place will give a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities, in particular for windsurfing.

The warm water of the ocean bay, the fair hot wind are the best fit for. It is here that you can thoroughly hone your skills, learn how to perfectly control a sailboard.

Sand windsurfing is considered an unusual and extreme activity. Huge deposits of salty sand easily replace water. The best sandy landscapes are located in the southwest of the country.

The capital of Djibouti is famous for its extreme sand dune jeep rides. Safaris allow you to admire spectacular views of the volcanic landscapes.

However, excursions and off-road races on the frozen lava are planned in advance. Therefore, it is necessary to make a reservation a few weeks before arriving in the country, otherwise there will not be a single free car left, there are not many of them here.

Tourists who prefer passive recreation can go fishing in local waters. The picturesque beaches, washed by bays with warm salty water, will be a great place for swimming, sunbathing and sleepy measured pastime.

Diving

The capital of Djibouti is a godsend for lovers. In the bays, there are many once sunken ships that arouse keen interest among tourists. It's so exciting to plunge into the underwater world of pirates and sea adventures, where you can feel like a real explorer and seeker of lost treasures.

But you should be careful, it is considered the most dangerous place to dive due to strong currents. No wonder so many ships have been shipwrecked here at different times.

Divers will be no less interested in getting to know the living inhabitants of the underwater kingdom - exotic fish, crabs and lobsters. And the coral reefs near the city of Tadjoura will reveal an incredibly colorful underwater landscape with its colorful inhabitants.

Regular boats constantly ferry tourists to the islands located in the Gulf of Tadjoura.

There is a diving center on the protected island of Mucha. Renting equipment, you can swim among the reefs, admire the tiger sharks.

Cultural rest

Nightlife and entertainment in the country is highly discouraged. Muslim laws are categorically against the use of alcohol. The open sale of strong drinks is prohibited.

Although imported alcohol can be purchased in bars and a supermarket for foreign tourists.

After sunset, it is undesirable to remain alone on the street, there is a danger of being robbed or, even worse, beaten.

architectural structures

The capital of Djibouti is a small city, whose architecture will be no less interesting to get acquainted with. Locals, not accustomed to the invasion of tourists, are suspicious of strangers. Therefore, photography is not welcome here, they may even request special permission.

The main city attractions are:

• Hamoudi Mosque, built in the very center of the city - the pride and the only tall building in the country;
• the presidential palace built in neo-Moorish style, around which walks are allowed;
• the city aquarium is home to many species of exotic fish, which can be seen up close by scuba diving.

City features

Hamoudi Mosque is the oldest and only architectural structure. This is the highest point in the city.

Souvenir products (for example, minerals from the shores of salt lakes), fresh national dishes, colorful household items and other necessary goods are presented at the central market.

The market is famous for selling many unusual vegetables and fruits. Sidewalks and the ground underfoot are literally littered with sugar apple fruits grown in the western part of the mainland.

Small streets of the city have interesting and unusual names: Moscow, London, Paris. You can visit Athens, and in a few minutes move directly to Rome. But, unfortunately, the similarity with the famous world capitals ends with the names.

These streets are dirty, right in the middle you can see huge heaps of garbage. The houses of the residents are also shabby, in need of major repairs, and the whole view is a rather dull sight. Although even during the French colonization, the city was nice, clean and well-groomed.

The capital of Djibouti is the main city - the port of this small country. In the center there are two-story and one-story houses of a more prosperous population, on the outskirts there are many slums.

Being a rather poor state, the country is still of great interest to foreign tourists. The tourism industry in recent years has become a significant source of income. Therefore, the authorities are actively developing measures for its development.

But still, the main highlight of the country is precisely that it is not yet so well known to a wide range of people. Deserted beaches, pristine nature, local residents not tempted by the benefits of civilization - this is the main attraction of Djibouti. It is worth visiting at least to enjoy the languid silence, tranquility and peace. This is a place where time stands still, life is measured, and people never seem to be in a hurry, because they have nowhere to hurry.