Country Profile: Djibouti
Djibouti is a strategically located country at the confluence of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, bordered by Eritrea and Somalia. With a population of over one million people, Djibouti's demographics are predominantly Somali, with a significant Afar minority. The economy thrives on port services, driven largely by trade with Ethiopia, and bolstered by foreign military bases. The government operates as a presidential republic, with a history of political tension reflecting the diverse ethnic composition.
Geography
Djibouti is situated in Eastern Africa, flanked by the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, sharing land borders with Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The country is characterized by a desert climate and a diverse terrain that includes a coastal plain, plateaus, and mountains. The strategic geographic position near major shipping lanes enhances its importance in global trade.
- Area: 23,200 sq km (slightly smaller than New Jersey)
- Coastline: 314 km
- Elevation: Ranges from -155 m at Lac Assal to 2,021 m at Moussa Ali
- Natural hazards: Earthquakes, droughts, and occasional floods
People and Society
Djibouti has an estimated population of 1,013,703 as of 2025, with a diverse ethnic composition of 60% Somali and 35% Afar. The predominant religion is Sunni Islam, which is embraced by nearly all Djiboutians. The country has a relatively young demographic, with 28.4% of the population aged 0-14 and a median age of 26.7 years.
- Urbanization: 78.6% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
- Life expectancy: 65.9 years (2024)
- Birth rate: 21.46 births per 1,000 population (2025)
- Languages: Official languages are French and Arabic, along with Somali and Afar
Economy
Djibouti's economy is largely service-based, heavily reliant on food imports and the presence of foreign military bases. The country is also a major re-exporter of goods, particularly benefiting from trade with Ethiopia and China. The GDP is estimated at $7.995 billion for 2024.
- Real GDP growth rate: 6% (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 25.9% (2024)
- Exports: $5.25 billion (2024)
- Imports: $4.765 billion (2024)
- Major industries: Construction, agricultural processing, and shipping
Government
Djibouti is governed as a presidential republic, with a legal system based on a mix of French civil law and Islamic law. The capital city is Djibouti, which serves as the central hub for governance and commerce. The country's political landscape has seen a single-party dominance since independence in 1977.
- Current president: Ismail Omar GUELLEH
- Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 65 directly elected seats
- Independence: 27 June 1977 from France
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Military and Security
Djibouti Armed Forces encompass the National Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an estimated personnel strength of 10,000-12,000. Djibouti’s strategic role as a host for several foreign military bases adds to its significance in regional security operations, including anti-terrorism efforts.
- Military expenditures: 3.5% of GDP (2019)
- Military service age: 18-26 years for voluntary service (2025)
- Military deployments: Approximately 1,500 personnel in Somalia (2025)
- Foreign military bases: China, France, the US, and several others maintain bases in Djibouti
Energy
Djibouti's energy sector is characterized by limited access to electricity, with an electrification rate of 65% as of 2022. The country relies predominantly on fossil fuels, with a focus on expanding renewable energy sources in the future.
- Installed generating capacity: 210,000 kW (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 584.997 million kWh (2023)
- Electricity access: 72.8% in urban areas, 36.6% in rural areas
Environment
Djibouti faces several environmental challenges including limited potable water supplies, water pollution, and desertification. The country is part of multiple international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.
- Environmental issues: Water scarcity and deforestation
- Total renewable water resources: 300 million cubic meters (2022)
- Waste recycling rate: 14.9% of municipal solid waste (2022)
Transportation
Djibouti has a well-established transportation network, particularly in maritime and air transport. The country boasts several key ports crucial for trade, alongside a limited railway system.
- Airports: 10 (2025)
- Railways: 97 km (part of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway)
- Ports: 2 main ports (Djibouti and Doraleh)
Communications
Djibouti's communication infrastructure includes limited fixed and mobile telephone services, with a growing number of internet users.
- Internet users: 65% of the population (2023)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 559,000 (2023)
- Fixed line subscriptions: 28,700 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,013,703 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 23,200 sq km | Slightly smaller than New Jersey |
| GDP (PPP) | $7.995 billion | 2024 estimate, in 2021 dollars |
| Unemployment Rate | 25.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 21.46 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 65.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electrification Rate | 65% | Total population, 2022 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 3.5% of GDP | 2019 |
| Exports | $5.25 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Imports | $4.765 billion | 2024 estimate |
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