Djibouti
East Africa
Djibouti is a country in East Africa, home to 1.1 million people, with an area of 23,200 km². Its capital is Djibouti City.
- Capital
- Djibouti City
- Population
- 1.1 million
- Area
- 23,200 km²
- Region
- East Africa
- Density
- 49.1 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Djibouti is known for
Djibouti is best known for Lake Assal, Goda Mountains and Day Forest National Park.
Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. Its strategic location on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden makes it an important shipping and trading hub for the region.
Djibouti at a glance
- Language
- French and Arabic are the official languages, but Somali and Afar are also widely spoken
- Currency
- Djiboutian franc
- Religion
- Islam is the predominant religion, followed by Christianity and traditional indigenous beliefs
- National dish
- Skoudehkaris (a dish made with lamb or goat, rice, and vegetables)
- Climate
- Djibouti has a hot and dry desert climate, with little rainfall and high temperatures throughout the year
- Main industries
- Port and transportation services, salt mining, and livestock production
- GDP
- $3.4 billion (2019 estimate)
- Development
- Djibouti is classified as a low-income country by the World Bank, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 171 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Djibouti
Some of the main tourist attractions in Djibouti include:
- Lake Assal a crater lake that is the lowest point in Africa and the third saltiest body of water in the world.
- Goda Mountains a range of volcanic peaks that offer hiking opportunities and scenic views.
- Day Forest National Park a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, gazelles, and hyenas.
- Tadjourah a historic town on the coast of the Gulf of Tadjourah, known for its white sand beaches and colonial-era architecture.
- Gulf of Aden a body of water that is home to diverse marine life and offers opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
Despite its attractions, Djibouti remains a challenging destination for tourists due to its limited infrastructure and ongoing security concerns in the region.
Djibouti in pictures
Djibouti on video
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Djibouti compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of East Africa.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mauritius | 1.3 million | 2,040 km² | Port Louis |
| Djibouti | 1.1 million | 23,200 km² | Djibouti City |
 Comoros | 850,000 | 1,862 km² | Moroni |
 Seychelles | 130,000 | 455 km² | Victoria |
Ranked 157th of 195 countries by population and 146th by area.
Questions about Djibouti
What is the capital of Djibouti?
The capital of Djibouti is Djibouti City.
How many people live in Djibouti?
About 1.1 million people. Ranked 157th of 195 countries by population and 146th by area.
How big is Djibouti?
Djibouti covers 23,200 km², in East Africa.
What is Djibouti known for?
Djibouti is best known for Lake Assal, Goda Mountains and Day Forest National Park.
What language is spoken in Djibouti?
French and Arabic are the official languages, but Somali and Afar are also widely spoken.
What currency is used in Djibouti?
Djiboutian franc.
Is Djibouti a country?
Yes. Djibouti is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.