Djibouti

Djibouti is situated in the Horn of Africa, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, near the Gulf of Aden. It shares borders with:

• Eritrea to the north, with a 113 km (70 miles) boundary
• Ethiopia to the west and southwest, with a 337 km (209 miles) border
• Somalia to the southeast, with a 58 km (36 miles) border

Covering approximately 23,200 square kilometers (8,958 square miles), Djibouti is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Massachusetts. The country’s coastline stretches 314 kilometers (195 miles) along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The capital, Djibouti City, located on the coast, is the nation’s primary urban center.

Area: 23,200 sq km (8,958 sq mi)
Coastline: 314 km (195 mi)

Climate
Djibouti has an extremely hot and arid climate, particularly from June to August when the Khamsin winds bring intense heat and dust from the desert. From October to April, temperatures are slightly cooler, with occasional light rains, but overall annual rainfall remains low at less than 150 mm (6 inches).

Population
Current estimates place Djibouti’s population at around 1 million, with a youthful demographic and a high concentration in urban areas, particularly the capital.

Ethnic Groups
Djibouti is home to six primary ethnic groups:

• Afar
• Gadabuursi
• Habar
• Walaal Issa (clan)
• Qallu
• Somali

Languages
Arabic and French are the official languages, while Afar, Somali, and other regional languages are also widely spoken.

Natural Hazards
Djibouti faces several natural hazards, including earthquakes, droughts, and occasional cyclonic storms from the Indian Ocean that can bring heavy rain.

Natural Resources
Djibouti’s primary natural resources include:

• Minerals: Salt, perlite, gypsum, limestone, gold, granite, pumice, petroleum, and diatomite
• Energy Resources: Geothermal and solar energy potential