Country Profile: Djibouti

Djibouti, located at the nexus of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is a small yet strategically significant country in Eastern Africa. It is home to a diverse population of approximately 995,000, primarily composed of ethnic Somalis and Afars, fostering a rich cultural tapestry. The economy relies heavily on its ports for trade, particularly servicing the landlocked Ethiopia, and is increasingly characterized by military bases and infrastructure investments. Djibouti operates as a presidential republic, with a political environment influenced by historical ethnic tensions and military cooperation with international partners.

Geography

Djibouti is situated in Eastern Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast, with coastlines along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The country covers an area of about 23,200 square kilometers and features a terrain of coastal plains, plateaus, and central mountains. With a desert climate, Djibouti experiences minimal rainfall and is prone to droughts.

Coastline: 314 km
Area: 23,200 sq km
Highest Point: Moussa Ali at 2,021 m
Lowest Point: Lac Assal at -155 m
Natural Resources: Includes gold, limestone, and potential geothermal power.

People and Society

Djibouti's population is estimated at 994,974 as of 2024, with a significant urban majority living in the capital, Djibouti City. Ethnically, the country is primarily Somali (60%) and Afar (35%), with a majority practicing Sunni Islam. The population structure reflects a youthful demographic, with a median age of 26.3 years and a notable percentage of citizens under the age of 15.

Urban Population: 78.6% (2023)
Population Growth Rate: 1.89% (2024)
Life Expectancy: 65.9 years (2024)
Birth Rate: 21.8 births/1,000 (2024)
Infant Mortality Rate: 45.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2024)

Economy

The Djiboutian economy is characterized by a reliance on food imports and trade, heavily influenced by military infrastructure and port activities. The country is a significant re-exporter, particularly of goods to Ethiopia, and has seen growth in trade relations with China. As of 2024, Djibouti's GDP is estimated at $7.995 billion, with a real GDP growth rate of 6%.

GDP per Capita: $6,800 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 25.9% (2024)
Exports: Approximately $5.25 billion (2024)
Imports: Estimated at $4.765 billion (2024)
Top Export Partner: Ethiopia accounts for 77% of exports.

Government

Djibouti operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system incorporating elements of French civil law and Islamic law. The government is characterized by a strong presidency, currently held by Ismail Omar GUELLEH since 1999, and a unicameral legislature known as the National Assembly. Electoral processes have faced criticism for a lack of transparency and fairness, as evidenced by opposition boycotts in recent elections.

Independence: Achieved on June 27, 1977.
Administrative Divisions: Comprised of 6 districts.
Legal System: A mixed system based predominantly on the French civil code.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years.
Most Recent Election: April 2021.

Military and Security

Djibouti maintains a robust military presence, with the Djibouti Armed Forces comprising the army, navy, and air force, supplemented by an extensive network of international military bases. As of 2025, the active military personnel is estimated between 10,000 to 12,000. The country is strategically positioned for regional security operations, particularly against terrorism.

Military Expenditures: 3.5% of GDP (2019)
Service Age: Voluntary military service begins at 18 years.
Counterterrorism Operations: Active military presence in Somalia and border regions.
International Military Bases: Presence of China, France, USA, and others.

Energy

Djibouti's energy sector relies significantly on fossil fuels, with approximately 65.3% of its installed capacity derived from these sources. As of 2022, about 65% of the population has access to electricity, with a marked disparity between urban and rural areas.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 210,000 kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 584.997 million kWh (2023)
Urban Electrification Rate: 72.8%.
Rural Electrification Rate: 36.6%.

Environment

Djibouti faces significant environmental challenges, including limited arable land, desertification, and inadequate access to potable water. The nation is a signatory to various international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability and biodiversity.

Carbon Emissions: 685,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 300 million cubic meters (2022)
Urban Population: 78.6% of total population (2023).

Transportation

Djibouti has a relatively developed transport infrastructure featuring ports, a merchant marine fleet, and a segment of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. The key ports facilitate significant trade, especially with Ethiopia.

Ports: 2 major ports, including Djibouti and Doraleh.
Railway: 97 km of railway connecting to Ethiopia.
Airports: 10 airports as of 2025.

Communications

The communication sector in Djibouti is expanding, with a growing number of mobile cellular subscriptions and internet access. As of 2023, approximately 65% of the population uses the internet.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 574,000 (2023)
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 29,000 (2023)
Internet Users: 65% of the total population (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	994,974 (2024 est.)
Area	23,200 sq km
GDP	$7.995 billion (2024 est.)	Purchasing power parity
Unemployment Rate	25.9% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking work
Birth Rate	21.8 births/1,000 (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	65.9 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	65% total (2022 est.)
Urban Population	78.6% (2023 est.)
Military Personnel	10-12,000 (2025 est.)	Active Armed Forces
Exports	$5.25 billion (2024 est.)