Country Profile: Djibouti
Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It has a diverse population primarily composed of ethnic Somalis and Afar, with French and Arabic as official languages. The economy is largely driven by its strategic ports, which handle a significant percentage of Ethiopia's trade, and the presence of various foreign military bases contributes to its overall economic activity. Djibouti's governance has evolved from an authoritarian regime to a multiparty system, with its current president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, in power since 1999.
Geography
Djibouti is situated in Eastern Africa, bordered by the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, and shares land borders with Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The country covers an area of 23,200 sq km, characterized by a coastal plain and plateaus separated by central mountains. Its strategic location near major shipping lanes enhances its importance for international trade.
- 23,200 sq km: Total area
- 314 km: Coastline
- 155 m: Lowest point at Lac Assal, the saltiest lake in the world
- 2,021 m: Highest point at Moussa Ali
People and Society
As of 2025, Djibouti's population is approximately 1,013,703, with a majority identifying as Somali (60%) and a significant minority as Afar (35%). The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim (94%) with a literacy rate influenced by the country’s push towards education. Djibouti has a young population, with a median age of 26.7 years.
- 78.6%: Urban population (2023)
- 21.46 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025)
- 65.9 years: Life expectancy (2024)
- 44.3 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025)
Economy
Djibouti has a food-import dependent economy heavily reliant on its strategic ports and military bases. Real GDP growth is anticipated at 6% for 2024, with a GDP per capita of approximately $6,800. The economy is primarily service-oriented, with services constituting 75.5% of GDP.
- $4.086 billion: GDP (2024 est.)
- 25.9%: Unemployment rate (2024)
- 1.4% of GDP: Remittances (2024 est.)
- $5.25 billion: Exports (2024 est.)
Government
Djibouti operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system. The President has significant powers, and the country has witnessed periodic elections, with the most recent presidential election held in April 2021. Despite the multiparty framework, opposition parties have criticized the electoral process for lacking transparency.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age
- 65: Total seats in the National Assembly
- 97.4%: Vote share for President Guelleh in the 2021 election
Military and Security
Djibouti's military is primarily focused on border security and counterterrorism, with approximately 10,000 active personnel. The country hosts various foreign military bases, enhancing its strategic military presence in the region.
- 3.5% of GDP: Military expenditures (2019)
- 1,500: Djiboutian troops deployed in Somalia (2025)
Energy
Djibouti faces challenges in energy access, with about 65% electrification overall; urban areas have better access compared to rural regions. The country is seeking to diversify its energy sources, with a mix of fossil fuels, solar, and wind energy.
- 210,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
- 584.997 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023)
Environment
Environmental issues in Djibouti include limited arable land, deforestation, and water pollution. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing these challenges.
- 300 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022)
- 73.5%: Agricultural land (2023)
Transportation
Djibouti's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads and railways connecting it to neighboring countries, and its two main ports serve as critical points for trade.
- 10: Total airports (2025)
- 97 km: Railway length (2017, part of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti line)
Communications
Communication infrastructure in Djibouti is developing, with a growing number of mobile and internet users. Fixed telephony remains limited compared to mobile subscriptions.
- 559,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 65%: Internet penetration (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,013,703 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 23,200 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (nominal) | $4.086 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Real GDP per capita | $6,800 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 25.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 21.46 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Life Expectancy | 65.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban Population | 78.6% | Of total population (2023) |
| Electricity Access | 65% | Total population electrification (2022 est.) |
| Military Personnel | 10,000 | Active personnel (2025) |
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