Djibouti, a small nation in the Horn of Africa, has an estimated population of around 1.18 million people. The population is youthful, with a median age of about 25 years, and roughly 71% live in urban areas, primarily in Djibouti City, which alone houses over half the population. Ethnically, the country is dominated by Somali (60%) and Afar (35%) communities, with small minorities of Arabs and Europeans.
Djibouti is overwhelmingly Muslim, with 94–99% of the population adhering to Sunni Islam, following the Shafi’i school. Islam is the state religion and deeply influences social norms and laws. However, Christianity accounts for about 6%, mainly among expatriates and Ethiopian immigrants. Roman Catholicism and Ethiopian Orthodoxy are the most notable Christian denominations.
Tourist Attractions
Despite its small size, Djibouti offers spectacular natural and cultural experiences:
• Lake Assal: The lowest point in Africa (155 m below sea level), famous for its surreal salt flats and turquoise waters.
• Day Forest National Park: A rare green oasis with unique wildlife and hiking trails.
• Khor Ambado Beach: A serene spot for swimming and snorkeling.
• Île Moucha: Ideal for diving and dolphin watching.
• Place Menelik: A cultural hub in Djibouti City with colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
Djibouti shares land borders with Eritrea (north), Ethiopia (west and south), and Somalia (southeast). To the east, it is flanked by the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, making it a strategic maritime gateway.
Djibouti’s economy is service-driven, with port and logistics activities contributing about 85% of GDP. Its strategic location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes it a vital hub for global shipping and military bases. GDP growth has been robust, averaging 6–7% in recent years, fueled by port expansion and foreign investment. However, challenges include high unemployment, poverty, and reliance on imports for food and energy.
Djibouti hosts a small but active Indian community, primarily engaged in trade, shipping, and service sectors. Many Indians work in port operations and retail businesses, and some are employed in technical roles. While exact numbers are not officially published, estimates suggest a few thousand Indians reside in Djibouti, forming a visible expatriate group.
The Catholic Church in Djibouti dates back to 1885, introduced by French Capuchin missionaries. Today, Catholics number around 5,000–7,000, mostly expatriates. The country has one diocese (Diocese of Djibouti) and five parishes, with the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd as the main church in Djibouti City. Religious congregations, including missionaries from Kerala, contribute significantly to education, healthcare, and social services. Consolata Missionaries and other congregations run schools and programs for children with disabilities, street children, and migrants, reflecting a strong humanitarian focus despite restrictions on public evangelization.
Promoters of Exim Bank Djibouti are basically Asians settled in Tanzania decades back, who are also the promoters of Exim Bank in Comoros as well as in Uganda.
Djibouti Ambouli International Airport (IATA: JIB) is the country’s main international gateway, located in Ambouli, about 6 km from Djibouti City. It primarily connects through Ethiopian Airlines offering frequent flights via Addis Ababa, which serves as a major hub for international connections. Air Djiboutihandling regional routes within East Africa and some domestic services.
Djibouti is more than a transit hub it’s a melting pot of cultures, a strategic geopolitical player, and a land of natural wonders. Its blend of Islamic traditions, Christian minority presence, and expatriate communities, including Indians and Kerala missionaries, makes it a fascinating study in coexistence and resilience.