Djibouti
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Djibouti is a country located on the Horn of Africa. The government is a Unitary semi-presidential republic under a dominant-party authoritarian dictatorship. The Capital City is Djibouti. The official languages of the country are French and Arabic. The national languages of the country are Somali and Afar. The predominant religion is Islam. Healthcare in Djibouti is severely lacking staff, equipment and overage accessibility to facilities. Most of the hospitals and facilities are located in the capital. Many rural areas don’t have access to doctors. There are 3 private hospitals in the country that can provide services to expats. There is public healthcare as well as private. You can choose to pay cash for services or obtain a health insurance plan if you choose not to use public healthcare.
Safety:
Djibouti is relatively safe, but like any other country, there are certain safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. There have been a few incidents of terrorism in Djibouti in the past, and the threat of terrorism remains a concern. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Djibouti due to terrorism. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur in Djibouti, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. Travelers are advised to take precautions such as keeping their valuables secure and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash. Djibouti is located in a hot and arid climate, and travelers can be at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke if they are not adequately prepared. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid overexertion during the hottest parts of the day. Political unrest can occur in Djibouti, particularly during elections. Travelers are advised to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and to monitor local media for updates on the situation. The roads in Djibouti are often poorly maintained, and driving can be dangerous. Road accidents are common, and travelers are advised to exercise caution when driving or taking public transport. Many roads in Djibouti are unpaved, and some are in poor condition, with potholes, debris, and other hazards. In addition, some rural roads may be impassable during the rainy season. It's important to exercise caution and drive slowly, especially at night. Traffic in Djibouti can be chaotic, with many drivers ignoring traffic laws and signals. Motorcycles, in particular, are a common sight and can weave in and out of traffic. Be alert and defensive while driving or crossing the streets. Djibouti is generally considered a safe country, but it's always wise to take precautions when traveling. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas. In addition, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. Djibouti is home to a variety of animals, including camels, donkeys, and goats, which are often found wandering on or near roads. Be cautious while driving, especially in rural areas, as these animals can be unpredictable. Emergency services: In case of an emergency, dial 17 for police, 18 for fire, and 19 for ambulance services. Djibouti has severe earthquakes that occur periodically, so that should be taken into consideration. The Djiboutian infrastructure and communication are underdeveloped.
Cultural Customs:
Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, with a rich cultural heritage that is influenced by its location on the Red Sea coast and its historical ties to various Arab and African cultures. Djiboutians are known for their hospitality, and it is customary to offer guests food and drinks as a sign of respect and welcome. This is particularly true during social gatherings, such as weddings and religious festivals. Islam is the predominant religion in Djibouti, and many of the country's cultural practices are influenced by Islamic traditions. For example, it is customary for men to attend Friday prayers at the local mosque, and women are expected to dress modestly in public. Family is highly valued in Djiboutian culture, and it is common for extended families to live together in the same household. Respect for elders is also an important aspect of family life, and children are expected to show deference to their parents and grandparents. Djiboutian traditional clothing is influenced by the country's location on the Red Sea coast and the Arab and Somali cultures that have historically inhabited the region. Men typically wear a long tunic called a "macawiis" and a headscarf called a "shash," while women wear a brightly colored dress called a "dirac" and a headscarf called a "shayla." Music and dance are an important part of Djiboutian culture, and traditional dances such as the "dankiyo" and the "dandho" are often performed at weddings and other celebrations. Traditional music instruments include the "oud," a stringed instrument, and the "tambour," a type of drum. Alcohol is consumed but being drunk can end in a prison term. Traditional meals consist of meat, dairy and grains that mix African and French influences. However, there are more European influences in the food choices within the cities. The herb, qat is often used by men recreationally to enhance concentration.
Geography & Weather:
Djibouti’s climate is tropical desert.
On the coast where the capital is, the average temperature ranges from 77 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest months are December and January with a median temperature of 77 degrees F and July being the hottest month with a median temperature of 97 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area as they average only 4 inches of rain per year. The sun shines all year round.
In the interior of the country, the temperature decreases a bit due to the altitude. The average temperature ranges from 71 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 71 degrees F and July is the hottest month with a median temperature of 89 degrees F. There isn’t really much of a rainy season in this area either, but they receive about 13 inches of rain annually.
Tropical cyclone season in Djibouti is May - December but are more likely to occur at the beginning and end of the season.
Economy:
Djibouti has a mixed economy that is heavily dependent on services, particularly port and logistics services, which account for over 80% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture and industry are other important sectors in the economy, but they contribute significantly less to the GDP. Despite its small size, Djibouti has become an important regional hub for trade and logistics, connecting East Africa and the Middle East. The country's strategic location has attracted investment from foreign countries, particularly China, which has financed and constructed infrastructure projects such as ports, railways, and a free trade zone. However, despite its economic growth, Djibouti still faces high levels of unemployment and poverty. The country has a youth unemployment rate of over 70%, and many of its citizens live in slums without access to basic services such as electricity, water, and healthcare. The government has implemented various initiatives to address these issues, such as investing in education and vocational training programs to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in the job market. Additionally, the government has introduced policies to promote private sector development and attract foreign investment, which could create more job opportunities. Overall, while Djibouti's economy has grown rapidly in recent years, the country still faces significant challenges in reducing poverty and unemployment, particularly among its youth population.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Djiboutian Franc (DJF)
DJF 1.00 = USD .0056
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
998,000
Median Age:
26.6 yrs
Life Expectancy:
67.87 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 90 day $23
*Electronic Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Djiboutian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Djibouti for at least ten consecutive years, is of good morality, good health, and have no criminal convictions of six months or longer. The person must also prove competency in Arabic and confirm they understand the customs and traditions of the country.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency permit is available for people looking to relocate into Djibouti as expats. You must have your employer apply for the permit on your behalf.
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Djibouti
Lotissement Haramous, Lot # 350-B
P.O. Box 185
Djibouti City, Republic of Djibouti
Telephone: +(253) 21-45-30-00 (Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Fax: +(253) 21-45-33-40
Email: DjiboutiACS@state.gov