Introduction: Djibouti lies in north east Africa on the Gulf of Aden at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. It borders on Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. The country is mainly a stony desert, with scattered plateaus and highlands.

Official Name: Republic of Djibouti
Area: 23,000 sq km (8,880 sq miles)
Population: 457,000
Continent: Africa
Density per square mile: 51
Capital City: Djibouti
Religions: 94% Sunni Muslims, remainder being Roman Catholics, Protestants or Greek Orthodox Christians.

Language: French and Arabic
Government: Unitary Multiparty Republic

Currency: Djibouti franc
GDP: $619 million
GDP Per Head: $1,300

Natural Resources: Geothermal areas
Land Use: Arable Land 0%
Agriculture: A small amount of fruits, vegetables and livestock being goats & sheep.
Industry: Construction, agricultural processing, shipping, oil, hides and skins.

Tourism: Djibouti is a mass of black lava fields and endless stoney desert plains . But on the coast diving and snorkelling around Red Sea coral reefs is a must. The town of Djibouti is a blend of colonial French and modern Arabic. The city is crowded with Arab and African cultures and travellers are often regarded as curios and treated to traditional African hospitality.

Natural Hazards: Occasional earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods.
Health Risks: Bilharzia (in the freshwater lakes), HIV/AIDS

Climate: Djibouti has a semi arid climate that is very hot and dry. There are two seasons, a dry season from May to October and a relatively cool season from November to April. The rainfall on the coast usually occurs between November to March, whereas inland it falls between April to October. Average annual rainfall for Djibouti City is 5 inches and average temperature ranges are from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius in January to 31 to 41 degrees Celsius in July.

Time: GMT/UTC + 3 hours
National Days: June 27 Independance Day. Fridays are also taken as holidays

Visas: Unless you are a French citizen you will need a visa, which is valid for 30 days. Visitors also require evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

British Embassy Details