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Djibouti
Summary: Located at the mouth of the Red Sea across from the southwestern tip of Yemen, Djibouti is mostly coastal plains and plateaus in the south with mountains in the center of the country. Founded from the French Territory of the Afars from Ethiopia and the Issas form Somalia in 1977, Djibouti is benefiting from the region’s free trade zone but is primarily agricultural and depends on foreign assistance.
Capital: Djibouti
Time Zone: UTC+3
Population: 506,221
Languages: French, Arabic, Somali, Afar
Power: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: Djiboutian Franc
- Currently 1 DJF = 0.0056 USD $
Climate: Djibouti has a desert climate that is often scorching and dry, with a welcoming November to April cooler season.
- Currently 88º, Fair
Recent Headlines:
Djibouti: Pastoralists' way of life at risk - AlertNet - Nov 05 8:16 AM
Djibouti asks Iran to mediate in talks with Eritrea - mehrnews.com - Nov 05 1:45 AM
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 555 - AP via Yahoo! News - Nov 07 4:29 PM
Mottaki: Iran ready to help Djibouti, Eritrea reach understanding - Islamic Republic News Agency - Nov 04 8:13 AM
South Africa: Nathi Lions Sign Malawian International - AllAfrica.com - Sep 09 4:07 AM
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 Djibouti: Djibouti was built in the 19th century, and while the mosque and markets are part of the city’s core, the underwater sights are some of the best. The street markets in the Central Market have a French influence and sell handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles, and the beaches of Dorale and Lor Ambad are the best in the area, although the nearby Gulf of Tadjoura is great for snorkeling and diving. |
 Lake Assal: Traveling 50 miles to the west of the capital takes you to Lake Assal which makes an excellent ecotourist paradise. Sleeping volcanoes and lava fields mark the journey which is worth a few rolls of film to capture. Heading another 50 miles southwest by 4x4 will bring you to Lake Abbe, locally called Lac Abbé or Abhé Bad, to spot flamingos and penguins. Continuing around the Gulf of Tadjoura brings you to the Gulf’s namesake, where mountain peaks more than 4250 feet high tower over Tadjoura, which in turn leans over the coral reefs underwater. |
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Security: Bring copies of your travel documents, and keep an eye on your purse or wallet in crowded places. If you run into any issues, the local police or your embassy can assist you.
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Dress Codes: Respect all the customs you meet by dressing generally conservatively, especially women: covering bared shoulders and longer shorts and skirts is enough, except if you plan on visiting any mosques where pants or ankle length dresses are preferred.
Cash on Hand: Banks are open every day during the morning except for Fridays, however, money exchange bureaus have better hours in the capital. Credit cards and traveller’s checks have limited acceptance.
When To Visit: The cooler weather from November to March or April is the best time to visit Djibouti. Most official buildings are closed on Fridays and Muslim holidays are cheerfully followed.
Food: Dishes include sheep and goats in the rural nomadic areas, to chicken and fried fish and meat in urbanized areas, with lentils, flat breads, tomatoes and dates, along with spicy sauces. As alcohol is rarely available in this Muslim country, locals chew qat, or khat, a stimulant chewed like tobacco or sometimes used to make tea.
Phrases: Yes = oui, no = non, please = s'il vous plait, thank you = merci, do you speak English = parlez vous anglais?
Tipping: Check the bill as a service charge may be included in your bill already, otherwise, follow standard tipping rules for 10% of the bill for good service.
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