DJIBOUTI
GEOGRAPHY
The nation Djibouti at present has encouraged French military carriage on its land; it has provided Americans with military base to cover Saharan Africa.
This tiny under-developed republic country is situated in the north-eastern Africa over the Gulf of Aden and the strait of Bab al Mandab; near the southern approach to Red Sea. It is outlined by Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia in the neighborhood. The topology comprises of rock bound desert dotted with occasional plateaus and elevations formed by volcanic structures creating height varying from 5000-6000 ft. The undermost point is Lake Assal at 512 ft and the maximal point is Moussa Ali at 2028m in the north. A range of mountains segregate the nation into two varying terrestrial spheres like the coastal and the upland region.
It is bestowed with a huge natural harbor; the landlocked nations in the neighborhood utilize port services for their benefit. The crucial placement of the nation at a vital bustling water traffic route and in the vicinity of Arabian oil fields makes it a significant ocean point.
The chief cash crop is coffee bean, but practically all revenues of the country come from the free port at Djibouti.
Apart from the capital city Djibouti other important cities are Dikhil, Arta, Ali-Sabieh, Obock Yoboki and Tadioura.
Irrigation is not possible because the land lumen quality is unproductive and dearth of permanent water bodies, the existing lakes has saline water; even forest area in the nation is almost nil. Green pasture is confined into a small region. The products produced here are fruits, vegetables, and dates. Animal rearing includes sheep, camels, goats, and cattle. The natural resources are copper, clay, gold, limestone, granite, salt, marble, pumice gypsum and petroleum.
Natural calamity in the form of floods or droughts strikes the land frequently and the country is not well equipped to handle disaster of this magnitude.
THE CAPITAL
Republique de Djibouti capital is Djibouti; it is also a big city and important port on Gulf of Tadjoura. Bay of Tadjoura moves inland from the Gulf of Aden. Approximately two third of the population resides in the capital city that is why the cost of living here is expensive. Situated over the Gulf of Tadioura is an ancient town of similar name Tadjoura; it facilitates trade to and from Ethiopia. The capital city’s layout was done by French rulers. At present the nation enjoys a free trade zone economy.
CLIMATE
The climate of this equatorial tropical country is determined by Khamsin and Chamin winds. The annual climate is hot dry and scorching hot. Sand loaded hot north-east wind Khamsin, sweeps the land from May till October. Henceforth Red Sea originating humid Trade winds bring comfort.
Tourist traffic increases from December till January.
HISTORY
The Islam faith following dates back to 825; the native of the land were nomad tribe Afars and Issas belonging to Somalia and Ethiopia. In 1862 the presence of French finds a mention in the history; by 1888 it was under French rule. In 1897 through a treaty a portion of Djibouti becomes part of Ethiopia. By 1946 this land gets the status of over seas territory but under France rule. The French region of Afars along with Issac were combined and called Djibouti on 27 June 1977. It henceforth commemorates the day as the Independence Day. Another turning point in the history of the country is the internal strife from 1990-1994. The internal war stalled development destroyed the existing infrastructure and ruined the economy. Many crucial decisions in the history have been influenced by intricate relationships between two groups of natives namely Issa and Afar.
POPULATION
Most inhabitants of this small mountainous and dry country are nomadic tribesmen making their living from pastoral herding; the people of the coastal area fish or dive for pearls, coral and sponge.
National composition is made up of Afars, with Arab of Yemeni lineage, Ethiopians and European minorities such as French and Italians. The main ethnic Somali congregation consists of Issa, Issak and Gadaboursi.
Religion is Islamic and Christians.
Official language for exchange of information is either Arabic or French; the natives also make use of Afar and Somali in day to day communication
CURRENCY IS DJIBOUTI FRANC
The adjoining countries like Somalia create refugee influx due to drought and war; these people become a burden for Djibouti; being a poverty stricken country itself, it has to rely on the charity of aid given by more prosperous countries like Saudi Arabia and France. Its singular money making device is its port Addis Ababa in the capital city; railways and international banking are economy sustaining organizations. The country is included in the network of major international airlines. Djibouti airports have facility for charted flights as well.
Some industries are prospering and giving employment to people; these are mineral water plants, construction sector, Pharmaceutical companies, and leather tanning operations, mining of salt and petroleum refinery.
The land is ruled by presidential republic form of government.
TOURISM
Imprints of Arabic culture are visible in this nation of 19th century. Tourists visit the Le Marche Central adjoining the mosque and relish the food at the many restaurants around. The ocean is, made alive and visible from at Tropical Aquarium and it’s under water exhibits at Red Sea. Presidential palace is in the same geographical area. Some prefer to be at the nearby beaches at Dorale and Kor Ambade. For leisure stroll Ambouli palm grove is the best place. Lake Assal is a leisure drive away from the capital city. The outward journey from the capital leads to desert topology of Petit Bara and Grand Bara. The markets here are very popular with tourists. Visit the hedge of the country’s boundary with Ethiopia along with a guide to Lake Abbe a habitat of beautiful birds specially pelicans and flamingos. At the gulf of Tadioura enjoy scuba diving snorkeling fishing and admiring corals or if you the required equipment do underwater photography. Tadioura is renowned for its seven mosques. Goda Mountain National Park is not far away from here. View the wild life in its natural surroundings. By law hunting is forbidden.
The capital city has architecture of the times of sultanas and Reheita and Tadjoura; many mosques are of these periods. There are many saint tombs and those of marabouts to pay homage. The native art and craft are on display at the National Tourism Office.
ACCOMMODATION
Hostel and budget accommodation of varying rental slab are easily available. Luxury and little lower rate hotels meet international standards. American and European chains of hotels patronize the country by opening hotels here.
FOOD
The cattle rearing bring food for the roaming nomad tribes in the form of milk and meat. Grain is also eaten in daily meals.
The natives in food preparation make abundant use of seafood, meat and lentils. Like Indians they make use of similar spices. Cooking has Indian receptivity in foods like rice made with cardamom, filled out kid, and fah-fah a dish of beef. There is striking similarity with Yemeni culture in cooking specially in the method of baking fish. Bountiful meat dishes are served supported by mashed cereals, bananas, or dates. The native Somali pasta is more delicious than its Italian counter part. Pasta and grilled meat is a popular dish here. Unleavened bread is accompanies meat dish. Alcoholic drink is unavailable on most eating joints.
MUSIC
Like other African music the native music has tranquil quality in it. The music has similarity to Arabic tunes. The accompanying musical instruments are tanbura, or bowl lyre or both.
SHOPPING
The local handicrafts make good gift items. These include wood craved products, baskets of straw, belts of camel, fabrics with beads, and the most popular and creative mask. Each mask has a story and a mersmising quality.
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