Djibouti

At a Glance

Djibouti is a small country on the Horn of Africa at the meeting point of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with a landscape of volcanic rock, salt lakes, and some of the world's best diving along its coral reefs. The culture blends Somali, Afar, Arab, and French influences into a small but cosmopolitan city life. It suits travellers who come specifically for diving, desert landscapes, or the unique experience of a genuinely strategic crossroads.

• Hosts permanent military bases from the US, France, China, and Japan simultaneously.
• Controls the Bab el-Mandeb strait — one of the world's most critical trade chokepoints.
• Lake Assal sits 505m below sea level and reaches 50°C in summer.
• Over 80% unemployment despite its strategic military and trade importance.