Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia
Area: 23 000 sq km
Climate: Desert; torrid, dry
Terrain: Coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains
Natural resources: Geothermal areas, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum
Population: 486 530 (July 2006 est.)
Age structure
0 - 14 years: 43,3% (male 105 760/female 105 068)
15 - 64 years: 53,3% (male 135 119/female 124 367)
65 years and over: 3,3% (male 8 183/female 8 033) (2006 est.)
Population growth rate: 2,02% (2006 est.)
Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6%
Languages: French, Arabic (both official), Somali, Afar
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti
Conventional short form: Djibouti
Government type: Republic
Capital: Djibouti
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Economy: Overview
The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in north-east Africa. Djibouti provides services both as a transit port for the region and as an international transshipment and refuelling centre.
Agriculture products: Fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides
Industries: Construction, agricultural processing, salt
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