Region
East Africa
Country
Djibouti
Country Head
President Ismael Omar Guelleh
Capital
Djibouti
Population
833,000 (UN, 2007)
GDP
$1.738bn (2007)
GDP Per Capita
$2,300 (2007 CIA est.)
Main Language
French, Arabic
Description
Controlling access to the Red Sea, Djibouti is of major strategic importance and has attracted a steady flow of foreign assistance. The country's economy is based on service activities connected with its strategic location, and status as a free trade zone in North East Africa. Inadequate rainfall limits farm crops to fruits and vegetables and most of the population constitutes of nomadic herders. The French continue to maintain a significant presence long after the Gulf War, contributing directly and indirectly to the country's income. Djibouti's main exports include hides, skins, and coffee which is re-exported from Ethiopia.
