In 2009, Djibouti had a population of 852,000 people and a population growth rate of 2.7%. The economy was driven by the export of commodities such as re-exports, hides and skins, coffee and fish. Djibouti was an active member in many international organisations including the United Nations, African Union and Arab League. Politically, Djibouti was a unitary semi-presidential republic with two major political parties: the People’s Rally for Progress (RPP) and the Union for a Presidential Majority (UMP). The then President was Ismaïl Omar Guelleh who had been in office since 1999. He had previously served as Prime Minister from 1978 to 1999 under President Hassan Gouled Aptidon. See internetsailors for Djibouti in the year of 2011.
Yearbook 2009
Djibouti. According to countryaah, the UN Security Council adopted January 14, Resolution 1862, in which the Council expressed “deep concern” about the tension at the border between Djibouti and Eritrea. The Security Council ruled that Djibouti had withdrawn its troops from Eritrean and demanded that Eritrea also leave the country. In April, the Security Council found that Eritrea had not complied with the requirement.Djibouti was hit in September by severe drought with famine.
The first results, which ended in late 1984, were not encouraging: a fall in passenger numbers and the conversion of goods to Ethiopia and Somalia reduced both customs revenue and partly the country’s overall banking business. The internal conflicts that went on for a long time were the main reasons for the restraint of European capital. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation DJ which stands for the nation of Djibouti.
In 1986, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Gouled government initiated a continuation of the return process for the more than 100,000 refugees that had been interrupted in 1983. which had been isolated during the 1977 conflict with Somalia over the Ogadén area.
The foreign military presence in Djibouti escalated in August 1987, allowing the United States and Britain to use the former French naval bases during the Gulf War. Relations with the former colonial power improved with the visit of President Francois Mitterrand in December.
Djibouti relies heavily on French financial aid, estimated to amount to $ 200 million annually; an amount several times greater than the country’s total exports. This dependence concerned the local authorities, who made great efforts to expand trade abroad. That was why Prime Minister Barkad Gourad Hamadou signed a technical and financial assistance agreement with Turkey in June 1989 in Ankara.
Without being able to dispose of the necessary industry, the resource-poor Djibouti economy had to concentrate on the tourism sector, which had been expanded following the expansion of the capital’s port in 1984.
In 1990, France amortized Djibouti’s foreign debt of about $ 40 million as part of its support for its development policy. In 1991, the conflict between the government and the resistance movement escalated the Front to the Restoration of Unity and Democracy, FRUD. In November, Amnesty International accused the government of torturing 300 prisoners, prompting France to press Gouled to start a dialogue with the opposition.
Shopping
Overview
Local handicrafts are sold at the markets. Shop opening times: i. General Sat-Thurs 07.30-12.00 and 16.00-19.00.
Culinary
Overview
There are restaurants offering French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and local specialties such as oven baked or grilled spicy fish, mutton or goat stew. Alcohol is only served to non-Muslims and is uncommon in areas with a predominantly Islamic population (especially during Ramadan). Consumption of alcohol in public, except in licensed restaurants, is prohibited.
Culture
Religion
94% Muslim (Sunni); Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Casual clothing is accepted. Native Islamic customs should be respected. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Photographing: It is strictly forbidden to photograph military and security-related facilities (e.g. airports, bridges, docks, government buildings, etc.). Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect tips. There is a set rate, but visitors usually pay more. 10% for service will be added to the bill.
Climate
Best travel time
Between June and August when the Khamsin blows, very hot and dry. Cooler with occasional rain showers between October and April.
Country data
Phone prefix
+253
Area (sq km)
23200
Population
988,000
Population density (per square km)
36
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
17