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| Government Type |
republic |
| Legal System |
based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law |
| Currency |
Djiboutian franc (DJF) |
| Economic Overview |
The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa. Two-thirds of the inhabitants live in the capital city, the remainder being mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. It has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An unemployment rate of 50% continues to be a major problem. Inflation is not a concern, however, because of the fixed tie of the franc to the US dollar. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over the last seven years because of recession, civil war, and a high population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Faced with a multitude of economic difficulties, the government has fallen in arrears on long-term external debt and has been struggling to meet the stipulations of foreign aid donors. Another factor limiting growth is the negative impact on port activity now that Ethiopia has more trade route options. |
| Natural Resources |
geothermal areas |
| Primary Industries |
construction, agricultural processing |
| Agricultural Products |
fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels |
| Import Commodities |
foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products |
| Export Commodities |
reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit) |
| Export Partners |
Somalia 56%, Yemen 24%, France 6%, UAE 5%, Ethiopia 4% (2000) |
| AIRPORTS of Djibouti |
| Djibouti - Ambouli Airport |
International, Position 11°32´50"N, 043°09´34"E, Elevation 15m (49ft) |
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