Djibouti – World Countries for Kids

Brief History

In the 3rd century B.C., Arabians migrated to what is now Djibouti. Their descendants are the Afars, which are Djibouti’s natives today. The Somali Issas came to the country soon after. Islam was introduced to the country in 825, now it is the nation’s predominant religion. In 1843, Djibouti was acquired by France. The country was a valuable asset for France because of the capital city’s port which opens to the Red Sea. Originally known as French Somaliland, the colony voted in 1958 and again in 1967 to remain under French rule. In 1977, France transferred Soveirgnity to the newly independent nation of Djibouti.

The Djibouti flag was adopted on June 27th, 1977. The light blue represents the sky, the green symbolizes the green of the earth, the triangle symbolizes peace, and the star stands for the unity of the country’s people.

Djibouti is a country on the horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the east and south, and Somalia to the southeast. On Djibouti’s east side, it borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

World Land Mass Ranking: 150th

Highest Mountain: Mousa Ali, 2,021 m           (6,631 ft)

Longest River: no major rivers

French, Arabic, Somali, Afar

Djibouti Population: 988,000 (as of 2020)

Capital City: Djibouti City

Capital City Population: 600,000 (as of 2018)

In the north and along the coast, Djibouti has a tropical desert climate. In the central-northern highlands, it has a semi-desert climate. The summers are short and very hot, and the winters are long and warm. Year-round, the climate is dry and windy.

Hussein Ahmed Salah

Abdourahman Waberi

Hassan Gouled Aptidon

Jamal Abdi Dirieh

• Due to the scarcity of water in Djibouti, most of their fresh fruits and vegetables are imported from neighboring countries. Many other cultures and countries have influenced the cuisine of Djibouti, making it quite diverse. Dishes are often cooked with Middle Eastern spices. Common Djiboutian foods include rice, bananas, meat stew, and soups.

  Below is a picture of Dromedary Tibs, a popular Djiboutian dish.

  Djibouti is a beautiful country with wonderful people.

• One traditional Djiboutian sport is called pétanque. It is similar to bocce ball, as players take turns rolling a ball as close as possible to the target ball. The most popular sport in Djibouti is football (soccer), and they have been a member of FIFA since 1994. Other popular sports in Djibouti include tennis, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and judo.

  Below is a picture of Mumin Gala participating in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

• Djibouti’s culture is very diverse since it is located at a crossroads of trade and commerce. The country draws influence from Arabian, French, Italian, and Ethiopian cultures. Djibouti’s population is made up of the native Afars and Somalis. 94% of the population identifies as Muslim. Music is an important part of Djiboutian culture, and each ethnic group in the country has its own style of music and dance. Some popular musical instruments include drums, tandburas, and ouds.

  Below is a picture of Djiboutian women dressed in traditional Afar and Issa tribal attire.

1. Djibouti’s national animal is an elk.

2. Approximately 90% of Djibouti’s land is desert.

3. Djibouti has 195 miles of coastline.

4. Lake Assal in Djibouti is 10 times saltier than the sea.

5. Lake Assal is also the lowest point in Africa.

6. Whale sharks regularly visit the coast of Djibouti.

7. The CAR is a totally landlocked country.

8. Whale sharks regularly visit the coast of Djibouti.

9. Whale sharks regularly visit the coast of Djibouti.

10. Djibouti’s main exports are hides, skins, and coffee.

1. When did Arabians migrate to Djibouti? +

2. What is the capital city of Djibouti? +

3. Name a key/famous person from Djibouti? +

4. What are the main languages spoken in Djibouti? +

5. Name a food that is eaten in Djibouti? +

6. What is the population of Djibouti (as of 2020)? +

7. What type of climate does Djibouti have? +

8. What percentage of the population is Muslim? +

9. What colors make up the Djiboutian flag? +

10. What is the highest mountain in Djibouti? +