Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by the Red Sea to the north, Eritrea to the west, Ethiopia to the southwest, and Somalia to the southeast.
Djibouti is the short form of the Republic of Djibouti. Viewed from the perspective of many countries around the world, Djibouti is a small nation, with a land area of only about 23,200 km2. In terms of population, Djibouti has a total population of approximately 1.1 million people. This country is divided into one city and five regions.
Stretching along the northeastern coast of Africa, Djibouti, a small country with an area of just over 23,000 km², possesses a strategically important location, often referred to as the “Outpost of the Red Sea.” Renowned for its role as a central hub for international maritime transport, Djibouti significantly contributes to the regional economy and attracts the attention of global powers.
Djibouti City, the capital of Djibouti, has a population of about 620,000 people, accounting for more than half of the country’s total population. Djibouti City is one of the largest ports in East Africa. Geographically, Djibouti is not located in the Northern Hemisphere; it is in the tropical region with a climate characterized by high temperatures year-round, with an average temperature of about 27°C.
Djibouti is fortunate to have a great geographical location, situated at the crossroads between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which sees a massive volume of maritime traffic connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. This is the most important maritime route in the world, transporting over one-quarter of the world’s crude oil and 12% of global trade goods.
Due to Djibouti’s influence from the subtropical high pressure and northeast trade winds from the interior, annual rainfall is very sparse, at only about 150 mm. This area is arid and has a desert tropical climate. The coastal areas of Djibouti are primarily flat terrain, but the flat areas are small, while the interior mainly consists of plateaus and mountains, with elevations typically ranging from 500 to 800 meters. Due to the altitude, the climate in the plateau and mountainous regions is relatively cool.
The Suez Canal is the world’s most important artificial waterway, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, significantly shortening the maritime route between Europe and Asia. Djibouti plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and smooth operation of this maritime route.
Djibouti is located near the tectonic plate boundary, leading to numerous volcanic activities during geological periods. The highland terrain of Djibouti is primarily formed by volcanic eruptions.
From the perspective of natural regions, Djibouti has a hot and arid climate, with extensive desert surfaces. In terms of natural environmental aspects, Djibouti is not suitable for the development of agriculture. Agriculture mainly consists of livestock farming, making it difficult to be self-sufficient in food.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait is a crucial choke point in international maritime transport, with many ships passing through daily. Controlling this strait provides Djibouti with significant strategic advantages and considerable influence in the region.
However, Djibouti is a coastal nation, bordering the Gulf of Aden to the east. Its coastline is winding, and the Tadjoura Bay extends deep inland. Additionally, Djibouti is very close to the connection between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its geographical position is highly advantageous, earning it the title of “Outpost of the Red Sea.”
Djibouti Port is one of the largest ports in Africa, capable of accommodating massive container ships and serving as an important hub for cargo transshipment. Djibouti Port is equipped with modern facilities, professional logistics services, and a skilled workforce, meeting the diverse transportation needs of businesses worldwide.
Both ends of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are connected to the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. This is the closest maritime route between Europe and Asia. Therefore, Djibouti has become the most crucial country in protecting this route.
Djibouti provides logistical services for ships crossing the Red Sea, including refueling, ship repairs, and supplying food and necessities. The logistics service sector generates important income for Djibouti and contributes to the economic development of the region.
Due to its highly significant geographical location, Djibouti can be compared to Singapore, the country that guards the Malacca Strait. However, Singapore is a developed nation, whereas Djibouti remains a developing country with a low level of economic development. Capitalizing on its advantageous geographical position and international investment is promising for achieving rapid economic growth in the future.
Currently, the United States and France have established large military bases in Djibouti to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
Djibouti has established a free trade zone to attract foreign investment and boost international trade. The Djibouti Free Trade Zone offers numerous incentives for businesses, such as tax exemptions, reduced taxes, and simplified administrative procedures, facilitating business and investment activities.
Djibouti, with its strategic location, modern infrastructure, vibrant economic activities, and important political role, truly deserves to be called the “Outpost of the Red Sea.” This nation plays an essential role in ensuring maritime security, promoting international trade, and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
