Republic of Djibouti

Introduction

Known as French Somaliland before it became independent in 1977. Wikipedia 2012: "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 into arrears on long-term external debt and has been struggling to meet the stipulations of foreign aid donors."

Wealth and National Well-Being

Country Comparisons: chart

World Factbook: "The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported. "

Economic growth rate
2011: 4.8%
2010: 3.5%
2009: 5%

Official unemployment rate
2007: 59%

Export commodities
Re-exports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Export partners
2010: Somalia 80.4%, Yemen 4.1%, Egypt 4.1%, UAE 4%

Export/import ratio
2010: exports $80/4 million, imports $471.3 million

Health expenditures
2009: 6.4% of GDP

People

Living in an urban area
2010: 76%

Ethnic groups
Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian)

Religions:
Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Net migration rate
2012: Net loss of 6.02 persons per 1,000 population per year

Geography

East Africa, south of Somalia, bordering the Red Sea. Slightly smaller than Massachusetts. Desert.

Government

Chief of state: Ismail Omar Guelleh (president) since 8 May 1999, Muslim, People's Rally for Progress. Head of government: Dileita Mohamed Dileita (prime minister) since 7 March 2001, Muslim, People's Rally for Progress.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term; president is eligible to hold office until age 75. Unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65 seats); members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - constitutional amendments in 2010 provided for the establishment of a senate.

Recent History