A Cultural Overview
Djibouti is a small country in the Horn of Africa with a strategic location near the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Its population is a mosaic of Somali, Afar, Arab, and French cultures, reflecting its colonial history and its role as a cultural and trade crossroads.
Ethnicity and Language: The two dominant ethnic groups are the Somali and the Afar. Somali and Afar languages are widely spoken, alongside Arabic and French, which are official languages.
Culture and Heritage: Djibouti’s culture is influenced by its nomadic peoples, with music, poetry, and dance playing important roles in social and ceremonial occasions. The country’s cuisine reflects a blend of Somali, Afar, Yemeni, and French culinary traditions.
Social Fabric: The Djiboutian society is communal, with strong family bonds and clan affiliations playing a central role. Despite the urbanization of Djibouti City, traditional social structures remain significant, with respect for elders and hospitality being key cultural values.
Where Djibouti is on the Map of Africa
Djibouti at a Glance
Independence: 27 June 1977
Population: 921 804
Capital: Djibouti
Languages: Somali, Afar
Area: 23,200 square kilometres
Provinces:
Ethnic groups: Somalis 70%, Afars 30%
Djibouti is bordered by Somaliland in the south, Ethiopia in the southwest, Eritrea in the north, and the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the east. Across the Gulf of Aden is Yemen.