Live Data
Capital
Djibouti City
Population
1.1 million (2024 est.)
Area
23,200 km²
Languages
French, Arabic
Currency
Djiboutian Franc (DJF)
Timezone
East Africa Time (UTC+3)
Regions
Djibouti City
The capital and largest city, situated on the Gulf of Tadjoura. Djibouti City is a strategic port and a key maritime hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The city features a mix of Somali, Afar, French, and Arab cultural influences, modern waterfront developments, and bustling markets including the historic Marché Central. Explore the region on the Pulse map.
Tadjourah Region
Located on the Gulf of Tadjoura, this region features the historic town of Tadjourah — one of the oldest settlements in the region, known as the 'White City' for its white-washed buildings. The area offers pristine beaches, coral reefs, and access to the Goda Mountains with their unique juniper forests. Explore on the Pulse map.
Obock Region
A northern coastal region on the Bab el-Mandeb strait — one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Obock town is a historic French colonial outpost. The region features volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and the Îles des Sept Frères (Seven Brothers Islands) with their important seabird colonies. Explore the region on the Pulse map.
Arta Region
An interior region known for the Arta Mountains and the historic town of Arta. The region offers dramatic landscapes and was the site of significant military action during the Djiboutian Civil War. The Day Forest National Park in the Goda Mountains, one of the last remaining juniper forests in the world, is accessible from this region. Explore on the Pulse map.
Ali Sabieh Region
A southern interior region bordering Somalia and Ethiopia, featuring the historic town of Ali Sabieh and dramatic mountain landscapes. The region is an important crossroads for trade and nomadic pastoral communities. The Grand Bara desert — a vast, flat salt pan — extends through this area. View on the Pulse map.
Dikhil Region
A western region bordering Ethiopia, featuring Lake Abbe — a stunning mineral lake at the junction of the Ethiopian and Somali tectonic plates. The lake's dramatic limestone chimneys (created by hot springs) and the surrounding semi-desert landscape create an otherworldly landscape. The region supports pastoral Afar communities. Explore on the Pulse map.
🏗️Infrastructure
Djibouti has invested heavily in port and logistics infrastructure. The Doraleh Container Terminal, the new port facilities, and the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway represent major investments. Roads are generally good between major towns. Electricity and water supply are limited and expensive — Djibouti imports most of its food and relies on desalination for water. Telecommunications infrastructure is modern, leveraging submarine cable connections. For a geographic overview, explore the Pulse map.
🏥Healthcare
Djibouti's healthcare system is limited. Peltier General Hospital is the main public facility in Djibouti City. A few private clinics offer basic services. Specialist care is severely limited and most serious conditions require evacuation to Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dubai. Access to healthcare in rural areas is very limited. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended. Consult the Ministry of Health Djibouti and the WHO country health profiles and WHO Regional Office for Africa resource for current health advisories.
🚌Transportation
Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport serves as the main international gateway, with flights to Addis Ababa, Dubai, Nairobi, and other regional hubs. Ethiopian Airlines, flydubai, and others serve the airport. The Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway connects Djibouti to Addis Ababa. Port of Djibouti handles international shipping and cruise calls. For a geographic view of the transport network, explore the Pulse map.