Djibouti

Djibouti is a country in Africa with its capital in Djibouti and about 1.2 million people. Djibouti is known for Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa, and for its port between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

Djibouti in purple, with Djibouti marked. Outline from the same detailed coastlines the games use.

Capital: Djibouti
Continent: Africa
Population (2025): 1.2 million
Land area: 23,180 km² (8,950 sq mi)

Find it among 54 Africa countries →Explore Djibouti on the map

The story of Djibouti

Where the name comes from

Djibouti is named after its capital, founded in 1888; the city name’s original language and meaning are disputed.

First people

Afar and Somali communities have lived here for centuries.^1,2

Known for

Djibouti is known for Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa, and for its port between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.³

Outside contact

France acquired Obock in 1862 and created French Somaliland in 1896; a railway reached Addis Ababa in 1917, making the coast Ethiopia’s gateway to the sea.^4,5