Forging Strong U.S. – Africa Business Connections for Sustainable Growth

On June 27, 1977, the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became independent, taking the name Djibouti, with Hassan Gouled Aptidon as president. Located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti sits at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, occupying a strategic position along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—the gateway to the Suez Canal and one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. Djibouti is considered one of the safest countries in Northeast Africa and established a peaceful international profile through a policy of strict neutrality in regional affairs.

The country’s economy is heavily driven by its world-class port infrastructure, logistics services, and stability in a region often marked by volatility. Djibouti hosts several international military bases, serving as a key security hub for counterterrorism and maritime protection. Despite its arid climate and small size, Djibouti is rich in cultural diversity, with deep-rooted traditions influenced by Somali, Afar, Arab, and French heritage. Djibouti’s size is just over 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 sq mi) with an estimated population of over 1,000,000. Its capital is the city of Djibouti.