History
In 1862 the Sultanates on the Somali coast sold the port of Obock to France.

By the end of the 1880s the French had established French Somaliland.

After the Second World War French Somaliland became an Overseas Territory within the French Union (1946).

In 1967 French Somaliland was renamed the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became independent in 1977. The country was renamed Djibouti.

Economy
Djibouti is situated on a strategic shipping route where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden.

The country's location is its main asset.

Djibouti's transport facilities handle imports and exports for several landlocked African countries.

The services sector of the economy accounts for the largest percentage of Djibouti's Gross Domestic Product.

Much of the country's food needs to be imported due to the lack suitable agricultural land.

Agricultural products are fruits, vegetables, and livestock (camels, goats and sheep).

Industries include construction, salt, and agricultural processing. (2008)

Arts
The people of Djibouti have a strong tradition of poetry and song which is a record of their history and culture.

Crafts include the production of baskets and mats.

Sport
Football is played in Djibouti. The Djibouti Football Federation became a member of FIFA in 1994.

Water sports available include swimming and snorkelling

Holidays
All religious holidays are celebrated. Independence Day is on 27 June (1977 - from France).

News
News from Djibouti is available in Newslink.

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