DJIBOUTI

Information and maps from the Darling Kindersley World Reference Arias (?35), available from all good bookshops.

Official name: Republic of Djibouti

Capital: Djibouti

Population: 600,000

Currency: Djibouti franc

Official languages: Arabic and French

Djibouti is a city state with a desert hinterland lying in northeast Africa on the strait joining the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Known from 1967 as the French Territory of the Afars and Issas, Djibouti became independent in 1977. Its economy relies on the port, the railway to Addis Ababa and French aid. CLIMATE

Despite extremely low rainfall, the monsoon season is characterised by very humid conditions. The June to August heat can be unbearable. TRANSPORT

The key to Djibouti's livelihood is its port, which was created by the French in the 19th century and is now a modern container facility. The railway to Addis Ababa is one of Ethiopia's key links to the sea. TOURISM

Djibouti receives 22,000 visitors per year. Most visitors pass through Djibouti on their way to Ethiopia, or to see relatives working in the port. PEOPLE

Population density: 26 people per square kilometre

Urban/rural population split: 81 per cent/19 per cent

Ethnic make-up: The main ethnic groups are the Issas, who make up 60 per cent of the population, and the Afars, who make up 35 per cent; tension between these groups developed into n guerrilla war in 1991. The population was swelled in 1992 by 20,000 Somali refugees. The rural people are mostly nomadic. POLITICS

Since independence, politics has been dominated by President Aptidon, an Issa, and a carefully chosen group of Issa and Afar politicians. French backing is essential to the ruling group. Afar fears of Issa dominance erupted in 1991, when the Afar guerrilla group FRUD took control of much of the country. The French intervened militarily to keep Aptidon in power, but forced him to hold elections in 1992. These were won by the People's Progress Party (RPP), on a turnout of only 49 per cent. In 1994, the government signed a peace agreement with a key FRUD faction and later brought two FRUD leaders into the cabinet. WORLD AFFAIRS

Relations with France, which wants to see faster moves to reform, have soured. Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea all wish to contain Afar militancy; the ethnic group crosses national borders and has demanded its own state. AID

France is the major donor, effectively financing one third of government expenditure. Djibouti has also received aid from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. DEFENCE

The size of the armed forces is a state secret but it is estimated to be 9,600 personnel; some 2,500 FRUD guerrillas are being integrated into the army. There is a 3,900-strong French garrison. ECONOMICS

GNP: $448 million

World GNP ranking: 168th

GNP per capita: $960

Balance of payments: $-88 million Strengths: Free port in key Red Sea location; it made large profits in 1991 from the Gulf War and later from US and UN intervention in Samalia. Development as o container port continues. Weaknesses: Dependence on French aid and garrison. Civil war has delayed planned Saudi investment. Ports on the Red Sea are now providing stiff competition. RESOURCES

Electricity generation: 180 million kwh Fish catch per year: 300 tonnes Livestock: 507,000 goats, 470,000 sheep, 190,000 cattle

Mineral resources: gypsum, mica, amethyst, sulphur

Mineral resources are scarcely exploited, geothermal energy is being developed and natural gas has recently been found. The war has delayed attempts to develop underground water supplies for agriculture. ENVIRONMENT

The concentration of business around the port means that the inland desert areas are not threatened. Ecological issues are not o national concern. MEDIA

The press was freed from restrictions in 1992 but with little effect; most is still state owned. CRIME

The government has accused FRUD of war atrocities but its own human rights record is criticized by Amnesty International. Livestock smuggling across the Red Sea is common. EDUCATION

Literacy rate: 43 per cent Schooling is mostly in French, although there has been a growing emphasis on Islamic teaching, particularly as Saudi Arabia has declared an interest in providing aid for education. There is no university education. HEALTH

Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 4,200

AIDS is a growing problem, estimates suggested 3,500 HIV positive cases in 1992. WEALTH

As in many African states, wealth depends on one's connections to the government. Those working in the port also do well. The nomads are the poorest group in Djibouti.

MAP: Djibouti