Djibouti

Djibouti is a republic in north-eastern Africa, located along the coastal periphery adjacent to the Horn of Africa. The country is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the south-east. The capital and major port is Djibouti City, which is an economic hub strategically positioned near the confluence of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Historically the area was known to the ancient Egyptians as part of the Land of Punt, a significant trading partner for exotic goods. In the 19th century, following a series of treaties with local sultanates, the French established control in the region. A French administration centre was formally established in Djibouti in 1894, and the surrounding hinterland was renamed French Somaliland. Following a plebiscite in 1967, French Somaliland was renamed the French Territory of Afars and the Issas (Territoire français des Afars et des Issas). A referendum for independence was held in 1977, which officially marked the territory's separation from France, and the country was renamed Djibouti. Estimated population of Djibouti in 2013 is 792,198.