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- AW-Text#047
- This text is © 1994-96 by Bo Arnholm. It is part of the AmigaWorld software which is © 1993-96 by Wolfgang Lug. It is prohibited by law to include this file in any other software package without the author's written permission.
- |BDjibouti|N
-
- |RConstitution:|N Republic
- |RNational holiday:|N June 27.
- |RNature and climate:|N Hot and dry climate in spite of the maritime position and a deep gulf - The Gulf of Tajoura.
- Percipitation between 100 and 200 mm, and an average temperature of 25°C in January and 35°C in July.
- Situated on a low plateau by the Pacific Ocean and the Red Sea. Natural vegetation is desert.
- |RPeople:|N Two tribes dominate. Afarena 37% of Ethiopean origin and Issa 47% of Somalian origin. 8% Europeans.
- Seasonally the nation is crossed by nomadic stockfarmers that at times make up to 50% of the whole population.
- In Djibouti also lives thousands of refugees from Ethiopia and Somalia.
- |REconomy:|N 90% of the area is desert and scarcely 10% can be used by the stockfarmers. Less than 1% may be cultivated with vegetables and dates.
- No natural resources of importance and only minor manufacturing of household goods.
- Export of hides, leather and living cattle.
- Transit trade in Djibouti harbour gives important incomes, but French aid is the backbone of the economy.
- |RHistory:|N France by stages increased its control of the area from 1862. In 1900 the whole area was under French sovereignty.
- In 1967 the people of Djibouti voted for continued French sovereignty, but in 1977 Djibouti was made an independent nation.
- France still has responsibility for defence and since 1980 the USA has the right to keep air- and naval bases in Djibouti.