Date of independence, or formation date: 1977
Date when current borders were established: 1977
National day: June 27
Vehicle country identifying code: DJI
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +3
International telephone dialling code: +253
Internet country identifying code: .dj

A city with a desert hinterland, Djibouti lies in northeast Africa on the strait linking 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 main port, the railroad to Addis Ababa, and French aid. A guerrilla war which erupted in 1991 as a result of tension between the Issas in the south and the Afars in the north has largely been resolved.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004