Djibouti (city)
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(Redirected from Jabuuti City)
For the country, see Djibouti.
| Djibouti Jabuuti (Somali) Gabuuti (Afar) جيبوتي (Arabic) | |
|---|---|
| — Capital — | |
 | |
| Nickname(s): Pearl of the Gulf of Tadjoura | |
 
Djibouti
| |
| Coordinates: 11°35′18″N 43°08′42″ECoordinates: 11°35′18″N 43°08′42″E | |
| Country |  Djibouti |
| Region | Djibouti Region |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Area | |
| • Capital | 630 km2 (240 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 100 km2 (40 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 14 m (46 ft) |
| Population (2012) | |
| • Capital | 604,013 |
| • Density | 960/km2 (2,500/sq mi) |
| Time zone | East Africa Time (UTC+3) |
| Area code(s) | +253 |
Djibouti (Arabic: جيبوتي, French: Ville de Djibouti, Somali: Magaalada Jabuuti, Afar: Gabuuti) is the capital of and most populous settlement in the Republic of Djibouti, which is named after it. It is located in the coastal Djibouti Region on the Gulf of Tadjoura. Home to around 600,000 inhabitants, the city contains over 60% of the nation's population. The settlement was founded in 1888 by the French, on land leased from the ruling Somali and Afar Sultans. During the ensuing period, it served as the capital of French Somaliland and its successor the French Territory of the Afars and Issas. The city acts as a gateway between the Horn of Africaand the Arabian Peninsula, and is a regional and national administrative, cultural, educational and financial hub.
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[edit]Overview
Djibouti City is the capital and largest settlement in Djibouti, situated in the Horn of Africa. Two thirds of the country's population live in the town. The city is located on the Gulf of Tadjoura seaboard, right across from Yemen.
Local features include beaches along its eastern shore and the large Central Market, the national Stade du Ville arena, the Presidential Palace and Hamoudi Mosque. On account of its numerous exotic buildings and structures, the city has been likened to a European settlement and described as a "French Hong Kong in the Red Sea".[1]
Djibouti has the status of being both a city and a state. It is also the seat of theIntergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as several other continental and international organizations. The city serves as the nation's cultural and industrial center.
[edit]History
Main article: History of Djibouti
Historical affiliations
From 1862 until 1894, the land to the north of the Gulf of Tadjoura was called Obock. It was ruled by Issa Somali and Afar Sultans, local authorities with whom France signed various treaties between 1883 and 1887 to first gain a foothold in the region.[2][3][4]
The French subsequently founded Djibouti city in 1888, with the area at the time uninhabited. A few years later, in 1896, the settlement was made the capital of French Somaliland.[5] It then served as the headquarters of the succeeding French Territory of the Afars and Issas.
When Nazi Germany invaded France in 1940, Djibouti became the Vichy French control. In response, the United Kingdom closed the port, but it could not prevent local French from providing information on the passing ship convoys. In December 1942, about 4,000 British troops occupied the town.
Since independence in 1977, the city has served as the administrative and commercial capital of the Republic of Djibouti.
[edit]Demographics
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1915 | 14,120 | — |
| 1922 | 21,023 | +48.9% |
| 1931 | 34,300 | +63.2% |
| 1945 | 49,345 | +43.9% |
| 1951 | 58,789 | +19.1% |
| 1964 | 70,600 | +20.1% |
| 1975 | 79,973 | +13.3% |
| 1979 | 89,932 | +12.5% |
| 1983 | 110,385 | +22.7% |
| 1989 | 130,345 | +18.1% |
| 1994 | 167,896 | +28.8% |
| 1999 | 201,142 | +19.8% |
| 2005 | 400,120 | +98.9% |
| 2012 | 604,013 | +51.0% |
Djibouti is a multi-ethnic city. It has a population of around 604,013 residents (Djiboutians), making it the largest settlement in the country. The city's urban landscape is shaped by many communities.
Although all ethnic groups are represented in the capital, the main languages are Somali and Afar. Arabic and French are also widely spoken and understood. In the colonial period, European expatriates, primarily French, would also contribute to the city's population.
[edit]Geography and climate
Djibouti City is a seaport, with the only sheltered harbour on the western side of the Gulf of Aden. The landscape around the city, along with Djibouti's coastal lowlands, is desert or semi-desert. The city sandy beaches are reported by travelers as among the most beautiful like Siesta Beach and Heron Beach. Djibouti city is situated in eastern Djibouti, approximately 19 km (12 mi) south east of theSomalia border.
Djibouti is generally very hot and dry throughout the course of the year. Featuring an arid climate, the city sees on average 131 mm (5.16 in) of rainfall per year. Temperatures range from very warm during the months of December, January and February to extremely hot in July. In the summer months,temperatures routinely exceed 40 °C (104 °F), with oppressive humidity adding to the uncomfortable conditions.
Sunshine is abundant in the city, averaging eight to ten hours a day year-round. It is lowest during the wet season, when there is some coastal fog and greater cloud coverage as warm air passes over the cool sea surface. This climate zone has warm summers reaching a maximumtemperature of 42 °C (107 °F) and summer lows of 32 °C (89 °F). Winters are warm reaching a maximum low of 21 °C (70 °F) and a maximum high of 28 °C (83 °F).
| [hide]Climate data for Djibouti City | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 34 (93) | 34 (93) | 37 (99) | 38 (100) | 44 (111) | 47 (117) | 47 (117) | 47 (117) | 44 (111) | 39 (102) | 36 (97) | 34 (93) | 47 (117) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 28.7 (83.7) | 29.0 (84.2) | 30.2 (86.4) | 32.0 (89.6) | 34.9 (94.8) | 39.0 (102.2) | 41.7 (107.1) | 41.2 (106.2) | 37.2 (99) | 33.1 (91.6) | 30.8 (87.4) | 29.3 (84.7) | 33.93 (93.08) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 25.1 (77.2) | 25.7 (78.3) | 27.0 (80.6) | 28.7 (83.7) | 31.0 (87.8) | 34.2 (93.6) | 36.4 (97.5) | 36.0 (96.8) | 33.1 (91.6) | 29.3 (84.7) | 26.9 (80.4) | 25.4 (77.7) | 29.9 (85.83) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 21.5 (70.7) | 22.5 (72.5) | 23.8 (74.8) | 25.4 (77.7) | 27.0 (80.6) | 29.3 (84.7) | 31.1 (88) | 30.6 (87.1) | 28.9 (84) | 25.6 (78.1) | 23.1 (73.6) | 21.6 (70.9) | 25.87 (78.56) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 19 (66) | 18 (64) | 21 (70) | 21 (70) | 21 (70) | 23 (73) | 22 (72) | 22 (72) | 23 (73) | 21 (70) | 18 (64) | 17 (63) | 17 (63) |
| Rainfall mm (inches) | 10.0 (0.394) | 18.8 (0.74) | 20.3 (0.799) | 28.9 (1.138) | 16.7 (0.657) | 0.1 (0.004) | 6.2 (0.244) | 5.6 (0.22) | 3.1 (0.122) | 20.2 (0.795) | 22.4 (0.882) | 11.2 (0.441) | 163.5 (6.436) |
| Avg. rainy days | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 17 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 244.9 | 220.4 | 263.5 | 273.0 | 316.2 | 282.0 | 260.4 | 275.9 | 279.0 | 297.6 | 285.0 | 272.8 | 3,270.7 |
| Source #1: Hong Kong Observatory[6] | |||||||||||||
| Source #2: BBC Weather[7] | |||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
[edit]Djibouti Region
The Djibouti Region is one of the six regions of Djibouti. It borders the Gulf of Tadjoura to the north and east, and the Arta Region to the south and west. The Djibouti Region is the smallest province in the country, but also the region with the highest population. Containing Djibouti's capital Djibouti City, the province occupies an area of 200 square kilometres.
[edit]Culture
As Djibouti city is the most populous city in Djibouti, it has a vibrant cultural life. For much of recent history, Djibouti city was characterized by roadside markets and small shops that sold a wide variety of goods. The culture of Djibouti city has evolved under the influence of many different peoples and civilizations, such as Somali, Afar, Arab and French. The influence of Islamic culture. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. Djibouti city opera is a traditional form of Djiboutian theater well known throughout the nation.
[edit]Sports
The city is home to Stade du Ville Stadium, which plays host to the Djibouti Cup and to football teams from the Djibouti Premier League. Djibouti city has established a high-profile reputation as a host city of international sporting events.
[edit]Media
Djibouti city has long been a center of media in the country. The first forms of public film display in the city and Djibouti at large were newsreels of key events during the early colonial period. The Djibouti city–based Radio Television of Djibouti is the principal national public service broadcaster. RTD broadcasts 24 hours a day, and can be viewed both within Djibouti and abroad via terrestrial and satellite platforms. Djibouti also hosts modern Djiboutian traditional music.
[edit]Festivals
Annual events and celebrations of Independence Day (27 June), the Muslim festivals of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha feature prominently in the city's cultural observances, events, and celebrations.
[edit]Cuisine
Djibouti city has long been renowned for its diverse cuisine. Traditional Somali, Afar and Yemeni delicacies are served alongside international dishes; particularly French culinary staples.
[edit]Economy
As the capital of and largest settlement in Djibouti, most local businesses have their headquarters in Djibouti city. Djibouti Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in the country, is based here. During its existence, Djibouti Airlines also had its head office in the city.[9] Djibouti city is the financial hub to many entrepreneurial industries ranging fromconstruction, retail, import and export, Internet cafes, and companies that process remittances from relatives abroad who send money.
Port operations from the vicinity of Djibouti City are the chief economic activity of Djibouti. The city's port is the terminus for Ethiopian oil transport and export. Increase in railway infrastructure pending a contract agreement in 2012 will further enable Ethiopian and Eritrean oil to reach the capital.
[edit]Transportation
[edit]Air
The local Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport offers flights to numerous global destinations. As of 2012, the largest services using the airport include Yemenia, Air France, Flydubai, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways.
[edit]Road
Roads leading out of Djibouti city connect the city to other localities in Djibouti and to Somalia and Ethiopia. Public transportation is through public buses from Djibouti City Bus Service Enterprise or green and white share taxis. Taxis are available, but are a less common form of public transport.
[edit]Sea
Djibouti city leads the country in maritime traffic and serves as a major seaport. Daily shipments bring in vehicles, foodstuffs and electronic goods, among other items. The port is also used for international trade, for fishing, and for travel by ferry to the cities of Obockand Tadjoura.
[edit]Railway
Built between 1894 and 1915 during the colonial period, the Ethio-Djibouti Railways connected the city with Addis Ababa. Although the railway is no longer operational, there are plans for the construction of a new modern rail line in the near future. Long-distance rail lines connect Djibouti city with all of southern major cities of Djibouti and with many cities in neighboring Ethiopia.
[edit]Education
Long a national centre of education, Djibouti city is home to many elementary and high schools. The University of Djibouti, established in 1977, is also based here.
[edit]Sister cities
Limassol, Cyprus
Hala'ib, Egypt
Rimini, Italy
Malé, Maldives
Victoria, Malta
Jizan, Saudi Arabia
Port Sudan, Sudan
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Key West, Florida, United States
Aden, Yemen
[edit]Notable people
- Yacin Elmi Bouh, Djiboutian politician
- Abdourahman Waberi, novelist
- Dileita Mohamed Dileita, Prime Minister of Djibouti
[edit]References
- ^ Kevin Anglin, Becca Blond and Jean-Bernard Carillet, Africa on a Shoestring (London: Lonely Planet, 2004), p. 698.
- ^ Raph Uwechue, Africa year book and who's who, (Africa Journal Ltd.: 1977), p.209.
- ^ Hugh Chisholm (ed.), The encyclopædia britannica: a dictionary of arts, sciences, literature and general information, Volume 25, (At the University press: 1911), p.383.
- ^ A Political Chronology of Africa, (Taylor & Francis), p.132.
- ^ World Book, Inc, The World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 1, (World Book: 2007)
- ^ "Climatological Information for Djibouti, Djibouti". Hong Kong Observatory. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "BBC Weather : Djibouti". Retrieved 11 July 2012.
- ^ Aden Climate Guide - weather2travel.com
- ^ "Contact Us." Djibouti Airlines. 1 June 2006. Retrieved on 20 February 2011. "REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI DJIBOUTI AIRLINES HEAD OFFICE-PLACE LAGARDE."
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