Creative Blog

            When I first went to Djibouti, the landing for my airplane looked more like a farmer’s field than an airport, but when I was greeted, my thoughts about the foreign country completely changed. Everyone was so helpful, happy, and even though they were very poor compared to the average American, they lived like they were the richest people on earth. They were just so happy to be there, and even though I can’t really understand what they are saying, they were still happy to have me here, and were very helpful.

            As I went into Djibouti, Djibouti (the city), it felt as if a foreigner could see it from two angels, a paradise, or a land of poverty. It was poverty mainly because there was no new technology, there were people on the streets, very poor, and begging for food. On the other hand, everyone was happy, they shared with one another, and it just gave you a great feeling that there still were people, not only that but a whole community, who helped other people just to help other people.

            When got to the shore of Djibouti, it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. It was in between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman, and it was a sight to see. I got to swim in the salty waters, and it was at least double the experience I felt at either the Atlantic or the Pacific shore. The water was worm and inviting, the people were welcome and we all had a great time.

            Even though the name, ‘Djibouti,’ doesn’t sound very attractive, it is one of the best experiences anyone can get in their lives. If you have a chance to visit this wonderland, don’t pass for something else.

News Blog

In Djibouti, new salt miners have been coming in for the salt that is all across Djibouti. They have been atracted to about 50 square miles of salt that is 20 to 30 feet deep. "As a salt person, my first impression was, 'why was all this salt sitting here?'" said Daniel R. Sutton, an American salt miner who is overseeing a new $70 million operation to use Djiobuti's plentiful salt.

Djibouti is becoming a little country of big dreams. Hundreds of millions of dollars of overseas investment is coming in, promising to turn Djibouti, which right now does not even have a stoplight, into something of an African trade center.

Djibouti is still a pour country, but they can still progress, hopefully through the salt mining business.

Cultural Blog

Architecture:



The influence of French and Islam tradition and culture can be witnessed in the architecture of the buildings of Djibouti. Since Djibouti isn't a very wealthy country, the buildings are generally small and show almost a look of poverty.



Music:



Afar has stylish literature which is mainly verbal and the major part of the literature is preserved in the form of songs. The Afar music is mixed with an Ethiopean style, which has became the sound of Djibouti.



Dance:



Djibouti dance is similar to most African dances, there is really nothing that stands out about it.



Clothing:



Washable, lightweight clothing is the normal clothing for Djibouti. Clothing wears out quickly from frequent washing, however. Shoes also have a short life in the hot climate. A few articles of warmer clothing are useful for the cooler season or for travel.

Art:

The art and culture of the country is mostly passed on locally from one generation after generation. The art works in the houses of Djibouti people include various forms of calligraphy, plasterwork and motifs.

Religion:

About 95% of all Djiboutians are Islamic, but the goverment does not suppress other religions. The only holiday that is not Islamic that is nationally celebrated is Christmas.

Customs

Djibouti Traditions are age old and varied. There are generally two major ethnic groups in the country along with some other tribes and clans. There are mosques in various parts of the country. A common place to pray Muslims in the country is in the Goda Mountains where the tomb of Sheikh Abu Yazid is located. The two chief racial groups of the country are Afar and Issas who play important role in the country and in the influence of culture. Somalis also live in Djibouti and their vocal tradition have influenced the two cultural groups of the country to a large extent.

Djibouti Culture

Physical Description of Djibouti

Djibouti is located in Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia. The country has boundaries of 516 kilometers - Eritrea 109, Ethiopia 349, Somalia 58, and a coastline of 314 (km). The lowest point of Djibouti is Lac Assal -155 m, while the highest point is Moussa Ali 2,028 m. Some physical features of Djibouti are the Gulf of Tadjoura, and Mt. Moussa Ali (2,020 m). Some natural hazards that Djibouti faces include earthquakes, droughts and flash floods. The majority of Djibouti is a desert. The resources found in Djibouit include geothermal areas, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice and petroleum.

Some plants that live in Djibouti include a variety of tree species, such as jujube, fig, olive, juniper, and momosa. Animals that live in Djibouti include antelopes and gazelles, cheetahs, hyenas monkeys, squirrels, and warthogs. The cool season starts in October and ends in April, while the hot season lasts from May to September.

History of Djibouti 3

French wanted to purchase the area in the mid 19^th century while it was ruled by the sultan of Raheita, Tadjoura, and Gobaad. France bought the land in 1862 and expanded it eventually to form a colony called French Somaliland with about the same borders of Djibouti today. In 1967, the area became the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, which are two ethnic groups that then inhabited the area. The Republic of Djibouti later gained independence from France on June 27, 1977. Djibouti is now a Somali, Afar and Islamic country.

History of Djibouti 2

French wanted to purchase the area in the mid 19^th century while it was ruled by the sultan of Raheita, Tadjoura, and Gobaad. France bought the land in 1862 and expanded it eventually to form a colony called French Somaliland with about the same borders of Djibouti today. In 1967, the area became the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, which are two ethnic groups that then inhabited the area. The Republic of Djibouti later gained independence from France on June 27, 1977. Djibouti is now a Somali, Afar and Islamic country.