Strategic importance of Djibouti

1. A small country strategically located on northeast coast of Horn of Africa. It lies on “Bab el Mandeb Strait”, one of world’s biggest shipping routes. It is bordering with Eritrea, Ethiopia & Somalia.

 

President Parliament & delegation of Djibouti visited Gwadar

 

2. Got independence from France in 1977. Its population, around 1 Million only, is predominantly Muslim with 94% of nation's population. Around 800 A.D, it became first country to adopt Islam in African continent. Official languages of country are Arabic & French.

3. Economy is based on foreign financing; FDI; rents from military bases & port services. Trade through Djibouti’s port is accelerated to more than 6.5 % due to mega-investments in development of port infrastructure & construction of Djibouti- Ethiopia railway project.

4. China is financing Africa’s biggest International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ), 10-year project with investment of $3.5 billion, creating 3,50,000 jobs. Upgradation of port at cost of $15 billion. Port is gateway to 2nd fastest growing region with 30,000 ships transiting each year.

5. Due to geostrategic location, it hosts numerous foreign military bases. United States, Italy, China & Japan established their bases. It serves to support logistics peacekeeping, humanitarian Ops & prevention of piracy. Hence, It has high position in “Global African Strategy”.