PEOPLE
About
two-thirds of the Republic of Djibouti's 650,000 inhabitants live
in the capital city. The indigenous population is divided between
the majority Somalis (predominantly of the Issa tribe, with minority
Issaq and Gadabursi representation) and the Afars (Danakils).
All are Cushitic-speaking peoples, and nearly all are Muslim.
Among the 15,000 foreigners residing in Djibouti, the French are
the most numerous. Among the French are 3,000 troops.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Djiboutian(s).
Population (est.): Between 466,900 and 650,000.
Annual growth rate (2005 est.): 2.6%.
Ethnic groups: Somali, Afar, Ethiopian, Arab, French, and Italian.
Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6%.
Languages: French and Arabic (official); Somali and Afar widely used.
Education: Literacy--46.2%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--100 to 150/1,000. Life expectancy (2005 est.)--43.1 years.
Work force: Low employment rate; estimates run well under 50% of the work force. The largest employers are the Government of Djibouti, including telecommunications and electricity; Port of Djibouti; and airport. The U.S. Government, including the military camp and the embassy, is the second largest employer. Able-bodied unemployed population (est. 2006)--60%.
