Djibouti, officially the Republic of Djibouti, is a small country located in the Horn of Africa. It borders Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. It also has a long coastline on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The capital and largest city is Djibouti, located on the country's southern coast. Historically, the area of Djibouti has been an important center of trade and cultural exchange between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. During the colonial period, it was a French territory, gaining independence in 1977. Since then, Djibouti has maintained a strategic position in the region, given its proximity to major maritime routes and the conflict-ridden Horn of Africa region. Djibouti’s economy is strongly influenced by its geographical location. The country serves as an important logistical and commercial hub, with a significant port serving international trade, particularly for landlocked Ethiopia. The country also hosts several foreign military bases, including those of the United States and China. The population of Djibouti consists mainly of two ethnic groups: the Afar and the Somalis. French and Arabic are the official languages, but local languages such as afar and Somali are also spoken. Society is characterized by a mix of African and Arab cultural traditions. Culturally, Djibouti is known for its traditional music and dance, reflecting its diverse cultural influences. The local cuisine is a mix of African, Arab and Asian flavors, with meat, rice and spice dishes. Geographically, Djibouti is characterized by an arid and volcanic landscape, with few natural resources. The Assal Lake, the lowest point in Africa and one of the saltiest lakes in the world, is a remarkable geographical feature. The climate is predominantly warm and dry, with coastal areas benefiting from a slight sea breeze. Population of Djibouti from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 973,000 inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 985,000 inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 998,000 inhabitants. Capital (Djibouti City): Population in 2020: About 562,000 inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Djibouti City: 562,000 Ali Sabieh: 55,000 Tadjoura: 45,000 Obock: 21,000 Dikhil: 12,000 Arta: 11,000 Holhol: 3,500 Dorra: 1,500 Galafi: 1,400 Loyada: 1,300 Djibouti is divided into 6 regions.