Djibouti

On the eastern coast of Africa, tucked between Somalia and Ethiopia, lies the Republic of Djibouti. Its capital city of the same name is a primary port of the Horn of Africa, which daily receives ships passing through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, located between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides the port activities, however, this tiny, resource-poor country has few means to drive its economy. Once a colonial outpost of the French empire, Djibouti won its independence in 1977. As a young republic, it found itself amidst regional conflict, and has since faced a constant influx of refugees from Somalia and Ethiopia. In 1991, the country suffered through its own civil war between its two rival groups, the Afars and the Issas. Tensions remain high as the tribes work toward final reconciliation. Djibouti depends largely on foreign assistance to continue developing its fledgling industries. Through diplomatic efforts, the government aims to establish a lasting peace in the region and within its own borders. Book jacket.