Should you be in Djibouti try wandering along salty lake Abbe and a surprise awaits, especially as the moon rises and serves as backdrop to the travertine (calcium carbonate) chimneys, which were created by deposits from hot springs.
Djibouti had ceased to be a French territory in 1977 and later under an authoritarian one-party state, Hassan Gouled Aptidon ruled until 1999. Unrest among the Afars minority led to a civil war in the 90's, until a peace agreement with the Issa-dominated government was signed. Also in 1999, the first multi-party presidential election was held and Ismail Omar Guelleh was installed as president and again re-elected to second and final term in 2005.
Being at the mouth of the Red Sea, Djibouti serves as the transshipment point for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. The presence of France Naval Base and garrison generate as much as half of the country's revenues. It also is home to the only US military base in the region and is the front-line state in the global war on terrorism.
Since its independence, the citizens recognize the
Djibouti flag that features two horizontal bands of sky blue (top) and green (lower half) with a white isosceles triangle on the hoist that bears red five-pointed star (representing the settlement of the Somali's in the region). Green symbolizes the earth; sky blue refers to the sea and sky; while white is for peace; and the red star representing unity.
Despite being capital starved and an underdeveloped poor nation, Djibouti developed into a regional banking center, blessed with a free port and modern air transport facilities.
by:
The Flagman
