Republic of Dijibouti
Capital city: Djibouti, largest city (main seaport and international airport).
Area: 23200 square km
National day: 27 June (Independence Day).
Independence: 27 June 1977. Formerly French Somaliland. Known as the French Territory of Afars and Issas 1967-1977.
Population: 676000 as of 2000
Leader: Ismael Omar Guelleh, born 1947. President as at the year 1999.
Languages: French and Arabic (both official), Afar (Danakil), Somali.
Currency: Djibouti francs (FA)