Country Profile: DJIBOUTI Full name: The Republic of Djibouti Population: 721,000 (UN, 2005) Capital: Djibouti Area: 23,200 sq km (8,950 sq miles) Major languages: French, Arabic, Somali, Afar Major religion: Islam Life expectancy: 51 years (men), 54 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 Djiboutian franc = 100 centimes Main exports: Re-exports, hides and skins, coffee (re-exported from Ethiopia) GNI per capita: US $1,020 (World Bank, 2006) Internet domain: .dj International dialling code: +253

Mr Guelleh, known in Djibouti by his initials, IOG, won a second term in one-man presidential elections in April 2005. The opposition did not field a candidate.

Controlling access to the Red Sea, Djibouti is of major strategic importance, a fact that has ensured a steady flow of foreign assistance.

During the Gulf War it was the base of operations for the French military, who continue to maintain a significant presence.

France has thousands of troops as well as warships, aircraft and armoured vehicles in Djibouti, contributing directly and indirectly to the country's income. The US has stationed hundreds of troops in Djibouti, its only African base, in an effort to counter terrorism in the region.

Source: BBC.co.uk