11 Famous People From Djibouti You May Not Have Known Before
Gallery
Djibouti is a small country which is located on the Horn Of Africa’s northeast coast, the country was earlier known as French Somaliland.
The size of the country is comparable to Massachusetts, it is not a big country and is mostly a desert with high lands. Former French Somaliland, Djibouti has its capital city built on coral reefs that jut themselves into the southern entrance of the gulf.
Due to the size of the country, there are only a few major towns such as Obock, Tajoura, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, and Arta. The little size of the country reduces its regional and geopolitical significance in the region. President is the head of state and government in Djibouti. The national assembly is the only legislative house in the country.
Djibouti city is home to a sophisticated port that services commerce from the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, as well as the naval facility of the French. Djibouti city also serves as the terminus for the sole line that connects Djibouti to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital.
Continue reading to find more about this country in Africa and about the famous people from Djibouti. Afterward, also check facts about Famous Pennsylvanians In History and famous Ohioans.
History Of Djibouti
The Abl immigrants from Arabia had migrated to the region which is now known as the country of Djibouti.
The Afars, one of the two primary ethnic groups that make up Djibouti today, are their ancestors. The ethnic composition of the country is divided between two.
Following that, Somali Issas arrived. In the year 1825, Islam arrived in the region of Djibouti. Between 1843 and 1886, France gained Djibouti through treaties with the Somali sultans and converted the region into French territory.
Small, dry, and poorly inhabited, it is significant primarily due to the port in the capital city, which serves as Djibouti. Originally known as French Somaliland, the colony decided to stay under French administration in 1958 and 1967.
When France surrendered sovereignty to the newly independent nation of Djibouti on June 27, 1977, it was renamed the Territory of the Afars and Issas and given the name of its capital city. On September 4, 1992, voters passed a new multiparty constitution in a referendum.
The conflict between the Afars and the Issa-dominated administration started in 1991, and the country has been under an ongoing war ever since. At one Ethiopians had also conquered the country.
Famous Djibouti Athletics
Even though the country’s size is small, Djibouti has many famous athletes which have competed in the top leagues.
The most popular sports in the country are football and athletics. Djibouti has been a member of FIFA since 2014. Djibouti is not able to participate in a lot of sporting events due to the less funding they have for their athletes. Some of the most famous Djibouti athletics are:
Hussein Ahmed Salah - Hussein Ahmed Salah is a former long-distance runner from Djibouti who is most remembered for earning a bronze medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics marathon. He also won silver medals in this event at the World Championships in 1987 and 1991.
Ayanleh Souleiman - Hassan Ayanleh, who is also known as Ayanleh Souleiman, is a Djiboutian middle-distance runner who specializes in the 4,921 ft (1,500 m) races. He holds the Djiboutian record for the distance with a time of 3:29.58 minutes, as well as the Djiboutian record for the 9,900 ft (3,000 m) with a time of 7:42.22 minutes.
He also owns the indoor world record for the 3,300 ft (1,000 m) at the Globengalan event in Stockholm, Sweden, which he set in 2016.
Famous Djibouti Leaders
Djibouti is a semi-presidential republic, with the government exercising executive authority and the government and parliament exercising legislative power.
The People's Rally for Progress dominates the national assembly of the country. The most famous leaders of the country are:
- Hassan Gouled Apiton
- Ismail Omar Guelleh
- Ahmed Dini Ahmed
- Barkat Gourad Hamadou
- Dileita Mohmed Dileta
The president of Djibouti is Ismail Omar Guellea and the vice president is Dileita Mohmed Dieta. Though authority is split between a Somali president and an Afar Prime Minister, and cabinet appointments are similarly divided, the administration is perceived as being dominated by Somali Issas.
The government and the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy signed a peace pact in 2001, bringing the former French territory out of a decade-long civil conflict.
Famous Djibouti Art & Literature
Djibouti is best known for being the home of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. The poet had lived in the country for several years.
Somali, Afar, French, Arab, and Ottoman arts and civilizations have all had an effect on Djibouti's art. Rock drawings, particularly near the village of Balto, are some of the earliest works of art. Lake Abbe in the country is one of Africa's lowest points, and it's known for its limestone "chimneys" that protrude from the Earth.
This location is also a geothermal energy hotspot. Djibouti has two official languages which have been adopted by the national assembly and government council. These languages are French and Arabic. An annual music festival is held on the grounds of a cultural center named after Arthur Rimbaud, which has a modest library and museum.
This event attracts artists from all around the country, and live recordings of the festival's headliners have proven to be a hit with worldwide audiences. The people of Djibouti are called Djiboutians.
Famous Djibouti Medicine
Djibouti is a country that is not financially strong. WHO classifies Djibouti as one of the least developed and low-income countries.
One of the gravest consequences of Djibouti's national poverty is the country's severely inadequate healthcare. There are several devastating health issues in the country, but these issues are being addressed owing to international initiatives and governments around the world. However, considerable work has to be done in Djibouti to provide people with accessible and inexpensive health care.
Djibouti will be able to give quality medical treatment to its population in the future if worldwide efforts are increased and more help is provided to the country to develop its medicinal side.
There are a lot of health issues and problems in Djibouti which affect the lives of its citizens such as aids/HIV, issues that affect a lot of other countries in Africa.
Famous Djibouti Science
The government is still putting in efforts to develop the country’s science side. Labs and other research centers are being developed so that the country can progress.
Djibouti has given some scientists who have made a lot of contributions in many different works. Scientists all over the world are also attracted by the country, the region has quite a different geophagy and natural resources which are yet to be used to their full potential.
Famous Djibouti Entertainment
Djibouti's entertainment options are minimal and there are not many things for tourists to visit.
The country's diversions, notably concerts, exhibits, and movies, are mostly designed to entertain the thousands of people who live in the capital. There are minimal leisure and recreation options outside of Djibouti City. Some of the spots which can be visited by tourists are:
Ali Sabieh - Ali Sabieh, a village halfway between Djibouti and Lake Abbe, is a wonderful lunch stop. The village contains one of Djibouti's major Qat marketplaces and is the last stop for water and other necessities. This is the place to go if you want to get up and personal with qat or maybe buy some.
Lake Assal - Outside of Antarctica, Lake Assal is the saltiest lake on the planet. Temperatures are quite warm, with maximums consistently above 104 ° F (40 ° C). The water would have evaporated in this heat, but the lake is regularly refilled by subsurface streams.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy!
If you liked our suggestions for 11 famous people from Djibouti you want to be alike then why not take a look at 51 famous Pennsylvanians in history you should definitely know about, or 21 famous Ohioans that made a big name in the world - their life and career.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
