Millions of years ago, volcanic activity raised the ocean floor above sea level in contorted shapes that now characterize this semi-desert nation. Before the French took control in 1862, this was the grazing land of the Afars, Issars, and other nomadic tribes. Indeed, today the Afars still collect salt deposits to use as currency.

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977.






Destination Guide