Formerly, French Somaliland, French Territory of the Afars and Issas.a republic in E Africa, on the Gulf of Aden: a former overseas territory of France; gained independence 1977. 434,116; 8492 sq. mi. (21,994 sq. km). Capital: Djibouti.
2.
a seaport in and the capital of this republic, in the SE part. 399,000.
Former name (until 1977): (Territory of the) Afars and the Issas a republic in E Africa, on the Gulf of Aden: a French overseas territory (1946--77); became independent in 1977; mainly desert. Official languages: Arabic and French. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: Djibouti franc. Capital: Djibouti. Pop: 712 000 (2004 est). Area: 23 200 sq km (8950 sq miles)
2.
the capital of Djibouti, a port on the Gulf of Aden: an outlet for Ethiopian goods. Pop: 523 000 (2005 est)