Djibouti

Capital: Djibouti

Population 923,000

Area 23,200 sq km (8,950 sq miles)

Languages French, Arabic, Somali, Afar

Religion Islam

Life expectancy 57 years (men), 60 years (women)

Currency Djiboutian franc

President: Ismail Omar Guelleh

Lying on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the tiny African nation of Djibouti serves as a gateway to the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Its port is the lifeblood of its economy, providing the biggest source of income and employment in this otherwise barren country.

Djibouti's proximity to restive areas in Africa and the Middle East and its relative stability have made it a prized location for foreign military bases and ensured a steady flow of foreign assistance. Former colonial power France maintains a significant military presence and the country also hosts America's largest military base in Africa.

Djibouti's media environment is dominated by the state. There are no private TV or radio stations and the government owns the main newspaper and the national broadcaster Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti (RTD).

The few opposition media outlets are based outside the country and opposition websites are closely monitored by the authorities. Internet access costs are beyond the reach of most people and most users go online at cyber cafes.

information provided by www.bbcnews.co.uk