hitic languages that are closely related- the official languages of Djibouti, however, are French and Arabic (Europa 1351). Nearly half of the population is unemployed, and more than half cannot read (CIA 5).
The population of Djibouti is very young, with less than 3% reaching 65 years of age. The population growth rate is 2.6%, which is remarkable; there are many factors at play that pull this figure up as well as some that push it back down. Consider, for instance, that there are 102 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births in Djibouti. Infant mortality is a high concern, as is maternal mortality, which is also quite high (Rasul 14). The fertility rate, however, is staggering 5.72 children born/woman. Another component of population growth is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS; in 1999 it was estimated that among adults, nearly 12% of Djibouti was living with the disease, with 9% of those infected dying each year. Countering this effect on population is a high level of immigration, with refugees spilling into Djibouti from neighboring nations (CIA 3-5).
Two-thirds of DjiboutiÆs population live in the capital city, with the remainder scattered about in nomadic clans of herders. Virtually all food must be imported; agriculture only constitutes 3% of DjiboutiÆs GDP. There are also very few natural resources in Djibouti, and hence, little industry. A few, small scale enterprises such as dairy products and mineral water bottling represent DjiboutiÆs industry sector- and 22% of the GDP. The remaining 75% of the GDP composition are in the services sector. The annual growth rate of GDP is 2% (CIA 6).
The development of international trade has been, and will continue to be the surest way to safeguard DjiboutiÆs chances for prosperity. This is true simply because the 23,200 km of DjiboutiÆs landmass is largely volcanic desert, and the climate is hot and arid; Djibouti is thus a very poor candidate for agricultural develo...