Djibouti is a small republic located in the Horn of Africa. Bordered by neighbors Eritrea and Somalia, it is part of some of the poorest land in the world. Djibouti became a sovereign state in 1977 when the people voted for independence from France. The capital of Djibouti has the same name as the state, and what follows is a discussion about the city of Djibouti.

The city of Djibouti was founded by French colonialists who leased land from the local Afar sultanate in 1888. It was originally the capital of French Somaliland. It is situated in a key location, having the only sheltered port on the western coast of the Gulf of Aden. This strategic importance meant the city developed a significant administrative, cultural and financial role for the region. The city remained under French control until the Second World War when it was occupied by 4,000 British troops in response to the Vichy French passing information about trading convoys to the Nazis.

The population of Djibouti stood at 604,000 in 2012, and makes up 60% of the total. Ethnically the population is split between the Afars, sometimes referred to as the Danakil, and Somalis. Both groups practice Islam with 6 percent of the population following Christianity. This 6 percent are primarily descended from French colonial administrators although the city does prove to be a magnet for Christians from other part of the region.