The current Republic of Djibouti obtained its autonomy from France in 1977. After the construction of the Suez Canal towards the end of the 19th century, the colony was founded due to its strategic position at the Horn of Africa.
Created at this time, and especially transformed in the last few years, the ports of Djibouti, which crucially contribute to the economic growth of the country by more than 6 %, are the largest and most modern in East Africa.
At an altitude of 153 m below sea level, on Lake Assal, the lowest point of Africa, nature lovers can admire a beach of salt crystals, whose salt level is unique in the world.
The sublime seabed of the coastal zones is home to numerous life forms. It is also the habitat of the whale shark, the largest fish of our era: an imposing and peaceful giant, which is depicted on the 40 Francs commemorative banknote.
