Flags, Symbols & Currency of Djibouti
The National Flag of Djibouti (French: Drapeau de Djibouti) was officially adopted on June 27, 1977.
The National Flag of Djibouti features two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green. A white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side of the flag that bears a red five-pointed star in the center. The blue color of the flag stands for sea and sky and the Issa Somali people. The green color symbolizes the earth and the Afar people. The white color stands for peace. The five-pointed red star symbolizes the struggle for independence and stands for unity. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 2:3.
History of the Flag of Djibouti
From 1455-1577, Djibouti was represented by the flag of the Adal Sultanate. This flag had three squares that were alternated between white and red, with a crescent moon in each of the three squares. In 1554, Djibouti became a part of the Ottoman Empire and a red flag with a golden crescent was adopted. In 1896, when Djibouti became a French colony, the use of this flag was discontinued and the French National Flag then represented Djibouti. The current national flag came to be used in 1977 after gaining independence from France.
Historical Flags of Djibouti
Flag of the Adal Sultanate
Flag of the Ottoman Empire
Flag of France
Symbols of Djibouti
The National Coat of Arms of Djibouti
The current national emblem of Djibouti was officially adopted on June 27, 1977. It is composed of a vertical spear in front of a shield. Beneath the shield, two hands are holding onto a machete. The two hands represent the two main ethnic groups of the nation (the Afar and Issa). The laurel branches make up the borders of the shield. At the top of the spear is a five-pointed red star. The star symbolizes the unity between the two main ethnic communities of the nation.
National Motto
"Unité, Égalité, Paix" ("Unity, Equality, Peace")
National Anthem
- Anthem Title: "Djibouti"
- Music Composer: Abdi Robleh
- Lyricist: Aden Elmi
- Date of Adoption: June 27, 1977
"Djibouti" is the national anthem of Djibouti. The music of the anthem have been composed by Abdi Robleh. The lyrics have been authored by Aden Elmi. The anthem was officially adopted on June 27, 1977, upon independence from France.
Jabuuti (Somali)
Hinjinne u sara kaca
Calankaan harraad iyo
Haydaar u mudateen!
Haydaar u mudateen!
Hir cagaarku qariyayiyo
Habkay samadu tahayoo
Xiddig dhi igleh hoorshoo
Caddaan lagu hadheeyaay.
Maxaa haybad kugu yaal.
Maxaa haybad kugu yaal.
Maxaa haybad kugu yaal.
Maxaa haybad kugu yaal.
Djibouti
Arise with strength! For we have raised our flag,
The flag which has cost us dear
With extremes of thirst and pain.
Our flag, whose colours are the everlasting green of the earth,
The blue of the sky, and white, the colour of peace;
And in the centre the red star of blood.
Oh flag of ours, what a glorious sight!
The Currency of Djibouti is the Djibouti franc
The current official currency of Djibouti is the Djibouti franc (DJF). The Djibouti Franc is made up of subunits known as "centimes" where 1000 centimes are equivalent to 1 Djibouti Franc. The Central Bank of Djibouti was established on April 18th, 1979, and is mandated by law to regulate the inflation of the currency and is also mandated in the issuance domestically of the Djibouti Franc.
Coins
The Djibouti Franc is issued by the Central Bank of Djibouti in coinage as well as banknotes. Due to high inflation, the centimes are not issued in any form while the francs are issued in large denominations with the highest denomination being the 10,000 Djibouti Franc banknote while the lowest being the 1 Djibouti Franc coin. The commonly used coins are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, and 500 Fdj denominations. The 1, 2, and 5 Fdj coins are made of aluminum while the 10, 20, and 500 Fdj coins are made of aluminum-bronze. The 100 and 50 Fdj coins are made of cupro-nickel.
Banknotes
The commonly used banknotes are printed in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 denominations.
Djibouti franc Banknote
Djibouti franc Coin
Historical Currencies of Djibouti
Before the adoption of the Djibouti franc, there were two major currencies in circulation in the country. The French franc was introduced as the country’s official currency in 1884 after Djibouti was established as part of French Somaliland, a French colony. The French franc was minted in France and shipped to the colony where it was issued by major banks in the colony. The currency was issued in coinage as well as in banknotes. The French franc coinage featured silver, copper, and gold coins which bore the likeness of French Revolution leader Napoleon on the coin’s obverse.
The Indian Rupee was another currency in circulation in Djibouti in the late 18th century and 19th century. The Indian Rupee was predominantly used in the coastal region of Djibouti as it was commonly used in international maritime trade.
Maria Theresa Thaler was another common currency in circulation during this period. The Maria Theresa Thaler the official currency in numerous countries in Europe entered into the Djibouti economy through neighboring Ethiopia which used the Maria Theresa Thaler as the official currency for over a century. The French Franc, the Indian Rupee, and the Maria Theresa Thaler were traded against each other at the rate of 1 Maria Theresa Thaler: 4.2 French Franc or 1 Indian Rupee: 2 French Francs. The three currencies were replaced by the Djibouti Franc in 1949.
French franc
Maria Theresa thaler
