Moving to Djibouti: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

921,804

Population Growth Rate

2.26%

Urban Population

77.100000

Population in Major Urban Areas

DJIBOUTI (capital) 496,000

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Age Structure

31.710000

Median Age

22.400000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

25

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.96

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.55

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

17.8%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

17.8%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

6.04

Ethnic Groups

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5%

Nationality Noun

Djiboutian(s)

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Literacy - total population

67.9%

Literacy - male

78%

Literacy - female

58.4%

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

8.4%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

6.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

61.990000

Infant Mortality Rate

51.770000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

51.770000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

200

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.23

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.4

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

7.9%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

High

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

9.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

73.100000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

29.8%

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Economic Overview

Djibouti's economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location as a deepwater port on the Red Sea.

Three-fourths of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders.

Scant rainfall and less than 4% arable land limits crop production to small quantities of fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported.

Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center.

Imports, exports, and reexports represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal.

Reexports consist primarily of coffee from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia.

Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry.

The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to support its balance of payments and to finance development projects.

An official unemployment rate of nearly 40% - with youth unemployment near 80% - continues to be a major problem.

Inflation was a modest 3% in 2014-2017, due to low international food prices and a decline in electricity tariffs.

Djibouti’s reliance on diesel-generated electricity and imported food and water leave average consumers vulnerable to global price shocks, though in mid-2015 Djibouti passed new legislation to liberalize the energy sector.

The government has emphasized infrastructure development for transportation and energy and Djibouti – with the help of foreign partners, particularly China – has begun to increase and modernize its port capacity.

In 2017, Djibouti opened two of the largest projects in its history, the Doraleh Port and Djibouti-Addis Ababa Railway, funded by China as part of the "Belt and Road Initiative," which will increase the country’s ability to capitalize on its strategic location.

Industries

Construction, agricultural processing, shipping

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6.5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$5,420,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$3,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$1,864,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 60.5% Government
• consumption: 32% Investment in fixed
• capital: 42.2% Investment in
• inventories: 0.4% Exports of goods and
• services: 34.8% Imports of goods and
• services: -69.9%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

2.9%

GDP by Sector- Industry

20.8%

GDP by Sector- services

76.3%

Industrial Growth Rate

4.7%

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Inflation Rate

3%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

177.7

Currency Name and Code

Djiboutian francs (DJF)

Fiscal Year

Calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

11.7%

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Labor Force

294,600

Unemployment Rate

60%

Major Industries

Construction, agricultural processing, shipping

Agriculture Products

Fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides

Population Below Poverty Line

23%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

13,176

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

8%

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Annual Budget

$685,700,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

38.6%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-10.6%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

36.2%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Djibouti

Country Name

Djibouti

Local - Long

Republique de Djibouti (French)/ Jumhuriyat Jibuti (Arabic)

Local - Short

Djibouti (French)/ Jibuti (Arabic)

Former Name

French Somaliland, French Territory of the Afars and Issas

Etymology- history of name

The country name derives from the capital city of Djibouti

Independence

27 June 1977 (from France)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

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Government Type

Presidential republic

Constitution

• History: Approved by referendum 4 September 1992
• Amendments: Proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; Assembly consideration of proposals requires assent of at least one third of the membership; passage requires a simple majority vote by the Assembly and approval by simple majority vote in a referendum; the president can opt to bypass a referendum if adopted by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of Djibouti, its republican form of government, and its pluralist form of democracy cannot be amended; amended 2006, 2008, 2010

Legal System:

Mixed legal system based primarily on the French civil code (as it existed in 1997), Islamic religious law (in matters of family law and successions), and customary law

Executive Branch:

• Chief of State: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999)
• Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil MOHAMED (since 1 April 2013)
• Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
• Elections/Appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 9 April 2021 (next to be held in April 2026); prime minister appointed by the president
• Election results: 2021: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fifth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 97.4%, Zakaria Ismael FARAH (MDEND) 2.7% 2016: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fourth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 87%, Omar Elmi KHAIREH (CDU) 7.3%, other 5.6%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: Unicameral National Assembly or Assemblée Nationale, formerly the Chamber of Deputies (65 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote using the D'Hondt method; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: Last held on 24 February 2023 (next to be held in February 2028)
• Election Results: Percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 58, UDJ 7;
• Composition: men 48, women 17, percent of women 26.2%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court magistrates appointed by the president with the advice of the Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM), a 10-member body consisting of 4 judges, 3 members (non parliamentarians and judges) appointed by the president, and 3 appointed by the National Assembly president or speaker; magistrates appointed for life with retirement at age 65; Constitutional Council magistrate appointments - 2 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, and 2 by the CSM; magistrates appointed for 8-year, non-renewable terms
• Subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; 5 Courts of First Instance; customary courts; State Court (replaced sharia courts in 2003)

Regions or States:

6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Front for Restoration of Unity and Democracy (Front pour la Restauration de l'Unite Democratique) or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD]
• National Democratic Party or PND [Abdourahman Mohamed ALLALEH]
• People's Rally for Progress or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing party)
• Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Hasna Moumin BAHDON]
• Union for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Ilya Ismail GUEDI Hared]
• Union for the Presidential Majority coalition or UMP [collective leadership] (electoral coalition includes FRUD, PND, RPP, PPSD, and UPR)
• Union of Reform Partisans or UPR [Ibrahim Daoud CHEHEM]
• Note: Only parties with seats in the National Assembly included

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: No Citizenship by descent
• only: The mother must be a citizen of Djibouti Dual citizenship
• recognized: No Residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Djibouti

Capital - geographic coordinate

11 35 N, 43 09 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AFESD
• AMF
• ATMIS
• AU
• CAEU (candidates)
• COMESA
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IGAD
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAS
• MIGA
• MINURSO
• NAM
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

Accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Christopher SNIPES (since October 2023)
• Embassy: Lot 350-B Haramouss, B.P. 185
• Mailing Address: 2150 Djibouti Place, Washington DC 20521-2150
• Telephone: [253] 21-45-30-00
• FAX: [253] 21-45-31-29
• Email: DjiboutiACS@state.gov

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Mohamed Siad DOUALEH (28 January 2016)
• Chancery: 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 515, Washington, DC 20005
• Telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270
• FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302
• Email: info@djiboutiembassyus.org
• Website: https://www.djiboutiembassyus.org/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

11 30 N, 43 00 E

Total Area

8,958 Square Miles 23,200 Square Kilometers

Land Area

8,950 Square Miles 23,180 Square Kilometers

Water Area

8 Square Miles 20 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

321 Miles 516 Kilometers

Border Countries

Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Coastline

195 Miles 314 Kilometers

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Terrain

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Highest Point

2,028 Meters

Highest Point Location

Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Lowest Point

-155 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Lac Assal -155 m

Natural Resources

Geothermal areas

Irrigated Land

4 Square Miles 10 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Djibouti has two seasons.

During the May-to-September hot season, daytime temperatures average over 100°F and often exceed 120°F.

The high temperatures are sometimes accompanied by hot, sandy winds called the "Kahm Sin." The beginning and ending months of the hot season are also marked by high humidity.

The cooler season, from October through April, has clear skies, refreshingly cool breezes, somewhat lower humidity, and temperatures in the 80s.

Because of its geographic location between the Ethiopian and Yemeni escarpments, Djibouti gets little precipitation.

Occasional rains occur mostly in the hills in the interior, but the average annual rainfall is only 5 to 10 inches.

Rains most often come to Djibouti City in the fall and spring; some years are rainless.

Because of a high water table and lack of drainage, the rare heavy rain can cause flooding in and around the capital.

Terrain

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Location

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia

Total Area

8,958 Square Miles 23,200 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Environment - Current Issues

Inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land; desertification; endangered species

Environment - International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands Signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$146,100,000 (USD)

Imports

$992,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit), scrap metal

Major Imports

Foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, clothing

Top Export Partners

Somalia 79.8%, US 5.4%, Yemen 4.6%, UAE 4%

Top Import Partners

China 42.1%, Saudi Arabia 14.3%, Indonesia 5.9%, India 4.4%

Export Partners

Somalia 79.8%, US 5.4%, Yemen 4.6%, UAE 4%

Import Partners

China 42.1%, Saudi Arabia 14.3%, Indonesia 5.9%, India 4.4%

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Country Description

Djibouti is a developing country located at the juncture of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean that gained independence from France in 1977.

It is a multi-party democracy with a legal system based on French civil law, though modified by traditional practices and Islamic (Sharia) law.

Although exact numbers are unavailable, unemployment is estimated to be in excess of 60% of the working-age population.

Over two-thirds of the country’s estimated 850,000 residents live in the capital, also called Djibouti.

Modern tourist facilities and communications infrastructure exist in the city of Djibouti but are limited outside the capital.

Safety & Security

Djibouti’s historically stable political climate tends to become more fluid following national elections.

In 2011 following a Presidential election and in February 2013 following parliamentary elections, sporadic protesting marked by rock throwing and tire burning disrupted travel around the city.

If you see a demonstration, do not try to walk or drive through it.

Remember the importance of maintaining a low profile.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution near any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

Djibouti’s international borders are porous.

Terrorism poses a threat in east Africa and in particular, al-Shabaab (which merged with al-Qaeda in February 2012) poses a threat to U.S. citizens in Djibouti.

After Djibouti announced it would join the AMISOM peacekeeping mission to Somalia, al Shabaab threatened to retaliate by launching attacks inside Djibouti.

On July 11, 2010, al-Shabaab launched simultaneous suicide attacks at two popular venues in Kampala, Uganda where people had gathered to watch the World Cup.

Dozens of people were killed and injured, including Americans.

U.S. citizens traveling in east Africa should be aware of the potential for indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, including hotels, and tourist sites where Westerners are known to congregate.

Kidnapping of Westerners for ransom is a growing concern in the region.

Read our Worldwide Caution for more information on terrorism in Africa.

Tensions exist between neighboring Ethiopia and Eritrea due to their long-running border dispute.

Relations were further aggravated in January 2012 when ethnic Afar gunmen attacked a Western tourist convoy travelling in Ethiopia's northeastern region that borders Djibouti.

In March and May 2012, Ethiopia staged raids across the Eritrean border - bringing tensions to their highest point since the 1998-2000 war between the two countries.

Since April 2008, there has been tension on Djibouti’s border with Eritrea after the Eritrean military occupied disputed territory, killing several Djiboutian soldiers and wounding dozens more.

Americans in Djibouti should not attempt to cross the land border with Eritrea nor travel north of the town of Obock.

Civil unrest or armed conflict in neighboring countries could disrupt air travel to and from Djibouti or otherwise negatively affect its security.

Travelers should exercise caution when traveling to any remote area of Djibouti, especially near the borders with Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Pirates and other criminals have specifically targeted and kidnapped foreigners working in Somalia.

In October 2011, a U.S. citizen aid worker living in Somalia was kidnapped, and in January 2012, another U.S. citizen was kidnapped while on work-related travel in Somalia.

In both cases, as well as in recent kidnappings of other Westerners, the victims took precautionary measures by hiring local security personnel, but those hired to protect them appear to have played a key role in the abductions.

A strong familiarity with Somalia and/or extensive prior travel to the region does not reduce travel risk.

Any U.S. citizens travelling to Somalia, including Somaliland and Puntland, are advised to obtain Kidnap and Recovery Insurance, as well as Medical Evacuation Insurance, prior to travel and register with the U.S.

Embassy in Nairobi, which covers Somalia.

Seaborne travel near Djibouti is extremely dangerous.

There have been hundreds of incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirate groups on ships transiting around the Horn of Africa.

On February 21, 2011, pirates hijacked a yacht in the Gulf of Aden carrying four Americans, who were subsequently killed.

Additionally, after the April 2009 hijacking of a U.S. cargo vessel and subsequent rescue of the vessel’s captain by U.S. forces, Somali pirates threatened to retaliate against U.S. citizens trans

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Crime

Accurate Djiboutian crime statistics are not available, but the majority of crimes are petty theft and crimes of opportunity.

Anecdotal evidence suggests an increasing frequency of violent crimes against Djiboutian citizens and burglaries of residences in established neighborhoods.

Violent crimes against foreigners are rare in Djibouti.

However, foreigners are frequent victims of snatch-and-grab robberies and price gouging by unscrupulous taxi drivers.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Djibouti, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in Djibouti, but still illegal in the United States.

For example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Djibouti, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what is legal and what is not wherever you go.

If you are arrested in Djibouti, you have the right to request authorities alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Adequate medical facilities in the capital of Djibouti are limited and trauma services are only for stabilization and air ambulance transfer.

Medical services in many outlying areas are nonexistent.

Even in the capital, hospitals are unable to treat many ailments and frequently recommend medical evacuation.

Visitors to Djibouti should purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Hospitals in Djibouti require up-front cash payment for services and do not have service agreements with U.S. insurance companies.

Cash payment will be requested in full before the patient is allowed to depart the hospital – reimbursement may then be requested by the U.S.

Citizen through their insurance company in the United States.

U.S.

Motorists should be especially aware that, in case of an accident outside the capital, emergency medical treatment would depend on assistance from passersby.

In addition, cell phone coverage in outlying areas is often unavailable, making it impossible to summon help.

Ambulance service in Djibouti is limited in effectiveness, must be scheduled and paid for in advance and is only a means of transportation.

U.S.

Citizen visitors to Djibouti are not permitted to access Embassy or U.S.

Military medical facilities and must depend entirely on local medical facilities.

Malaria and dengue fever are endemic to Djibouti.

Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and even up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention, tell their medical provider about their travel history and what anti-malarial drugs they have been taking.

In 2013, polio was found in Djibouti’s neighbors (Somalia and Ethiopia), and health professionals strongly suspect it is present in Djibouti.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all infants and children in the United States should receive four doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) at 2, 4, 6–18 months and 4–6 years of age.

Adults traveling to polio-endemic and epidemic areas and who have received a primary series with either IPV or oral polio vaccine should receive another dose of IPV.

For adults, available data does not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose with IPV.

Tuberculosis is a serious health concern in Djibouti, including multi-drug resistant strains.

For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

In May 2006, avian influenza was confirmed in three chickens and one human in Djibouti.

Traffic Safety

While in Djibouti, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Djibouti is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The only means of public inter-city travel is by bus.

Buses are poorly maintained and their operators often drive erratically with little regard for passenger safety.

Taxis should be avoided at all costs.

Driving on Djiboutian roads can be hazardous.

Since most roads do not have shoulders or sidewalks, pedestrians and livestock use the roadways both day and night.

Driving at night is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged on all roads outside Djibouti City.

While some main roads in Djibouti are well maintained, roads are often narrow, poorly lit, or rutted.

Many secondary roads are in poor repair.

Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution.

Minibuses and cars often break down; when breakdowns occur, local drivers usually place branches or rocks behind the vehicle to indicate trouble, but these warning signals are barely visible and hazardous in and of themselves.

Excessive speed, unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians, and livestock in the roadway, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards.

Speed limits are posted occasionally but are not enforced.

The leafy narcotic – khat, is widely used, particularly in the afternoons, creating other traffic hazards.

The Djiboutian Gendarmerie and the National Police Force share responsibility for road safety in Djibouti.

In March 2012, a “Road Police” was created, though its role has yet to be clearly defined.

Djiboutian authorities recently erected traffic lights to help regulate the flow of traffic.

Be very cautious approaching these lights, as many other drivers continue to disregard them.

It is illegal to turn right on a red light.

Travelers should be aware that police use large obstacles as roadblocks on some of the major roads, and these may be difficult to see at night.

There are two main international highways to the capital city, via Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, and Obock, Djibouti, and both demand that drivers remain vigilant.

The route toward Dire Dawa is in very poor condition.

Both have a high volume of Ethiopian trucks transporting large cargo.

Railroad crossings are not clearly marked.

Drivers who do not have a four-wheel drive vehicle will encounter problems driving on rural roads.

While the quality of roads is improving, drivers should make sure their vehicle is in good mechanical condition before leaving major population centers.

Once a driver has left Djibouti city there are limited services to aid broken-down vehicles.

The

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Airports - total

13

Airports with Paved Runways

3

Railways

62 Miles 100 Kilometers

Roadways- total

1,905 Miles 3,065 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

762 Miles 1,226 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Djibouti

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Telephones

16,800

Cell Phones

45,000

Internet Users

11,000

Internet Country Code

.dj

Internet Hosts

195

Broadcast Media

• State-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti (RTD) operates the sole terrestrial TV station as well as the only 2 domestic radio networks
• no private TV or radio stations
• transmissions of several international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• Assessment: Telephone facilities in the city of Djibouti are adequate, as are the microwave radio relay connections to outlying areas of the country
• Domestic: Djibouti Telecom is the sole provider of telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around Djibouti city
• International: Country code - 253; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and EASSy fiber-optic submarine cable systems providing links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat); Medarabtel regional microwave radio relay telephone network

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

260,400,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

280,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

12,460

Anthem History

The national anthem was adopted upon independence from France in 1977. The words are by Aden Elmi and the melody is by Abdi Robleh.

Anthem Lyrics

Djibouti Somali Transliteration Hinjinne u sara kaca Calankaan harraad iyo Haydaar u mudateen. Hir cagaarku qariyayiyo Habkay samadu tahayoo Xiddig dhi igleh hoorshoo Caddaan lagu hadheeyaay. Maxaa haybad kugu yaal!

Anthem Lyrics English

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!