Book Description
Established as a country a little more than a century ago, born as an independent republic in June 1977, Djibouti is among the youngest as well as the smallest states in Africa. Yet its strategic location at the crossroads of the maritime trade routes between Africa, Asia and Europe turned this tiny spot on the world map into a vital player in twentieth century geopolitics. This historical dictionary has been conceived not as a history book but as a reading grid for the major historical items that are still molding the country's social, political and economic life.
About the Author
Daoud A. Alwan is a historian currently working as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program. Yohanis Mibrathu is a continuing education coordinator and teacher of French.
Historical Dictionary of Djibouti FROM THE PUBLISHER
Established as a country a little more than a century ago, born as an independent republic in June 1977, Djibouti is among the youngest as well as the smallest states in Africa. Yet its strategic location at the crossroads of the maritime trade routes between Africa, Asia and Europe turned this tiny spot on the world map into a vital player in twentieth century geopolitics.
Author Biography: Daoud A. Alwan is a historian currently working as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program. Yohanis Mibrathu is a continuing education coordinator and teacher of French.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Situated at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East as well as Ethiopia and Eritrea, the small country of Djibouti seems an anomaly, a country which exists despite impossible forces from all sides. Were it not for a French military base located within its borders, it probably would have long ago been annexed by any of its neighbors, each eager for its strategic location. This book provides information on this country, on its history, recent politics, economy, society and culture, and is one of the few available texts on Djibouti in English. Concise entries are arranged alphabetically, from (a herd of nomads) to (the central market in the capital city). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)