Djibouti

In the narrow lanes of Djibouti City’s central market, merchants call out over the din, their stalls stacked with fragrant spices, handwoven baskets, and bright textiles. Beyond the capital, the wind sweeps across the lunar-like salt flats of Lake Assal and the coral-fringed shores of the Red Sea. Together, these landscapes and traditions form the foundation of a growing sector that is reshaping the country’s economy: cultural tourism. Long known as a crossroads of trade and migration, Djibouti draws from Afar, Somali, Arab, and French influences, creating a cultural fabric both varied and resilient. Visitors often encounter this diversity in the rhythms of traditional music, the intricate steps of local...