The small African nation that serves as a vital base for 11 of the world’s mightiest armies
Djibouti, the country with a strategic location that attracts major military powers
Djibouti, with only 8,960 square miles of territory, is located in a unique strategic position, right at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This passage is vital for the trade routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, making control of this strait of extreme geopolitical importance.
Despite its small size, Djibouti hosts military bases from major powers such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and even Russia and India have shown interest in establishing bases in the region. In fact, Djibouti is home to the only Japanese military base abroad, a sign of its growing strategic relevance.
The presence of these bases is not only a matter of geopolitical security but also represents a crucial part of Djibouti’s economy. The payments received from hosting these bases amount to millions each year. For example, the United States contributes approximately £49 million annually, while France and Japan each contribute £23 million. However, despite this foreign aid, Djibouti still faces significant challenges in poverty and unemployment.millones de libras cada uno. Sin embargo, a pesar de esta ayuda externa, Yibuti sigue enfrentando retos significativos en cuanto a pobreza y desempleo.
Persistent inequality in Djibouti
While foreign military bases are a source of income for the country, Djibouti’s economy is still marked by poverty and inequality. According to World Bank projections, the poverty rate in Djibouti is expected to reach 14.7% by 2024. Moreover, the unemployment rate is alarmingly high, reaching 27.5%, much higher than the average of developed countries like the United Kingdom.
Political instability in neighboring countries like Yemen and Somalia has increased the strategic importance of Djibouti. The country is situated in a region marked by conflicts, and the foreign military presence, while seen as a way to ensure stability, can also increase the risks of violence and destabilization for the civilian population.
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Despite Djibouti’s efforts to capitalize on its geopolitical location, the country still faces significant internal challenges. Internal political tensions and competition for limited resources could affect long-term stability, despite the economic benefits it receives from foreign bases. Investments in infrastructure and the military sector could be key to a more stable future, but it will depend on how the country manages these complex international and local dynamics.
Djibouti is an example of how a small nation can play a crucial role on the global stage. Its geostrategic location makes it a center of interest for world powers, but the fragility of its internal economy and high poverty rates reflect the tensions between external benefits and the internal challenges the country faces.