Skip to main content

WFBThe World Factbook

Countries
Maps
References
About

Djibouti

Photos

2 Photos

2 Photos

This near-vertical photograph shows Lac Assal (Lake Assal) in Djibouti, the third lowest surface in the world (excluding the ocean basins) and the lowest point in Africa at 155 m (510 ft) below sea level. Lake Assal sits in a rift valley, a depression where the earth's crust has split and adjacent areas have moved with respect to one another. The lake is located in the Danakil Desert near the western end of the Gulf of Aden. Because Lac Assal has no outlet, it is ten times saltier than the ocean and is the most saline body of water in the world. The evaporation rate of Lake Assal is very high because summer temperatures sometimes reach 52°C (125°F), and are accompanied by strong dry winds. The surrounding plain (visible on the image to the right of the lake), once the lake floor, is a glistening expanse of salt. The region surrounding the lake is mostly a stony desert with isolated plateaus and highlands. Lava flows from an ancient volcano are visible just to the left near the shore of the lake. Image courtesy of NASA.

This near-vertical photograph shows Lac Assal (Lake Assal) in Djibouti, the third lowest surface in the world (excluding the ocean basins) and the lowest point in Africa at 155 m (510 ft) below sea level. Lake Assal sits in a rift valley, a depression where the earth's crust has split and adjacent areas have moved with respect to one another. The lake is located in the Danakil Desert near the western end of the Gulf of Aden. Because Lac Assal has no outlet, it is ten times saltier than the ocean and is the most saline body of water in the world. The evaporation rate of Lake Assal is very high because summer temperatures sometimes reach 52°C (125°F), and are accompanied by strong dry winds. The surrounding plain (visible on the image to the right of the lake), once the lake floor, is a glistening expanse of salt. The region surrounding the lake is mostly a stony desert with isolated plateaus and highlands. Lava flows from an ancient volcano are visible just to the left near the shore of the lake. Image courtesy of NASA.

Djibouti City is the capital and largest city in Djibouti. Two thirds of the country's population lives in this seaport, which is situated on the Gulf of Tadjoura on the western side of the Gulf of Aden. The city is the cultural and industrial center of Djibouti and has the status of both a city and a state. Local features include beautiful sandy beaches along its eastern shore (top). The landscape around the city, along with Djibouti's coastal lowlands, is desert or semi-desert. Image courtesy of NASA.

Djibouti City is the capital and largest city in Djibouti. Two thirds of the country's population lives in this seaport, which is situated on the Gulf of Tadjoura on the western side of the Gulf of Aden. The city is the cultural and industrial center of Djibouti and has the status of both a city and a state. Local features include beautiful sandy beaches along its eastern shore (top). The landscape around the city, along with Djibouti's coastal lowlands, is desert or semi-desert. Image courtesy of NASA.

Usage

Factbook photos—obtained from a variety of sources—are in the public domain and are copyright free.

View Copyright Notice

Agency

About CIA
Organization
Director of the CIA
CIA Museum
News & Stories

Careers

Working at CIA
How We Hire
Student Programs
Browse CIA Jobs

Resources

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Center for the Study of Intelligence (CSI)
The World Factbook
Spy Kids

Connect with CIA

Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Youtube Flickr

Search CIA.gov Site Policies Privacy No FEAR Act Inspector General USA.gov Sitemap