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Djibouti's population is predominantly Sunni Muslim. Islam is observed by 94% of the nation's population, while the remaining 6% of residents are spread between Roman Catholics, Protestants, Ethiopian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Jehovah's Witnesses, Hindus, Jews, Bahá’ís , and atheists.
The religious majority in Djibouti is made up of followers of Islam. In fact, 94% of the population identifies as Muslim. Islam has been practiced in the area for centuries, beginning with Muslim refugees during the life of the prophet Muhammed.
Djibouti, [a] officially the Republic of Djibouti, [b] is a country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Somalia [c] to the south, Ethiopia to the southwest, Eritrea in the north, and the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the east. The country has an area of 23,200 km 2 (8,958 sq mi). [1]In antiquity, the territory, together with Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somaliland, was part of the Land of Punt.
While Islam is the dominant religion in Djibouti, the nation prides itself on its religious tolerance. Other faiths, such as Christianity and indigenous beliefs, coexist harmoniously with Islam, contributing to Djibouti’s cultural diversity.
Given its proximity to the Arabian Peninsula across the Gulf of Aden, it is perhaps unsurprising that Djibouti was introduced to Islam within a few years of the religion’s genesis. The territory was ruled through a series of sultanates.
Non-Muslim populations are generally concentrated in Djibouti City and include foreign-born citizens and expatriates. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the registered refugee population at 36,500, of whom 39.4 percent are from Somalia, 39.1 percent from Ethiopia, 18.4 percent from Yemen, and 3 percent from Eritrea.
Non-Muslim populations are generally concentrated in Djibouti City and include foreign-born citizens and expatriates. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the registered refugee population at 31,000, of whom 43.4 percent are from Somalia, 41.2 percent from Ethiopia, 10.7 percent from Yemen, and 4.5 percent from Eritrea.
Ninety-six percent of Djibouti's 490,000 people are Sunni Muslims who follow the Shafii legal tradition; many belong to the Qadiri, Ahmadi, and Salihi Sufi brotherhoods. Sixty percent of the population are ethnic Somalis; 35 percent are Afar.
Formerly known as French Somaliland (1896–1967) and the French Territory of the Afars and Issas (1967–77), the country took Djibouti as its name when it gained independence from France on June 27, 1977.
Islam in Djibouti has a long history, first appearing in East Africa during the lifetime of Muhammad. Today, 96 percent of Djibouti's 490,000 people are Sunni Muslims adhering largely to the Shafi legal tradition. In addition, many belong to the Qadiri, Ahmadi, and Salihi Sufi orders.