In early November 1991, civil war erupted in Djibouti between Djibouti's major tribes. The conflict may force the government to democratize at a rate faster than was originally planned. Djibouti has its own armed forces, including a small army, which has grown significantly since the start of the civil war. The country's security also is assured by the continued presence of some 4,000 French troops, which includes a unit of the French Foreign Legion. Although women in Djibouti enjoy a higher public status than in many other Islamic countries, women's rights and family planning are not high priorities.
Few women hold senior positions.
Oudine Djibouti's mission to the UN is located at 866 UN Plaza, Suite 4011, New York, NY 10017. Djibouti's fledgling economy depends on a large foreign expatriate community, the maritime and commercial activities of the Port of Djibouti, its airport, and the operation of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad. Since the advent of civil war in November 1991, there has been a diversion of government budgetary resources from developmental and social services to military needs. Agriculture and industry are little developed, in part due to the harsh climate, high production costs, unskilled labor, and limited natural resources. Services and commerce provide most of the gross domestic product.