Djibouti

1. Djibouti By: Julian Doloroso

2. Capital of Republic of Djibouti isDjibouti City.

3. Language Religion Sunni Islam is the predominant religion Other Religions: Sufi and Christianity • French • Arabic

4. Tropical Aquarium • Underwater exhibition of Marine Life is the most tourist spot in Djibouti • Two Huge Tanks • Large Assortments of underwater animal and plant life from the Red Sea

5. Dorale Beach • Dorale Beach is a lovely sandy beach encircled by various volcanic rocks and dunes. • The tranquility and vegetation at the beach attract many tourists, large herds of camels, and a wide variety of birds.

6. National Cuisine Injera Samoussa Small fried or baked pastries, which may be either half-moon shaped or triangular. • Injera - The Djiboutian staple is a flatbread called injera, which is used to eat various meat and vegetable dishes.

7. Stereotypes by Americans of Djibouti • Poverty Problems - Djibouti could not exist if it were not propped up by international agencies and charity. • Criminal Undercurrent - Nothing and no one are as they appear in Djibouti. Crime is a problem in this transient atmosphere.

8. Superstitions • Wak - Wak was the creator god who lived in the clouds. He kept the heavens at a distance from the earth and covered it with stars. • The Jackal- is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal with a shaggy tail and features that resemble those of a dog. Aside from Africa, it is found to be widespread in India and the Middle East.

9. Hand Gestures in Djibouti • Come • Where?

10. Business Culture: Etiquette& Body Language • Know how to speak French or Arabic, have a translator or someone on your team. • Follow General Muslim Etiquette. • Never Shake hands with a Muslim Woman, unless she offers her hand first • If you are a man avoid touching, hugging or even speaking in private with a Muslim woman. • Men: Stand when a Muslim woman enters the room • Women: Avoid making eye contact with the opposite sex.

11. Business Culture: Relationship Building • Men avoid asking other men about their wives, daughters or even female relatives. • Acceptable topics of conversation include the weather, sports, art and culture, and positive observations about your time in Djibouti. • Avoid mention of religion, politics, or intertribal conflict. • If you are religious yourself, it is acceptable to discuss your beliefs, even if you are not Muslim, as most Djiboutians are. Try to politely sidestep the question, however, if you are an atheist—this is not a perspective many Djiboutians will understand, and it may undermine their trust in you.

12. Business Culture - communication styles in decision making • It's considered rude to address someone regarding a problem in public. If you have a sensitive issue you must address with someone, do it in private, so both you and the other personcan save face. Avoid high-pressure, aggressive sales tactics, as these are seen as confrontational.

13. Business Culture - power structures in decision making • A great deal of respect is given to people of high status in Djibouti. Natural leaders with impeccable character, the educated, and the wealthy are all generally afforded high status. In business, the culture tends to be fairly hierarchical and decisions typically come from the top down.

14. Djibouti Compared to US: Body Language Djibouti US It is custom for men and women to shake hands It is respectful to look at each other when speaking to one another. • Men should not shake women's hands unless the woman offers first. • Women should not look at men when speaking to them In both Cultures : It is custom for men to talk about sports, weather, etc.

15. Djibouti Compared to US: Communication Styles Dijibouti US Problems may be discussed in front of a group of people. A lot of sales tactics and be unconventional and won't come off as confrontational. High Risk - High Reward • It's considered rude to address someone with a problem in public. • Avoid high pressured high risked sales tactics, they are considered confrontational. Both Cultures: It is better to address problems in private.

16. Djibouti Compared to US: Power Structers Dijibouti US Power structures within US companies depend on the type of firm with which you are dealing. In some forms the input of lower-level employees and middle managers will be sought before decisions are made • A great deal of respect is given to people of high status in Djibouti. • In business, the culture tends to be fairly hierarchical and decisions typically come from the top down. • In both Cultures: Hierarchical Structures is common.

17. Internet penetration rate and social network • Internet in Djibouti may be limited or restricted. Not all areas have internet and very few hotels may have Wi-Fi. • The most common used websites include: Arabo, Google and Yahoo. • TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines are more commonly used than the internet.

18. Easygoing work Discipline vs. Strict work Discipline • This dimension refers to the amount of internal structuring, control and discipline • In Djibouti the business style is very laid back. Djibouti workers are not in a hurry and lateness is common. Deadlines and appointment times are not always reached.

19. Strong vs. Weak Uncertainty Avoidance • This Dimension refers to the degree to which ambiguity and uncertainty are tolerated, and absolute truths are avoided. • In a strong uncertainty avoidance culture, risk and uncertainty are avoided. Absolute truths are embraced. • In Djibouti high risked presentations are seen as confrontational. • Djibouti is a strong uncertainty avoidance culture which risks and uncertainty are avoided.

20. Masculine Culture vs Feminine • This dimension refers to the degree to which gender roles are differentiated and valued. • In Djibouti the business world is more of a Masculine Culture. • Women make about 32 percent of the work force. • Women play a secondary role in society and have fewer job opportunities than men.

21. Large or Small Power Distance • This dimension refers to the degree to which power is distributed unequally. • In a large power distance society, leaders lead autocratically. Employees show a great deal of respect for those in authority. • Djibouti is a large power distance society. Those of high statuses are respected as leaders . • Djibouti business is Hierarchical structured.

22. Easygoing work Discipline vs. Strict work Discipline Djibouti US In the United States deadlines and appointments are very important. If a deadline is not met disciplinary actions will be followed. Work is very time oriented. US is a Strict Work Disciplined Culture. For exmaple, if you are late to work often you may be fired from your position. • In Djibouti the business style is very laid back. Djibouti workers are not in a hurry and lateness is common. Deadlines and appointment times are not always reached. • Djibouti is a Easygoing Work Disciplined culture. • For example, if you are late to work it is common and not seen as a problem.

23. Strong vs. Weak Uncertainty Avoidance Djibouti US Can be Strong or Weak Uncertainty avoidance culture. Absolute truths are embraced. In the US different behaviors and opinions are accepted. US does not see that as a threat. All values and opinions are openly shared and discussed. • Strong Uncertainty Avoidance culture • In Djibouti high risked presentations are seen as confrontational.

24. Large or Small Power Distance Djibouti US Small Power Distance There is more two-way communication between those in authority and subordinates. More egalitarian US still shows respect to those how may have higher authority. • Large Power Distance • A person's title and rank is socially significant and impacts greatly on interpersonal relationships. • Show a great deal of respect to leaders.

25. Masculine Culture vs Feminine Djibouti US Share Culture In today's society in the US gender roles are more commonly shared. Women are beginning to work more and more. In 2050 Women will make up almost 50% of the work force. US strives to promote equality between men and women. • Masucline Culture • Women only make about 32% of the work force. • More opporunities for men than women • Leadership roles are rarely shared by women.

26. Current Events Djibouti: A Tug of War 10/5/14 Djibouti and Kenya 10/6/14 Ethiopia has connected its power grid with Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti in order to supply the countries with cheaper and cleaner hydropower processed electricity. The Ethiopian Electric and Power Corporation (EEPCo) said on Monday that Ethiopia is currently exporting 195 megawatts of electricity to the three neighbouring countries, earning millions of dollars in return. • Despite a tug of war between the government of Djibouti and the Sheikhs of Dubai • A legal battle against the government of Djibouti which sets out to annul a 30-year concession the Dubai-based company won to manage the Port of Doraleh.

27. References • Fortune, A. (2014, October 5). Djibouti: Tug of War. Retrieved October 8, 2014, from http://allafrica.com/stories/201410070795.html • Global Road Warrior: Djibouti. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.globalroadwarrior.com.ccbcmd.idm.oclc.org/ContentInfo.asp?iso3ltr=DJI&nid=20.33&cid=41&next_nid=20.34&parent=Society%20and%20Culture • Jones, R. P. (n.d.). How to Speak Somali Without Saying a Word. Retrieved from http://www.djiboutijones.com/2013/04/how-to-speak-somali-without-saying-a-word/ • Tekle, T. (2014, October 6). Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya set to benefit from Ethiopia's power supply. Retrieved October 8, 2014, from http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article52662 • The Whale Sharks of Djibouti. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://saveourseas.com/photography/the_whale_sharks_of_djibouti