Which languages are official in Djibouti?

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The official languages of Djibouti are French and Arabic.12

While these are the official languages, other languages are widely used throughout the country:

  • Somali: This is the most widely spoken language in Djibouti, though it is rarely written and is not taught in schools.2
  • Afar: The use of this language is primarily restricted to Afar-inhabited areas.2

Many Djiboutians are multilingual, and French serves as the primary language of instruction in schools, while Arabic is also taught as a first language.2