[4] The remaining 5% of Djibouti's population primarily consists of Djiboutian Arabs, Ethiopians and Europeans (French and Italians).

However, recently the population has become urbanized - today, more than half live in the capital, along with the nearby towns and villages of the interior.

Local dishes are commonly prepared using Middle Eastern spices, ranging from saffron to cinnamon.

Xalwo (pronounced "halwo") or halva is a popular confection eaten during festive occasions, such as Eid celebrations or wedding receptions.

Somali music could be mistaken, when it's first heard, for the sounds of nearby regions such as Ethiopia, Sudan or the Arabian Peninsula, but it is ultimately recognisable by its unique tunes and styles.

Popular Djiboutian musicians include Nima Djama, Abdo Xamar Qoodh, Mohamed Ali Fourchette, Abdallah Lee, Shay Lia, and Xabiiba Cabdilaahi.

Following independence in 1977, a growing number of government-owned production and distribution companies as well as actual projection theatres sprang up.

In 1900, during the early part of the colonial era, there were virtually no Christians in the area, with only about 100–300 followers coming from the schools and orphanages of the few Catholic missions in French Somaliland.

Islam is the driving force for unity among the various ethnic groups from different parts of the country, and has significantly shaped the values and traditions of Djibouti.