For this Banknote of the day, were going to a tiny country in East Africa, called Djibouti. This country has a approximately 887,861 people and that is actually an increase from previous years. Djibouti is known for their lucrative trade and dramatic scenery from street life to beautiful blue ribbons of endless ocean. The Lonely Planet blog states, “Djibouti is full of geological oddities, and is a surreal place to explore and photograph. One thing is sure: you’ll be rewarded with exceptional panoramas”. We decided to choose the 40 Djibouti francs banknote from 2017 for our banknote of the day this week because of its incredible detail and beautiful colors.
Why we Love Djibouti Currency
The 40-franc Djibouti banknote from 2017 is from their newest series of currency. In the past, Djibouti would incorporate several people and symbolic monuments in their banknotes. From public and high figures like Ali Ahmed Oudoum, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, and Mahmoud Harbi. What is very interesting about their banknotes is that although they have several with historic images on them, there are just as much “simplistic” images on their banknotes. Simplistic meaning images we see every day such as a woman holding her baby which is seen on the 1,000 franks banknote from 1984 or even a man in the forest as seen on the 5,000 francs from 1979. Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary parts of life is what make their banknotes truly one of a kind.
Banknote of the Day Information
On the obverse (front) of this banknote we see the beautiful Rhincodon typus or what is commonly known as the Whale Shark. The Sharks are found around the Equator and in open waters of the tropical oceans. These beautiful creatures have a lifespan of around 70 years and are the largest fish known. In Djibouti Whale Sharks are extremely common and one of the most popular tourist attractions.
On the reverse (back) there is a photo of the port of Djibouti. The port is located in Djibouti City which is also the capital of Djibouti. The port is strategically located at the crossroads of one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, connecting the Far East, Europe, the Horn of Africa and even the Persian Gulf. Over 70 percent of the cargo is shipped to and from Ethiopia. It only makes sense to have something as pivotal as this port to be on one of their banknotes.
CIA World Factbook states, “Djibouti as a main maritime passage and a main trading route between East and West stretches back 3,500 years, the time of maritime explorations of the Red Sea. A strategic meeting point between Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea was a place of contact and passage used by the Egyptians, the Phoenicians, the Ptolemaists, the Romans, the Greeks, the Byzantines, the Arabs, and then by the Europeans in search of the Spice route. Its apogee came with the opening of the Suez Canal. The port evolved out of landlocked Ethiopia’s search for a maritime outlet, and Djibouti’s coastline provided both easy access and sheltered anchorage”.
Wikipedia, September 2019
What an amazing banknote with an amazing backstory to follow!