GIBUTI, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE OF. — The Capuchins began the evangelization of French Somaliland. On 28 April 1914, with territory taken from the Apostolic Vicariate of the Galla, the Apostolic Prefecture was erected, which also encompassed a vast territory of Ethiopia, namely the Ogaden. In 1937, there was a general reorganization of the missions in Ethiopia, and by decree of 25 March of the same year, the territory was reduced to the French possession.
It is situated entirely within the tropical zone and has an area of 23,000 sq. km with a torrid climate. It has approximately 100,000 inhabitants, of whom, according to 1950 data, 2,445 are Catholics in total, including natives, foreigners, and those of mixed race. There are 111 catechumens, 35 Protestants, 50 Jews, and 78,000 Muslims. The inhabitants belong to two primary races: the Danakil in the district of Tadjoura up to the border with Eritrea, and the Somali, or rather the Issa, who are a subtribe of the Somali race, in the remaining territory; they are Muslims. There are also Arabs, Indians, and Malagasy. The apostolate is therefore quite difficult, also because the Somali lead a nomadic life between the French colony and neighboring British Somaliland. There are: 2 quasi-parishes, 3 primary stations, 9 secondary stations; 3 churches and 3 chapels; 3 orphanages with 112 children; 4 elementary schools with 391 pupils. The sisters staff the two civil hospitals and the dispensary. The periodical Le semeur en Terre Somalie is published in 450 copies.