Country Djibouti Time zone EAT (UTC+3) Area 1,800 km² | Capital Arta ISO 3166 code DJ-AR Population 40,163 (2010) | |
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Arta Region (Somali: Gobolka Carta) is one of the six regions of Djibouti. It is situated in the south-central of the country, bordering the Tadjoura Region to the north, and the Djibouti Region to the north-east, and Dikhil Region the Ali Sabieh Region to the south, the county of Somalia lies to the east.
Contents
Map of Arta, Djibouti
The capital of Arta Region is Arta. Other towns include We`a, Damerjog and Loyada. The Hemed mountain is the highest point in the region of Arta.
History
Nomadic life in the Arta Region dates back at least 2,000 years. During the Middle Ages, the Arta Region was ruled by the Ifat Sultanate and the Adal Sultanate. It later formed a part of the French Somaliland protectorate in the first half of the 20th century. Loyada village has a beautiful beach and a picturesque palm grove and the tombs of great historical leaders of this region. Halfway between Loyada and Djibouti, the small village of Damerjog and gardens with traditional irrigation systems
Overview
This region has an area of around 1,800 square kilometers. According to the 2009 Census, the local population consists of 42,380 individuals, 17,775 of whom are nomads. Arta was established after the end of the Djiboutian Civil War in 1994. In 2000, peace talks between various factions of the Somali Civil War were held in Arta city, resulting in the establishment of the Transitional National Government of Somalia. The Region's coast is noted for its marine life, including like turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, giant grouper, blue spotted rays and other varieties of sharks. Nestled on the heights of the Arta mountains, more than 700 meters, Arta is the biggest potential in the region, especially thanks to the mild and invigorating climate of the city located only 20 minutes from Djibouti city with a spectacular view of the Gulf of Tadjoura. Moreover, the range of Arta and the surrounding coastline has an undeniable tourist future, thanks, especially whale shark who regularly live from October to March. Issue size and weight, the whale shark is the largest fish that inhabit the seas and oceans of the world. Completely harmless, this behemoth easily 18 meters and can weigh 10 tons. The whale shark feeds only on plankton.
Climate
The climate of Arta Region is generally semi-arid to arid, and its territory is mostly covered by mountains, high plains, and desert. The climate of the coastal strip is influenced by warm ocean waters, keeping the region free from extremes of temperature and providing moisture for rainfall. However, most of the Arta Region populace experience two weather seasons: a "winter" period of rather cold and warm temperatures and higher levels of rainfall and a sultry summer period of hot, sticky temperatures.
The annual mean statistics for some Arta Region centres is shown below: