Afar in Djibouti


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction

The Afar (or Danakil) claim to be descendants of Noah's son, Ham. They live in the East African countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Afar of Djibouti live either along the coastline bordering Ethiopia, or in a portion of the Danakil Desert that stretches across Ethiopia into Eritrea. Djibouti is sometimes called “a valley of hell” because it has one of the hottest, driest climates in the world and suffers from drought. Most Afar are nomads who herd sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Some are fishermen. Market day is important to the Afar and some travel great distances to buy and sell necessities. A man's wealth, however, is measured by the size of his herds. They are a proud people who emphasize strength and bravery.


Ministry Obstacles

Early in their history, the Afar were heavily influenced by the Islamic religion and today, Islam is still held in great esteem, yet many pre-Islamic beliefs and customs are also prevalent. There is mounting political tension regionally.


Prayer Focus

Ask the Lord to bring forth a movement to Christ among the Afar.
The few Afar believers are isolated and face social pressure to return to Islam. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give them the strength and courage to hold on to their faith in Christ.
There are radio broadcasts that can reach the Afar if they would only listen and heed Christ's call. Ask God to miraculously make those the first broadcasts they hear each day and that they would listen with open hearts.


Scripture Prayers for the Afar in Djibouti.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Afar
People Name in Country Afar
Pronunciation AH-far
Alternate Names Adali; Danakil
Population this Country 339,000
Population all Countries 2,850,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 7
PeopleID3 11486
ROP3 Code 102419
Country Djibouti
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Red Sea coast, Obock, Tadjoura, and Dikhil regions; Arta Region, area southwest of Ghoubet Kharab; Ali Sabieh Region southwest of regional capital.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Djibouti
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Red Sea coast, Obock, Tadjoura, and Dikhil regions; Arta Region, area southwest of Ghoubet Kharab; Ali Sabieh Region southwest of regional capital..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Afar in Djibouti
Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.01 %)
0.03 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.97 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Afar (339,000 speakers)
Language Code aar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Afar (339,000 speakers)
Language Code aar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Afar

Primary Language:  Afar

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1975-1986)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1994)
Bible-Complete Yes  (2013-2023)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Afar Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Afar YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Afar YouVersion Bibles
Photo Source manothegreek 
Map Source Location: IMB. Imagery: GMI, ESRI, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, ESRI User Community. Design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.