Afars and Issas, alternatively known as the French Territory of the Afars and Issas (Territoire français des Afars et des Issas), or TFAI for short, was a former overseas territory of France located in East Africa. This territory originated from the French Somali Coast (Côte française des Somalis), which included the present-day countries of Djibouti, Somalia's former French Somaliland region, and portions of Eritrea.
Afars and Issas officially became a French overseas territory on June 27, 1967, after a referendum that saw the local population vote in favor of maintaining ties with France. The territory was primarily inhabited by two major ethnic groups: the Afar and the Issa, hence the name Afars and Issas. The Afar people mainly occupied the northern regions, while the Issa people predominantly resided in the central and southern parts of the territory.
During its existence, Afars and Issas had its own autonomous government and administration but remained under the sovereignty of France. The territory had a diverse economy, with agriculture, livestock, and nomadic herding being important aspects of the region's livelihood. However, the economy was largely dependent on subsidies and financial aid from France.
On June 27, 1977, Afars and Issas gained full independence from France, becoming the Republic of Djibouti. This independence marked the end of French colonial presence in the region and the start of Djibouti's era as a sovereign nation.
