Sea in culture of barbarian invaders and knowledge of geography took a backward step. In the seventh century, Isidore of Seville produced a "wheel map" in which Asia, Africa and Europe were arranged like segments in an orange, separated by the "Mare Mediterranean", "Nilus" and "Tanais" and surrounded by "Oceanus". It was not until the fifteenth century that Ptolemy's maps were used again and Henry the Navigator of Portugal initiated ocean exploration and maritime research. Encouraged by him, Portuguese navigators explored, mapped and charted the west coast of Africa and the Eastern Atlantic and this knowledge prepared the way for the great voyages
Djibouti and the World Bank location has been crucial in shaping its development. Situated in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is one of the smallest countries in the world. It is bordered by Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia, the latter being completely dependent on Djibouti for its maritime exports. Overlooking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the port of Djibouti is one of the most strategic trade facilities connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Its geographic location, its port and the presence of military bases have contributed to Djibouti's economic growth. However, these have also shaped a model of economic growth which has become unsustainable,