About Ethiopia

About Ethiopia

Learn about Ethiopia’s ancient history, diverse people, unique cultures and traditions, and beautiful landscapes. Find out the best places to visit, from historical sites to natural wonders. Discover the delicious flavours of Ethiopian cuisine and the country’s vibrant music.

Ethiopia

One of the most striking riches of Ethiopia is its culture, which is a blend of various ethnic groups, each with their own customs, languages, and traditions. Ethiopia is also known for its traditional foods and coffee culture, which is deeply ingrained in the country’s history and society.

The country is also a popular destination for adventure travel, offering opportunities for hiking, trekking, bird watching, and wildlife safaris. With its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty, Ethiopia is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone.

Geography

Ethiopia is a landlocked country with a varied landscape. It has high plateaus, mountains, and plains, as well as rivers, lakes, and hot springs. The highest point in the country is Ras Dejen, which stands at an elevation of 4,620 metres (15,157 feet). The country’s main river is the Blue Nile, which flows from the highlands of Ethiopia into Sudan and eventually into the Mediterranean Sea.

History

Ethiopia has a long and rich history dating back to the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, which was established in the first century CE. The country has a strong cultural and religious heritage, with Orthodox Christianity being the dominant religion. Ethiopia is also home to a number of other religions, including Islam and traditional religions.

People

The people of Ethiopia are diverse, with over 80 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Oromo, followed by the Amhara and the Tigray. The country has more than 80 languages, with Amharic being the most widely spoken.

Languages

Ethiopia has a number of different languages, with Amharic being the most widely spoken. Other languages spoken in the country include Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali.

Religions

Ethiopia is one of the most religious countries in the world. The two main religions in Ethiopia are Christianity and Islam, but there are also smaller groups of followers of traditional religions, Judaism, and other belief systems.

Government

The government of Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic, with the President serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister serving as the head of government. The country has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of the Federation.

Economy

The economy of Ethiopia is primarily agricultural, with coffee being the main export. The country is also rich in minerals, including gold, platinum, and oil. In recent years, the government has implemented economic reforms to boost growth and reduce poverty.

Culture

Ethiopia has a vibrant culture, with a rich tradition of music, dance, and art. The country is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the ancient ruins of Aksum.

Tourism

Tourism is an important industry in Ethiopia, with the country attracting visitors from all over the world. The country has a range of natural and cultural attractions, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and historical sites.

Climate

The weather in Ethiopia varies depending on the region, with the highlands experiencing a cool and dry climate, while the lowlands have a hot and humid climate. The country has two rainy seasons, one from June to September and one from March to May.

Facts About Ethiopia

GovernmentFederal parliamentary republic
PresidentSahle-Work Zewde
Prime MinisterAbiy Ahmed
LegislatureFederal Parliamentary Assembly (House of Federation & House of Peoples' Representatives)
FormationMay 28, 1991 (Current Constitution)
AreaTotal: 1,112,000 km² (Water: 0.7%)
Population (2023 estimate)127,955,823
Ethnic Groups (2007 Census)34.5% Oromo, 26.9% Amhara, 6.2% Somali, 6.1% Tigrayan, 4.0% Sidama, 2.5% Gurage, and others
Official LanguagesAmharic, Oromo, Somali, Tigrigna and Afar
Religion (2016)67.3% Christianity (43.8% Ethiopian Orthodoxy, 22.8% P'ent'ay), 31.3% Islam, 0.6% traditional faiths, 0.8% others/none
Density92.7/km²
GDP (PPP) 2023 estimateTotal: $393.297 billion; Per capita: $3,719
GDP (nominal) 2023 estimateTotal: $155.804 billion; Per capita: $1,473
CurrencyBirr (ETB)
Time zoneUTC+3 (EAT)
Driving sideRight
Calling code+251
ISO 3166 codeET
Internet TLD.et