For many, it is better known for poverty and drought, but Ethiopia has incredible cultural, historical and landscape riches with deep lakes and high mountains, primeval forests and deserts. This diversity is also expressed by the people with their over 80 languages, different traditions, religions and living spaces.
Subject areas
Country overview & natural area
Ethiopia has an extraordinary amount to offer its visitors: Witnesses of a centuries-old high culture, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the capital Addis Ababa, which is, among other things, the seat of the African Union and many international (aid) organizations, a diverse flora and fauna and which have been declared a World Heritage Site breathtaking landscapes. more
History & State
Since becoming a state at the end of the 19th century, the country has experienced an extremely changeable development. Today Ethiopia is a federal state. The establishment of an effective administration and the integration of civil society interests remain important tasks. more
Economy & Development
According to ehistorylib, Ethiopia is a country located in Eastern Africa. The majority of the people in Ethiopia live and work in the countryside. Their livelihood is above all subsistence agriculture. However, industrial agriculture and the transition towards an industrial and service society are strongly promoted. Bringing a significant improvement in people’s living conditions remains a major challenge. more
Society & culture
The social diversity of Ethiopia is shaped by the very different geographical, climatic and economic circumstances in which the people live. The many different traditions and religions also play an important role. Ethiopia is a very spiritual country, which is mainly characterized by mutual religious tolerance. Social challenges are primarily ethnic conflicts, gender equality and the growing gap between rich and poor. more
Everyday life & practical information
“Thirteen months of sunshine” – 13 months of sunshine. This is how the Ethiopian tourism agency advertises. And really: Ethiopia lives with its very own version of the Coptic calendar in the truest sense of the word in a different time.
Ethiopia Overview
Official name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Area: 1,104,300 km²
Residents: 105 million (2017, estimated)
Growth of population: 2.9% annually (2017, estimated)
Seat of government: Addis Ababa
Official language: Amharic
Regional languages: Afaan Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali and others
Welcome to Ethiopia!
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is home to over 80 ethnic groups and as many languages. There are mountains above 4500 meters and depressions well below sea level.
Fields and road in the Silte zone
In Ethiopia, remains of advanced civilizations can be admired as well as landscapes of breathtaking beauty. The Blue Nile, which is the main supplier of water for the longest river on earth, has its source here. One of the most inhospitable deserts on earth with active volcanoes and salt lakes – the Danakil – is located in Ethiopia.
It is a land full of legends and myths: The Solomonic dynasty, which ruled for several centuries, is said to have descended from the biblical King Solomon and the legendary Queen Sheba. Lucy, one of our earliest ancestors, was found in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is also one of the poorest countries in the world and is located in the center of a region that is characterized by violent and armed conflicts.
Domestically, the country is very fragile and is making great efforts not to fall under the wheels of globalization economically. Ethiopia is structurally affected by food shortages, as well as by frequent floods. Many people cannot read or write, are not part of the modern economy and have insufficient access to medical care.
The capital Addis Ababa has been experiencing a breathtaking boom for several years. The city is home to over a hundred foreign embassies, the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations agencies. There is a lot of construction going on, population growth is high, art and culture are booming, and the lifestyle is westernized.
Ethiopia is a country full of contrasts, contradictions and tensions, full of abundance and poverty. It is still very difficult to find reliable information, representations, analyzes and evaluations. Many articles and studies either cover large subject areas or focus only on very specific issues. Estimates are also often used when using data and figures. It is all the more worthwhile to get your own picture of this fascinating country and its people!
