About Ethiopia

Ethiopia, with a surface area of about 1.2 million square km, is a country of a beauty characterized by diverse culture, pure nature, contrasting landscapes and colorful long history. Ethiopia is located in the East of Africa better known as the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia is an ancient country whose rich culture and history dates back to prehistoric times. It is one of the countries in the world with a vast history. Archeological findings have identified Ethiopia as one of the cradles of mankind. The 4.4 million years old skeleton of Ramidus, the 3.5 skeleton of Lucy in addition to ancient cave painting and tools are some of the evidences of its prehistoric glory.

The Ethiopian people's diverse culture is manifested through various local languages, a variety of customs and ways of life etc. Over 80 local languages are being spoken in the country of which Amharic, Oromifa and Tigrigna are the major ones used by the majority of population.

The major religion of the country includes Christianity and Islam, which have co-existed for centuries. Ethiopia adopted Christianity in the 4th century, making it one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. Islam also appeared early in Ethiopia, during the time of Mohammed, when his followers fled persecution in Arabia and sought refuge in Ethiopia.

Much of the country's landscape consists of plateau and mountain ranges. The African Rift Valley separates the Western mountains from the eastern highlands. The Danakil Depression is home to one of the lowest points on the African continent - Dallol, at 116m below sea level - and one of the only lava lakes in the world - at Erta Ale volcano. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile River, which meets the White Nile River in Sudan to form the Great Nile River. Lake Tana supplies 85% of the water to the Great Nile River.

The altitude also makes the climate uniquely refreshing and mild unlike other countries that are located near to the equator. There are two distinct seasons in Ethiopia; the dry season or Bega, which in most parts, is from October to May (mostly winter season in Europe) and the rainy season or Kiremt extending from June to September (Summer season in Europe).

The country's economy is predominantly based on agricultural production, where agriculture accounts for the majority of export and employment. The main export products are coffee, flower, oilseed, chat, pulse, hide and skin.

The Ethiopian New Year falls in September at the end of the big rains. The sun comes out to shine all day long creating an atmosphere of dazzling clarity and fresh clean air. The highlands turn to gold as the Meskel daisies burst out in their entire splendor. Ethiopian children clad in brand new clothes dance through the villages giving bouquets of flowers and painted pictures to each household.

The southern and south-weste
regions of Ethiopia contain several national parks of stunning beauty. The most important are Awash National Park, Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park, Mago National Park, Bale Mountains National Park, Omo National Park, Neshisar National Park, Simien National Park, and Yangudi National Park. These parks, along with the seven lakes in Rift Valley, are home to rare species of animals and birds. The Mountain Nyala, the African antelope, the Walia Ibex, the mountain horned goats, the Ethiopian wolf (also known as Abyssinian wolf), etc. are the main animals that are rare.