Overview of Ethiopia

Profile

Considered one of the cradles of humanity with 4-million-year-old fossil discoveries and a unique royal history dating back to the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. Repelled European colonial powers in the 1896 Battle of Adwa, remaining one of few independent African nations. The current Federal Democratic Republic was established in 1995 under the ethnic federalism constitution. Known as the birthplace of coffee, with diverse climates and cultures shaped by highlands and the Great Rift Valley. While achieving high economic growth in recent years, ethnic conflicts and the Tigray conflict pose challenges to internal stability.

Official name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Common name: Ethiopia
Numeric code: 231
Alpha-3 code: ETH
Alpha-2 code: ET
Population: 126.5 million (2023)
Population density: 115
Primary languages: Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Tigrinya, Afar, English
Major religions: Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Islam, Protestant, Traditional religions
National anthem: March 'Whedefit Gesgeshi Woude Henate Ethiopia'
Calling code: +251
Internet TLD: .et

History

Possesses an independent history continuing from the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, with the current Federal Democratic Republic established in 1995.

The Kingdom of Aksum flourished around the turn of the common era, adopting Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century. Medieval Zagwe and Solomonic dynasties rose and fell, with Emperor Menelik II consolidating the modern state in the 19th century. After Italian occupation from 1936-41 and imperial restoration, the military Derg abolished the emperor in 1974. In 1991, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front and others overthrew the military regime; Eritrea gained independence in 1993, and the Federal Democratic Republic was established in 1995. The Abiy administration, launched in 2018, pursued peace with Eritrea and economic reforms while facing the Tigray conflict from 2020 onward.

Geography & climate

Varied terrain with strong contrasts including the Ethiopian Highlands, Great Rift Valley, volcanic ranges, and salt lake deserts.

Temperate highland climate in highlands, semi-arid to desert climate in lowlands

Area: Africa / 1104300 km²
Capital: Addis Ababa
Largest city: Addis Ababa
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Tana, Lake Abbe, Lake Shala, Lake Awasa, Lake Turkana (shared)
Bordering countries: Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan

Natural resources

Gold, Tantalum, Copper, Natural gas, Potash ore, Limestone, Rock salt, Marble, Geothermal energy, Hydropower resources, Wind power resources, Fertile volcanic soil

Politics

Government: Federal republic with parliamentary system (ethnic federalism)

Economy

Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

GDP (nominal): 156 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 392 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Tigrinya, Afar, English

Time zone: East Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Oromo, Amhara, Somali, Tigray, Sidama, Afar, Gurage, Harari, Nuer, Agaw

Life expectancy

67 years

Literacy rate

52%

National sports

Soccer, Marathon, Long-distance running, Race walking, Cycling, Genna (traditional hockey)