 |
 |
 |
Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the exception of the 1936-41 Italian occupation during World War II. In 1974, a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state.
Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995.
A border war with Eritrea late in the 1990's ended with a peace treaty in December 2000. Final demarcation of the boundary is currently on hold due to Ethiopian objections to an international commission's finding requiring it to surrender territory considered sensitive to Ethiopia. |
| |
|
 |
|
- Official Name Ethiopia
- Population 80,713,434
- Capital City Addis Ababa (pop. 4,567,857)
- Currency Ethiopian Birr
- Currency Converter
- Languages Amharic (official), and other dialects
- Religions Muslim, Eastern Orthodox, others
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
- Land Area 1,101,000 sq km (425,096 sq miles)
- Highest Point Ras Dejen, Semien Mountains, 4,550 m (14,928 ft)
- Lowest Point Afar Depression, -125 m (−410 ft)
|
| |
|
 |
|
The major portion of Ethiopia lies on the Horn of Africa, which is the easternmost part of the African landmass. Its topography ranges from deserts along its eastern border, the Choke and Mandebo mountains ranges in its central core, and tropical forests in the southern reaches.
Ethiopia is dominated by a vast highland complex of mountains, plateaus and lakes, all divided by the Great Rift Valley that's surrounded by lowlands and steppes.
Not to be missed are the toothy-edged Simien Mountains to the northeast of Gonder, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, and the hot and fascinating sulphur fumaroles and lunar-like landscape in the Danakil Depression near its border with Eritrea.
Lake Tana in the north is the source of the Blue Nile. |
| |
|  |
|
- Latitude/Longitude 36º 77' N, 3º 04' E
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|  |
|
|
|
| |
|  |
|
|
|
|
| |
|  |
|
In this land of many wonders tourism declined during the 1970s and 1980s. The recovery began in the 1990s, but growth has been somewhat constrained by the lack of hospitality infrastructure, and by the effects of drought and political instability.
Regardless, people do travel to Ethiopia. The country's major attractions include numerous national parks, historic cities and sites, and the fast-growing eco tourism industry. In addition, mountain trekking and walking safaris are popular activities.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
|
| |
|  |
|
Ethiopia has a tropical monsoon climate with wide topographic-induced variations. It is almost always hot and humid, with cooler conditions in the central mountains.
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
A Karo warrior with full makeup, Ethiopia...
...
Walking to work, Ethiopia... |
| |
|
