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A Unique and Proud Country

Although its name often evokes images of poverty and despair, Ethiopia is home to spectacular scenery and wildlife, major historical sites, and a proud culture that has thrived for over two thousand years. Like the rest of the developing world, Ethiopia faces many difficult and complicated challenges, but no one should underestimate this resolute nation and all that it has to offer.

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Various meat and vegetable dishes are served with injera, a spongy bread made from tef.

This Hamer woman represents one of dozens of small ethnic groups that dwell in the more remote areas of the country.

Originating as early as the 5^th century, BC, Ge’ez is the official language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the precursor to the national language, Amharic.

Ethiopia boasts hundreds of endemic species of wildlife as well as Africa’s more well known animals.

The ubiquitous “coffee ceremony” is an essential part of Ethiopian social life.

Colorful religious ceremonies and festivals occur throughout the year.

Tis Abey (smoking water) Falls lies just south of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.

Facts about Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world.
Per capita annual income is just over $100 and life expectancy at birth is 48 years.
Ethiopia is almost twice the size of Texas and has a population of over 70,000,000.
Over 80 languages are spoken in Ethiopia; the official language, Amharic, is derived from Ge’ez, an ancient Semitic language dating from the 5^th century BC.
Ethiopia has some of the world’s highest rates of infant and maternal mortality.
Ethiopians are customarily referred to by first name only; their second name being their father’s first name.
Lowest Point: Danakil Depression at 410 feet below sea level.
Highest Point: Ras Dejen at 15,157 feet above sea level.
The Ethiopian calendar has 12 months of 30 days each and one month of five days. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia celebrates their millennium in September 2007.
Alone among African countries, Ethiopia was never colonized and has been able to preserve much of its own unique culture.
Most Ethiopians observe Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, but a significant number follow Islam, Protestantism, or traditional religions. A small number of Ethiopian Jews still live in parts of the country.