About Ethiopia
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Ethiopia
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About Ethiopia
Ethiopia is situated in northeast Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia
and Djibouti. The central area is a vast highland region of volcanic rock forming a
watered, temperate zone surrounded by hot, arid, inhospitable desert.
Places of interest in the capital, Addis Ababa, include St George's Cathedral, the
Menelik Mausoleum and the large market.
Aksum, in the north, was the ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian kingdom.
It is renowned for multi-storeyed ancient carved granite obelisks and for the church which
claims to house the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Also in the north, The Blue Nile Waterfalls
are spectacular.
National parks include the Simien National Park (in the northern mountains) and the
Bale Mountains National Park, on high southern moorland country, which has its own unique
flora and fauna.
Ethiopian food is based on dishes called we't (meat, chicken or vegetables,
cooked in a hot pepper sauce). Local red and dry white wines are worth trying. Talla
(Ethiopian beer) has a unique taste.
Ethiopia is located on the horn of Africa. It is
roughly the size of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico combined. Ethiopia is the tenth
largest country in Africa with an area of 1,234,000sq. kms. about 60 % of which is arabie
with 10.4% presently cultivated. The country predominantly depends on agricultural
production. Agriculture provides more than 90% of the export earnings and about 45% of the
C.D.P.
The Great Rift Valley that runs from North-east to
about south-west divides the country into two parts 1.e. the western and eastern plateaus.
Currently the country constituted more than 52 million human population which is growing
by 2.9% annually. Because of its diverse landscapes, climate, vegetation, and soils;
Ethiopia has about 103 species of wildlife and 827 species of birds. In Ethiopia there are
9 national parks 4 sanctuaries (wildlife) one of which is Mago National Park on the south
west of Ethiopia.
HISTORY There is a growing consensus among
archeologists and anthropologists that the human species originated in Ethiopia. In 1994
the oldest human remains ever discovered, the 4.4 million old bones of Homo Ramidus
Afarensis, were found in Ethiopia’s Afar region - the previous record was held by
"Lucy" or "Dinkinish" (Amharic for "wonderful"), who at 3.4
million years was a relative youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly
in the north of the country, where the visitor can see constructions dating from the first
millennium BC, the stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock hewn churches dating from
the 4th century, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the 13th century monolithic rock hewn
churches of King Lalibella in Wollo. In the east, the 1000 year old city of Harer, with
its 99 mosques, is the fourth holiest place in Islam, after Mecca, Median and Jerusalem.
South of Addis Ababa there are a number of Neolithic sites, including the 1.5-1.8 million
year old site at Melka Kunture (Oromia Region) and the 400 stelae at Dilla in Sidamo
(Southern Region). Elsewhere in the southern region there are remote, medieval monasteries
and in Jimma, in Oromia, there is the recently resorted palace of Abba Jiffar, the last
independent king of the area.
COUNTRY Ethiopia has every variety of scenery,
from the peaks of the Simien mountain in north Gondar to the Dalol depression in the Afar
region, tropical forests, lakes, savanna and deserts. In Bale National Park in Oromia,
home to many endemic mammals and birds, visitors can see unique alpine fauna and flora,
volcanic lakes and trout filled streams. For big game safaris, there are the Omo and Mago
National Parks in the Southern Region, with their fascinating Mursi and Hamer villages.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, the Capital of modern Ethiopia, and
gateway for most tourists, is the political and commercial heart of the Country. Now a
city of 4 million people, it was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887.
This big, sprawling, hospitable city is more
than 2,200 metres high in the foothills of Mount Entoto. Modem buildings and wide open
boulevards stand side by side with historic churches, palaces and monuments, as well as
simple country-style huts.
The air is filled with the scent of flowers and eucalyptus trees, and the rich vibrancy
of a city that is home to so many cultures.
Modern Addis Ababa also plays host to many international organisations, including the
OAU, the Economic Commission for Africa, and other multi-national bodies, who all have
their headquarters here.As a major international city, Addis Ababa offers a wide range of
excellent hotel facilities, from luxury international hotels to a good number of
mid-priced and budget accommodations. State of the art conference facilities attract
numerous international meetings to Ethiopia.
The rich culture of Ethiopia, and its
international links, have endowed the city with many fine restaurants and street side
cafes. Nightlife, including many cinemas, theatres, casinos and bars, provides
entertainment until the early hours.
Today, Addis Ababa is an uptbdate thriving city. Served by a modern airport at Bole,
just 8 kilometres from the centre, the city is linked by Ethiopian Airlines, and a large
number of regional and international carriers, to Africa and the world.
Things to see in Addis
 | The Menelik Mausoleum
Built in 1911, in the old Baata church, it serves as a tomb for emperors, princes and
martyrs of freedom. Built to house the tomb of Emperor Menelik II it also includes the
graves of members of his family and the Emperor Haile Selassie.
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| St. George's Cathedral
Built in 1896 in the traditional octagonal shape by the Emperor Menelik II
to commemorate his victory at Adwa, it is dedicated to the national saint of Ethiopia. The
museum houses a wide collection of importants religious paintings, crosses of many
designs, historic books and parchments, and beautiful handicrafts. There are also fine
examples of modern paintings by the famous Ethiopian artist Afewerke Tekle.
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| The National Museum
This famous museum, close to the University of Addis Ababa Graduate School,
houses numerous antiquarian relics and archaeological artefacts showing the history of
Ethiopia from prehistoric times to the modern day. Its most famous exhibit is the 3.5
million year old skeleton of 'Lucy'.
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| Trinity Cathedral
Trinity Cathedral was built in 1941, to a European design, in commemoration
of Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation.
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| Ethnological Museum
The exciting Ethnological Museum, located in the main campus of Addis Ababa
University, helps visitors to understand the priceless and varied ethnic medley that is
Ethiopia.
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| The Jubilee Palace
On Menelik II Avenue, this modern palace was completed to
commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I. The park is
home to a collection of rare indigenous wildlife. Zoological Natural Vlistory Museum The
only natural history museum in EthioDia with exhibits including examples of most of our
indigenous wildlife, often displayed in panoramas showing the relationship of the animals
to their natural habitats.
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| Mount Entoto
Addis Ababa is built in the foothills of Mount Entoto, and the panorama
from the peak (3,200m3, either by day or night, is a breathtaking spectacle. The Church of
St Mary (1885) overlooks the entire city and the surrounding area. The Entoto Museum, with
its historical exhibits is well worth a visit
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Population
PEOPLE Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic
diversity, with people of Semitic, Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock. There are more than
80 ethnic groups and as many languages. In terms of religion, Christians and Muslims make
up approximately 40% of the population each (Christians being slightly more preponderant),
the remaining 20% animists and others.
Under the new constitution, religious rights, and
the cultural and political rights of all ethnic groups are guaranteed.
What unites Ethiopia’s many people is primarily
their shared independent existence. Ethiopia was never colonized and though occupied by
Mussolini’s Fascists from 1935-1941, its people put up a continuous, spirited and
vigorous resistance. While ex-colonies are characterized by their resonances of former
colonial powers, Ethiopia is Ethiopian and this will be obvious to the visitor from the
moment of arrival in Addis Ababa. Courtesy and hospitality are prized qualities throughout
the country.
With its combination of history and culture, ethnic
diversity, stunning and varied scenery, wildlife and birdlife (there are more than 850
species recorded, with 29 endemics), Ethiopia is truly unique in Africa.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required for all visitors to Ethiopia
(with the exception of nationals of Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya and Sudan) and are readily
available from Ethiopian diplomatic missions abroad. Except in the case of a few
nationals, passengers in transit in Ethiopia, holding confirmed onward bookings within 72
hours, can obtain transit visas on arrival. However, in this case, passports are held at
the airport until departure and a pink coloured receipt card issued.
Customs
Duty-free import is permitted for up to:
a) 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or ˝lb of tobacco
b) 1 litre of alcoholic beverages c) ˝ litre, or two bottles, of perfumes.
Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding E. Birr 500, although some
articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit
SECURITY
Despite years of war
and brutal massacres carried out by the previous regime, in terms of crime and robberies,
Ethiopia is still a very safe country to visit, and Addis Ababa is still one of the safest
capitals in Africa. Visitors should of course take the usual precautions, not carry large
amounts of money with them and leave particularly valuable items with hotel reception.
Both men and women visitors should be careful about hand or money bags, keeping them close
at hand in crowded places.
Like everywhere else, pick pockets and snatch
thieves like to create some kind of diversion before making their move, so visitors should
walk purposefully and be cautious about sudden introductions in the street.
In Addis Ababa, such incidents as do occur tend to
happen in the city center, in a circle linking the Ghion, Ethiopia and Ras Hotels.
ELECTRICITY Voltage is 220 and plugs are of the two pin variety.
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Culture
CLOTHING Whether Christian or Muslim, most
Ethiopians tend to dress modestly so short shorts and skimpy tops should be eschewed, for
either sex, unless of course one is at the beach, on the lakes or at a swimming resort.
Shorts and tank tops would strike most Ethiopians as underwear, and while it is unlikely
that any one would say anything (what ever he or she might be thinking to themselves),
attempting to go into any religious site "underdressed" would cause offense.
Before entering a church or mosque, visitors should remove their shoes.
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Religion
Christians and Muslims make up approximately 40%
of the population each (Christians being slightly more preponderant), the remaining 20%
animists and others.
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Economy
About 90 per cent of the population earn their
living from the land, mainly as subsistence farmers. Agriculture is the backbone of the
national economy and the principal exports from this sector are coffee, oil seeds, pulses,
flowers, vegetables, sugar and foodstuffs for animals. There is also a thriving livestock
sector, exporting cattle on the hoof and hide and skins.
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Politics
In 1974 the monarchy of Haile Selassie was
overthrown, following a series of demonstrations and strikes in the towns and land
seizures in the countryside. But the popular demand for democratic government (and
modernization) was thwarted when a clique within the military under the leadership of
Mengistu Hailemariam seized power. Ethiopia was then subjected to 17 years of bloody
repression, war and famine.
Throughout Ethiopia and in Eritrea, people took up arms against the
dictatorship. Of the resistance movements within Ethiopia, the most successful was the
Tigreyan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) which in 1989 joined with other forces to
form the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
By May 1991, EPRDF forces had succeeded in toppling the dictatorship, and Mengistu fled
to exile in Zimbabwe, from where the Ethiopian authorities have so far unsuccessfully
sought his extradition on charges of crimes against humanity.
Within a month of the EPRDF victory, a national conference was convened, representing
more than 30 political parties and ethnic groups. The conference adopted a National
Charter, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and guaranteeing all the
fundamental freedoms, of speech, the press, of association and perhaps most importantly in
the case of Ethiopia, the right of all nationalities to self determination.
Ethiopia has more than 80 ethnic groups, and the lack of national
and cultural freedoms had caused endless conflict, including the
30 year old struggle in Eritrea. (Eritreans voted for independence in a
referendum organized in May 1993).
The conference set up a Transitional Government, to prepare the
country for national elections, which took place in May 1995. A number of opposition
parties, mainly based in the USA among Ethiopian communities there, boycotted these
elections but international observers, representing foreign governments, international
organizations such as the UN, EC and OAU, and various non-governmental organizations,
found them to be free and fair.
Before the elections, a new constitution was drawn up and submitted
to more than 26,000 local councils for discussion and ratification. Under the new
constitution, Ethiopia is a federal republic, consisting of 14 Regions, essentially based
on ethnicity. In southern Ethiopia, Regions 7,8,9,10 and 11, with more than 40 separate
ethnic groups and languages, have combined to form one Region with Amharigna as its
official language.
The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)
won most of the seats in the National Parliament, while member or allied parties won
control of regional assemblies. The next elections will be held in 2000. In its program
for government, the EPRDF is giving priority to agriculture, where nearly 90% of
Ethiopians earn their livelihood.
At peace with itself and its neighbors, Ethiopia now has the chance
to devote its energies and talents to development. Food production can be increased
through the extension of irrigated agriculture and the adoption of more efficient farming
methods. There are export markets in the Middle East for Ethiopian fruit, vegetables, meat
and dairy products. There are proven reserves of natural gas and coal, gold, copper,
tantalum, potash, zinc, ironore, nickel and marble. Ethiopia has the largest number of
cattle, sheep and goats in Africa, and is now expanding its leather industry.
Ethiopia only uses a fraction of its potential hydro electric power.
The Blue Nile, which has its source near Lake Tana, contributes to 80% of the main Nile
flow and plans to increase existing power generation are being implemented. In the Oromo
and Afar Regions, projects have started to exploit geo-thermal power.
However, Ethiopia’s immediate prospects while finding its feet
depend on good harvests (which mean good rains) and a good price for its coffee (60% of
foreign currency earnings).
The current government believes that real development can only take
place in a democracy. It has also stressed that democracy cannot be installed by decree,
but is a process which involves the development of a democratic culture and institutions,
in which all citizens must play a part. While the process will take decades, so far the
extension of human, democratic and national rights has been truly revolutionary, and for
the first time in Ethiopia’s long history, a government has been set up which
genuinely represents the regions and Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups. Perhaps alone
among African countries, Ethiopia is acknowledging that it is a multi-cultural and
multi-ethnic society.
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Weather
Land
Ethiopia, as large as France and Spain combined, has an
area of 1,112,000 square kilometres. About 65 per cent of the land is arable, with 15 per
cent presently cultivated.
Climate
Throughout most of the country there are two seasons: the
dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to Septmeber.
Topography
Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in
height between 2,000 and 3,000 metres. In the north and centre of the country there are
some mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 metres. The most famous Ethiopian river is the
Blue Nile (or Abbay), which runs a distance of 1,450 kilometres from its source in Lake
Tana, to join the White Nile at Khartoum. |
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How to get there
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Not to do's
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Do's
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How far from the capital
From Addis Ababa to
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Miles |
K/M |
Driving
hour |
| Lalibela |
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| Axum |
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| Gonder |
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| Bahir Dar |
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Ethiopia
maping autority
The following products are available from
EMA's Map Sales Division
a) Various large scale and
thematic maps.
b) Topographic maps at scale of 1:50,000.
c) Image-based and orthophoto maps.
d) Topographic maps at scale of 1:250,000.
e) Topographic maps at scale of 1:1,000,000 and 1:2,000,000.
f) National Atlas of Ethiopia.
g) Map of Addis Abeba at scale of 1:15,000.
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How long it will take
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Places of attraction
ADMISSION FEES There is admission fee to Ethiopia’s
historic sites, varying from 10 Birr in some places to 100 Birr for the churches in
Lalibela, and 50 Birr to all National Parks.
There are differential rates for visitors, resident
foreigners and nationals in admission fees and also in the state sector and some private
hotels. This is to ensure that access to Ethiopia’s heritage is affordable for the
domestic tourist, while a reasonable income is made from foreign visitors.
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Historical places
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Lakes and rivers
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Archeological sites
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Places
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Churches and Mosque
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Services
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Hospitals
Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate
for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has
visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.
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Hotel and restaurant
Addis Ababa has hotels that cater for all pockets, from the luxurious Hilton
hotel to the tourist-class hotels such as the Ghion, the Ethiopia and the Wabi Shebelle.
All tourist resorts offer a choice of modern hotels
FOOD The national dish for most Ethiopians is injera, a flat, sour dough
pancake made from a special grain called teff, which is served with either meat or
vegetable sauces. One tears of a bit of injera, and uses it to pick up pieces of meat or
to mop up the sauce. Berbere, the blend of spices which gives Ethiopian food its
characteristic taste can be hot for the uninitiated, although vindaloo or hot curry
aficionados will not have any problem.
When eating national food Ethiopians eat together, off one large circular plate.
Visitors and guests will have choice morsels and pieces of meat placed in front of them,
and when eating doro wot, chicken stew, the pieces of meat are eaten last, after one has
filled up on injera and sauce. (If one were to finish the pieces of meat immediately,
other bits would be added.)
Vegetarians should try "fasting food", what Orthodox Christians eat
during Lent and other fasting periods, and which is free of meat and animal products.
You eat with your right hand, and should always wash your hands before eating -
usually, a jug, basin and bar of soap are brought for that purpose but in a restaurant you
should make your way to the toilets.
For those who find Ethiopian food too spicy, in Addis Ababa there are nor Greek,
Chinese, American, Indian, Arabic, French and Italian restaurants. Outside Addis Ababa,
European style food, particularly pasta, is available in all the large hotels.
Ethiopia produces its own wines - Dukam and Gouder are good, dry reds, Crystal
is a dry white and Axumite is a sweet red - and spirits, like gin, ouzo and brandy. There
are also traditional alcoholic beverages: in Amharigna, generally understood throughout
the country (see Glossary), they are called tela (a local beer made from gain), tej (honey
wine or mead) and kati kala (distilled liquor).
TIPPING Although there is a service charge in most hotels and
restaurants, visitors might like to leave a small tip, of around one or two Birr,
depending on the size of the bill.
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Postal services
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Telephone
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Bank and money exchange
For more information please visit Bank
Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard and JCB cards are becoming more widely accepted
throughout Ethiopia, please refer to the Ethiopian section
of the Barclaycard Global Services web site for more information
CURRENCY
The Ethiopian national currency is known as the Birr. The Birr
note comprises the following denominations: Birr 1, Birr 5, Birr 10, Birr 50, and Birr
100. A one-Birr note represents one hundred cents of its coinage. Its coinage has also
denominations of 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents and 50 cents. One Ethiopian Birr
amounts to one hundred cents. The sole right of issuing notes and coins in Ethiopia
belongs to the National Bank of Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Birr is directly convertible into the US Dollar in the
country. It is also convertible into other currencies at cross-rate of US dollar and the
other currency. Current the Birr's exchange rate with the US dollar is determined through
foreign exchange auction held weekly by the central bank. According to the result of this
auction, the rate was Birr 6.14 and 6.33 per US dollar on average during 1995 and the
first half of 1996, respectively. In November 1996 the rate was Birr 6.39 per US dollar.
CURRENCY The currency is the Birr,
the rate of which is fixed against the US dollar every two weeks following a foreign
currency auction.There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought
into Ethiopia, but visitors must declare all currency in their possession on arrival, and
change foreign currency in banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers.On leaving the
country, visitors will be asked to surrender to customs officials the currency declaration
filled in on arrival
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Television and Radio
ELECTRICITY Voltage is 220 and plugs
are of the two pin variety.
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Newspaper & magazines
There are several foreign-language newspapers published in Ethiopia including the
daily Ethiopian Herald, printed in English, and the Arabic weekly newspaper Al-Alem.
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Transportation
Roads: There are some 4,100 kilometres of asphalt roads with a further 19,000
kilometres of gravel and dry-weather roads.
Railway: A 778-kilometre long railway line links Addis Ababa with Djibouti, and carries
both freight and passengers.
Air: Ethiopian Airlines has an extensive domestic network flying to 43 airfields and an
additional 21 landing strips.
ROAD The best way to experience the variety of scenery that Ethiopia has to offer
is travel by road. But road conditions in Ethiopia are poor and given the nature of the
terrain a road journey to Axum for example takes three days, while the flight from Addis
Ababa takes two hours. The scenery by road is of course incomparable, but many travelers
lack the time.
The toll exacted by poor roads (and the 100% customs duty) makes vehicle hire
relatively expensive, when compared to some other countries. There are cheap, but
generally comfortable, public and private buses running between most towns.
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Ground
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Taxi
Fares are largely a matter of negotiation - a price should be agreed before commencing
the journey. Foreigners are expected to pay more, taxi drivers will often tell you this
frankly, but most journeys within the city should not cost more than about 10 Birr. (From
the airport to town is about 30 Birr). There are mini-buses and shared taxis, which are
very cheap (less than a Birr for journeys in town), but the visitor may have some
difficulty in catching the right one.
The taxis are luxury Mercedes limousines. They are stationed outside all the major
hotels and at the airport. They have fixed rates and a receipt is given for the fare.
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City bus
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Long distance bus
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Train
RAIL The rail link between Djibouti and Addis Ababa has deteriorated over the last
couple of decades due to lack of investment and while Ethiopia has recently secured
renovation grants,train enthusiasts should be prepared for delays
The train service of the Addis Ababa/Djibouti Railroad terminates at the celebrated
Addis Ababa Railway Station. A wide network of roads, most of them allweather highways,
link Addis Ababa with all the regional centres and most other towns in Ethiopia, as well
as with Kenya, Djibouti and Eritrea . Bus services leave Addis Ababa daily for all
regional centres, and most rural centres that have roads.
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Animal
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Water
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Boats
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Air
AIR The international flight constitutes on average around 30% of the cost of a
holiday, and so the Ethiopia can maximize the benefits from the development of its tourist
industry, EET likes to encourage its clients to fly the national carrier, Ethiopian
Airlines (EAL), which recently celebrated its 50th birthday, generally provides excellent
service and has an excellent safety record.
Travelers to Ethiopia should also be aware of another reason for flying EAL - on the
domestic circuit, priority is given to those who use EAL for their international flight.
The cheapest and quickest way to get around Ethiopia’s historic sites in the north is
by air. Most of Ethiopia’s major town and sites of tourist interest are accessible by
air, and fares are still cheap by international standards.
However, in the last couple of years the increase in the number of visitors to Ethiopia
has put pressure on EAL’s domestic capacity, and visitors should be prepared for
cancellations and delays.
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Airports
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Air charters
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Travel agents
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National parks
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Culture
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religion
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Language
Amharic, with its unique alphabet, is the official language; however, English,
Italian and Arabic are widely spoken.
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Bars and clubs
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Time zone
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone.
Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consists of twelve months of 30 days each and
a thirteenth month of five or six days.
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Year
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Month
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weather
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Words to know in Amharic
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Greetings
GREETINGS Handshaking is the usual mode of greeting, although friends or family who
have not seen each other for some time will kiss on each cheek. (Displays of sexual
intimacy, kissing or hugging, will arouse embarrassment among most Ethiopians.)
| English |
Amharic |
| Hello |
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| Good morning |
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| Good afternoon |
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| Goodnight |
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| Thank you |
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| Please |
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| Sorry |
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Days in week
| English |
Amharic |
| Monday |
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| Tuesday |
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| Wednesday |
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| Thursday |
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| Friday |
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| Saturday |
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| Sunday |
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Months of the year
| September |
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| October |
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| Nov |
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| Dec |
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| Jun |
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| Feb. |
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| Mar |
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| Apr. |
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| May |
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| Jun |
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| Jul |
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| Aug. |
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Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Most of the arts and artifacts in Addis Ababa (and certainly along the Historic Route -
Axum, Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar) reflect the Orthodox Christian tradition: silver
crosses, icons, paintings on animal skin, and woven garments - items with a Christian
motif. A well stocked shop will also be able to offer Harari silver and basket work, and
wooden carvings from the south and south west.
Other things visitors might like to bring back are filigree work and silver and gold,
woven carpets, amber and of course coffee - the very name comes from Kaffa in south
western Ethiopia. If you are looking for larger mementos, you can buy Ethiopian stools,
chairs and other furniture from private shops and from the state sector Ethiopian Tourist
Trading Corporation, next to the airport.
Like many countries, Ethiopia is facing a problem with the theft and illegal purchase
of national treasures. Visitors should only buy what appears to be antiques from
authorized shops, ask for a stamped receipt, and if in doubt, check with the National
Museum in Addis Ababa whether the item may be exported or not.
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Water
Food
Bread