About Ethiopia

KNOW MORE ABOUT ETHIOPIA

HISTORY

The name ‘’Ethiopia’’ comes from the Greek words Aitho and ops, which tighter mean ‘’burnt face.’’ this was how the ancient Greeks referred to dark-skinned people. Around the 8^th Century BCE, political and cultural influences from the south Arabian state of Saba led to the foundation of the Ethio-Sabean kingdom known as Damat. The political and religious center of this kingdom was in Yeha. Ethiopia is also the land of Queen of Sheba and her son, Menelik I, who found the Solomenic dynasty. All the kings of the Solomenic dynasty were recognized in Aksum to rule.

The Aksumite kingdom began minting its own coins in the 3^rd Century AD, specifically in 270 AD during the region of king Endibus. Aksum was the only African country at the time to do so. The Persian religious figure Mani listed Aksum alongside Rome, Persia and china as one of the four great powers of his time.

Ethiopia played a significant role in the early protection of Islam. Historical records indicate that after escaping persecution from the mercantile rulers of Mecca, the first group of prophet Mohamed’s followers sought refuge in Ethiopia. However, the period until the 10^th century is often referred to as the “’Dark Age’’ due to the lack of detailed historical records.

Lalibela is home to a series of incredible monolithic rock-hewn churches built in the 12^th century, sometimes referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.’’ Gondar, known as the ‘’town of castles’’ was the Ethiopian capital in the 17^th century and holds great historical significance. To the south, the Omo valley is a treasure trove of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic diversity. Ethiopia is also the birthplace of coffee, one of its most famous gifts to the world.

Ethiopia is recognized as the origin of humankind, being home to the earliest remains of human ancestors ever found, “’Lucy’’ (locally called Dinkinesh), a 3.2 million-year-old and 40% complete skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis.

Ethiopia was among the first independent nations to sign the united nation charter, and it provide moral and materiel support to the decolonization of Africa and the growth of Pan-African cooperation. These efforts culminated in the establishment of the organization of Africa unity, now known as the African union (AU) and the united nation economic commission for Africa (UNECA) Both the Headquarter is Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is home to several UNESCO world heritage sites and celebrates a number of colorful and culturally significant festivals, including Meskel, Timkat, Genna, Mewled, Erecha, Ashenda or shady. It is the only country in Africa with its own script. 

GEOGRAPHY

Ethiopia is located in the horn of Africa and is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, South Sudan to the west and Kenya to the south. The country’s highest mountain reaching 4,533 m (14,872 feet). Ethiopia covers a total area of 1,104,300 square kilometers, and more than 70 % of Africa’s mountain are found in within its borders. The largest inland lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, serves as the main reservoir for the Blue Nile River. The Blue Nile then joins the White Nile River in Sudan to form the great Nile River. Additionality the Danakil Depression, located in Ethiopia, is the lowest and hottest place on Earth.

CULTURE

Ethiopia is a nation of diverse cultural and ethnic groups, with over 200 dialects spoken throughout. It is unique in the African continent for having its own script.  Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity stems from its long history and is beautifully reflected in its settings. Here you can observe how churches and mosques are coexist as neighbors. And you will be warmly welcomed by people of all.

NATURE

Ethiopia is rich in natural resource, including gold, platinum, copper, potash and natural gas. The country also has extensive hydropower potential, although only about 25% of its currently under cultivation. It features Hot springs, active volcanoes, vast salt flats, fertile farmlands and stunning waterfalls. Ethiopia is home to a Variety of endemic species, both mammals and birds, some of which are critically endangered or near threatened. The country boasts around 924 Bird species, including the Nyala, Walia ibex and the gelada baboon making Ethiopia paradise for bird and wildlife lover’s enthusiasts.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, playing a significant role in its GDP. Over the past decade, the agricultural sector has experienced an annual growth rate of up to 10 %. Coffee production in Ethiopia is at its peak, Thanks to the country’s fertile soil and optimal temperatures. Additionally Ethiopia produce Teff, black tea, maize and barley.                                       

RELIGION

Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries to adopt Christianity, doing so long before many European nations. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church embraced Christianity in the 4^th century AD and is proud of its ancient heritage. Major festivals include Epiphany (Timkat) and the finding the true cross (Meskel), which are among the largest celebrations of the year. Additionally, there are Ethiopian Jews known as the Flashes or beta Israel. During the time of Mohammed Islam began to spread when his followers fled persecution in Arabia and sought refuge in Ethiopia.

DRINK AND FOOD

Coffee is believed to have been discovered in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia and is considered the national drink.  Local beverages include a traditional beer made from white melt and honey wine known as (Tej). Ethiopian cuisine primarily consists of vegetable and often very spicy meat dishes. The most important staple food in Ethiopia is (Injera), a sourdough flatbread made from a grain called Teff, which originated in Ethiopia. Teff is the smallest grain in the world and is rich in calcium, phosphorous, iron, and copper, aluminum and thiamine.

TIME

Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar, which consists of 12 months of 30 days each and a 13^th month of 5 or 6 days. The Ethiopia calendar is 7 and half years behind (younger than) the Gregorian calendar. The Ethiopian New Year begins on September 11 or 12.