Profile

Total land area: 1,128,200 sq.km.

Population: 70,851,281 and population density is 51.8 persons per square km.

Language Amharic - the only written language in Africa with its own unique script

Capital City: Addis Ababa (Addis Abeba), founded in 1889

Major Religion: Orthodox Christianity and Islam

Calendar: Ethiopia follows the ancient Christian calendar and will enter the new Millennium on 11 September, 2007

Time: Three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). Because Ethiopia is close to the equator, there is an almost constant twelve hours of daylight and time

Currency: Ethiopia's currency is known as Birr, and according to current exchange rates, 1 Birr buys about 0.110 US dollars

Flag: Horizontal stripes of green, yellow and red

Climate: Despite its proximity to the Equator, Ethiopia's high altitude ensures a temperate, moderate, even chilly climate

Ethiopia lies in North Eastern Africa bordering Sudan to the north and north west, Eritrea to the north and north east, Djibouti to the east, Somalia to the east and south east and to the south lays Kenya. It has a variety of distinct geographical zones and contrasts, varying as much as 120Mts below sea level in the harsh salt flats of the Danakil depression, to a 4618Mts peak - Ras Dashan, the fourth highest peak in Africa, in the Simien mountains. The most distinctive feature is the northern part of the Great Rift Valley, which runs through the entire length of the country in a northeast-southwest direction. In the centre of the country is a high plateau region. This rugged tableland is bordered by steep slopes on the northwest; gradual slopes lead from the centre to the Western Plains and, on the east, through Somalia to the Indian Ocean.

Ethiopia, a horn of Africa nation provides a generous act of hospitality to its guests. Ethiopia has been a constant subject of interest for historians, archeaologists, anthropologists and also a favourite destination for tourists. Its cultural and historical heritages have been sources of inspiration to many historians and archeologists who wish to discover more and learn about the origin of human life. The majestic highlands and the lowlands make a beautiful contrast which attributes to the uniqueness of land formation. The various habitats which includes mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts and savannahs have an astonishing array of wildlife, some of which are endemic to Ethiopia. The endemic ones include Mountain Nyala, Red fox, Menelik's bushbuck and several birds.

Splendid rock-hewn churches, centuries old mosques and colorful religious ceremonies are some which attracts tourists to this country. All the spectacular scenery, unique flora and fauna, historical and cultural attractions are minimal to express the character of this ancient land.

The different peoples, nations and nationalities each with its own language, cultural heritages, crafts, costumes and beliefs make the country an unique museum. Over a century old capital Addis Ababa is the seat for AU, ECA and other international organizations and embassies.

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