Ethiopia

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – African Continent
• Currency symbol of Ethiopia –Ethiopian birr currency and symbol of Br (Latin Script), ብር (Ethiopic Script)
• Capital City –Addis Ababa
• Official languages –Amharic
• Population – 115,715,387 (2020)
• Country dialling code  –  (+251)
• Official website – Ethiopia
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Agro-based industry, Food Processing, Construction
• Google Maps link –Ethiopia
• Where is it? –Ethiopia, country on the Horn of Africa. The country lies completely within the tropical latitudes and is relatively compact, with similar north-south and east-west dimensions.

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Ethiopia In Pictures

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ERITREA History

• How did the country get its first name? –Ethiopia is the English transliteration of the Greek word “Αιθιοπα” (or Aithiopia) which originates from the Greek word “Αιθιοψ” or “aithiops” which literally means “charred or burnt.” “Aithiops” is in fact composed of “αιθιω” (meaning “I burn”) and “ωψ” (meaning face or complexion).
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – Anthropologists have discovered the remains of the earliest known human ancestor in Ethiopia, dating to between 5.2 and 5.8 million years ago and which predate the previously oldest-known fossils by almost a million years. The previous discovery of the 4.4-million-year-old Ardipithecusramidus was up to this point the oldest known hominid.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? –It is thought that the Afar were the first of the present inhabitants of Ethiopia to elaborate their pastoral life into full-scale nomadism, descending from the highlands of southeast Ethiopia.
• When it was first recognized as a country? –Ethiopia became prominent in modern world affairs first in 1896, when it defeated colonial Italy in the Battle of Adwa, and again in 1935–36, when it was invaded and occupied by fascist Italy. Liberation during World War II by the Allied powers set the stage for Ethiopia to play a more prominent role in world affairs.
• Who was the first leader of the country? –The first president of Ethiopia was Mengistu Haile Mariam. Here is a list of presidents that have served throughout Ethiopia’s history (1987-1991).

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Five Significant Events

1. 1530-1531 Ahmad Gran conquers the Ethiopia: Muslim leader Ahmad Gran conquers much of Ethiopia. (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ahmad-Gran)
2. 1895 Ethiopia under Italy: Italy invades Ethiopia.(https://www.warhistoryonline.com/world-war-ii/invasion-ethiopia-mussolinis-insane-restoration-roman-empire-b.html)
3. 1896 Italian forces defeated by the Ethiopians: Italian forces defeated by the Ethiopians at Adwa. Treaty of Wuchale annulled, and Italy recognises Ethiopia’s independence but retains control over Eritrea. (http://www.dehai.org/conflict/history/timeline.htm)
4. 1973-74 Famine in Ethiopia: An estimated 200,000 people die in Wallo province as a result of famine. (https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/ethiopia/history/)
5. 1999 War between Ethiopia and Eritrean: Ethiopian-Eritrean border clashes turn into a full-scale war. (https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/eritrea.htm)

Five Places to Visit in Ethiopia

1. Danakil Depression: This is a surreal piece of real estate that’s strewn with active volcanoes, salted basins, hot springs, and a lava lake – all of which combine to create a very lunar-like landscape. (https://www.danakildepression.org/)
2. Lalibela: Lalibela pretty much blows the mind of everyone who visits.  This medieval settlement was designed to be a kind of second Jerusalem and modern day inhabitants remain proud of this distinction. ((https://againstthecompass.com/en/visit-lalibela/)
3. Harar: This holy, historic and walled city is a mesmerizing web of narrow alleyways. Built in the early 16th century, it’s the oldest Islamic city in Africa. (https://www.hararecity.co.zw/)
4. Babile Elephant Sanctuary: Only about 1,000 elephants remain in Ethiopia, and by far the largest and most visible herd lives in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary. (https://www.nationalparks-worldwide.com/eaf/ethiopia/national-parks/babile/babile-elephant-sanctuary.html)
5. The Rift Valley: The Rift Valley is a chain of seven lakes – each with its own distinct feel.  The passage includes wonderful lakes, hot springs, and lots of fun wildlife. (http://riftvalleyhotel.com-ethiopia.com/)

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References: 

• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-currency-of-ethiopia.html
• https://alphaomegatranslations.com/foreign-language/top-4-languages-of-ethiopia/
• https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ethiopia-population/
• https://www.howtocallabroad.com/ethiopia/
• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-biggest-industries-in-ethiopia.html
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Ethiopia
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/07/010712080134.htm
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Ethiopia