About Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a population of approximately 100 million people and, with a land-mass covering 1,104,300km2 (426,370 sq miles) (five times the area of the United Kingdom), is the tenth largest country in Africa. The major ethnic/linguistic groups are the Oromo (40%), Amhara (22%) Tigrai (10%), Sidamo (9%) and Somali (6%). Its capital is Addis Ababa.
thiopia’s economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture. Coffee accounts for 55% of Ethiopia’s exports. But, despite the international renown for its coffee, Ethiopia is still one of the poorest countries in Africa.
Geography and Climate
With a land area of 1,098,000 square kilometers, Ethiopia is five times as big as Britain. Two principal geographical zones can be found in the country: the cool highlands and the hot lowlands that surround them.
- The vast central mountain-plateau – the Ethiopian Highlands – has an average elevation of between 1800-2400 meters. It is here that the country’s major mountain-peaks are found, including the highest mountain: Ras Dashen (4620 m), Ethiopia’s highest mountain and the fourth highest in Africa.
- In fact, Ethiopia has 20 mountains peaking above 4000 meters. But the country is also home to one of the lowest points on the Earth’s surface: the inhospitable Danakil Depression, which lies at more than 100 meters below sea level.
Southern Ethiopia is ‘divided’ diagonally by the Rift Valley. This valley is – on average – 50 kilometres wide and runs all the way down to Mozambique. Several lakes can be found – as a ‘chain’ – on the valley floor. These lakes are much loved by bird-lovers. The northern end of the East African Rift Valley opens into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on earth. - Ethiopia’s climate reflects its’ topography. The highlands have a very different climate than the lowlands.
In the highlands, the average daytime temperature is considered as ‘moderate’. Most of the year, temperatures will be just over 20 degrees Celsius, slowly getting hotter as the rainy season is approaching. - The rains start in June and usually end in September. Rainstorms can be very strong. In the north-east of the country, where there are often droughts, one can rely less on the rains.
- Rainfall in the lowlands is around half that of the highlands, but some areas also experience small rains in March and April.
The southern Rift Valley is classified as moderate to hot and shares a similar rainfall pattern to the highlands. - In the Bale Mountains in the south, snow sometimes falls.
At the other end of the scale, temperatures in the Danakil Depression can go up to 50 degrees Celsius and the rainfall here is almost zero. - Rainfall in the lowlands is around half that of the highlands, but some areas also experience small rains in March and April.
The southern Rift Valley is classified as moderate to hot and shares a similar rainfall pattern to the highlands. - In the Bale Mountains in the south, snow sometimes falls.
At the other end of the scale, temperatures in the Danakil Depression can go up to 50 degrees Celsius and the rainfall here is almost zero. - The far south and eastern lowlands are hot and dry.
- The western lowlands on the other hand, are hot and humid.
CURRENCY and CURRENCY REGULATIONS Ethiopia
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB), made up of 100 cents. Birr notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency but this must be declared on arrival to the customs authorities on the appropriate blue-colored form
Foreign currency may only be exchanged at authorized banks and hotels, and a receipt must be obtained. The currency declaration form must be retained as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors may change back any surplus Ethiopian Birr to cash at the airport before departure.
In addition to any Ethiopian Birr, along with the currency exchange form you must bring with you all receipts for exchange transaction.
Travel information
Federal democratic of Ethiopia
Capital city: Addis Ababa
Head of State: President Sahle-Work Zewde
Head of Government: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali
Calling Code: +251
Currency: Birr
Official Language: Amharic
Motto: Wodefit Gesgeshi, Widd Innat Ityopp`ya ”March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia”
Area: 1,104,300 km2
Topography and Climate
Ethiopia has an elevated plateau ranging in height between 2,000 to 3000 meters. In the north and south east part of the country there are high mountains whose picks rise to above 4,300 M. one of the biggest lake which is the source of famous Nile river is also found in the northern part of the country. Ethiopia also has two major favorable seasons wet and Dry seasons. We season runs from June to September and dry prevails October trough May.
Economy
Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state with a great variety of languages spoken in the country, of which there are 83 with 200 dialects. Amharic is the working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia while Oromigna, Tigrigna and Guragina are widely spoken. Moreover, English, Italian, French and Arabic are widely spoken in the spheres of commerce and education.
Religion
Major religions in the country are Christianity and Islam but there are also some Catholic and protestant.
Power supply
Ethiopia uses 220 volts 50 cycles AC.
Internet , telephone and fax service
Major religions in the country are Christianity and Islam but there are also some Catholic and protestant.
The population is estimated at 83.1 million (UN 2007).
Time Zone
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar.
Internet domain or country code suffix .et Numerous internet cafes are available in Addis Ababa and in other cities. They all give Fax and telephone calling service.
Main product Exports
Ethiopian main exports are based on agricultural products as such as: Coffee, hides, oil seeds, beeswax, meat, sugarcane, and flowers.
Banking Hours
Banking hours are usually from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturdays. Closing times may be an hour longer in some private banks. Most banks work through lunchtime; however foreign exchange services are closed during lunch hours (12:00 noon – 1:00 pm).
Couriers and Money transfer services
Money transfers can be made through Western Union and Money Gram. Both have representative branches in Addis Ababa and also make their services available from private and national banks.
Four courier service providers DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and EMS have offices in Addis Ababa.
Hotels
Addis Ababa has hotels that cater for all pockets, from the luxurious Sheraton and Hilton hotels to the tourist-class hotels such as the Ghion, the Ethiopia and the Wabi Shebelle. All tourist resorts offer a choice of modern hotels.
Clothing
In general between seasons clothes are appropriate. At higher altitudes, woolen clothes or a coat are needed in the evenings. Travelers should take rain coat or other rainwear, particularly when visiting the country during the period from February to October. It is usually possible to have clothes laundered at or near hotels within a short period of time (frequently services are offered 24 hours a day).
Health Requirements
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.
Duty-free imports are permitted for up to
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.
- 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1/2 lb of tobacco.
- 2 liters of alcoholic beverages.
- Half-liter or two bottles of perfume.
Half-liter or two bottles of perfume.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN ETHIOPIA
Public holidays are celebrated according to the Ethiopian (Julian) Calendar which consists of twelve months of thirty days each and a thirteenth month of five days (six days in leap year). The calendar is seven years behind the Western or Gregorian Calendar, with New Year falling in the month of September. Sunday is the weekly day of rest.
- September 11 Ethiopian New Year
- September 26 The finding of the True Cross (Meskal)
- October 2 Id ul Fitr (Ramadhan)
- December 9 Id ul Ahda (Sacrifice)
- January 8 Ethiopian Christmas`
- January 20 Ethiopian Epiphany
- March 2 Victory of Adwa
- March 20 Birth of Prophet Mohammed (Mauwlid)
- April 25 Ethiopian Good Friday
- April 27 Ethiopian Easter
- May 1 International Labour Day
- May 5 Ethiopian patriots’ victory day
- May 28 Downfall of the Dergue Regime
UNESCO Registered World Heritages of Ethiopia
Axum, Historical and Archaeological site, Tigray region, September 1980
For a large number of years in ancient time, Axum had been served as a political and religious center of Ethiopia. It was the capital of the Axumite Kingdome and considered as the first well-known permanent capital in the history of the country. It has still a considerable symbolic role for the Ethiopian church and state. During its long history, Axum greatly contributed too many human developments. It has been a repository of tremendous archeological and historical treasures including the steel, the rock-tombs, temples, the palaces, the stone thrones and others.
Harer Jegol, the fortified Historic town Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia August 2006
Inscribed in 2006, Harar is a fortified historic town in south-eastern Ethiopia. It has been a major commercial center, linking African and Islamic trade routes.
It has been recognized by UNESCO as ‘an inland urban settlement with a distinct architectural character and social organization, which cannot be compared to any other town in East Africa.
It is considered “the fourth holiest city of Islam” with 82 mosques and 102 shrines. The walls surrounding this sacred Muslim city were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The walled city of Harar is characterized by a maze of narrow alleyways and forbidding facades.
Konso Cultural Landscape: Southern Nations Ethiopia inscribed in 2011
The Konso Cultural Landscape properties including the traditional stone wall towns (Paletea), ward system (kanta), Mora (cultural space), the generation pole (Olayta), the dry stone terracing practices (Kabata), the burial marker (Waka) and other living cultural practices are the reasons for the inscribiton of the Konso cultural landscape to be listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list.
Cultural properties constituting the Konso Cultural Landscape are:
- The traditional stone walled towns (Paletea) and their organization and associated cultural properties including the Kanta (Ward system), Mora(Cultural space), with its men house (Pafta), Generation marker tree (Olayta), erected stones (Daga-hela and Daga-diruma)
- The dry stone terrace( kabata), used for water and soil conservation
- The traditional maintained grooves (forests) which serve as a refuge for many endemic plants
- The burial marker statuettes (Waka) made of wood and unique to Konso people
- The ponds (Harda)
- The active traditions of Konso (erecting stelae)
Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches, North Wollo Amhara Region, September 1978
Lalibela is designated as world Heritage site in 1978. After the decline of the Axumite state, a new Christian dynasty emerged in the 12th century. This Zagwe dynasty made its capital in Roha, some 400 of kilo meters south of Axum.
According to a legendary account, King Lalibela was born in Roha. His name means ‘the bee recognises its sovereignty’. God ordered him to build 10 monolithic churches, and gave him detailed instructions as to their construction and even their colours. When his brother Harbay abdicated, time had come for Lalibela to fulfill this command. Construction work began and is said to have been carried out with remarkable speed, which is scarcely surprising, for, according to legend, angels joined the labourers by day and in the night did double the amount of work which the men had done during the hours of daylight.
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are in fact no more than exceptionally fine examples of a long-established Ethiopian building tradition. Monolithic churches are to be found all over the north and the centre of the country. Some of the oldest of such churches are to be found in Tigray, where some are believed to date from around the sixth or seventh centuries.
Tigray, where some are believed to date from around the sixth or seventh centuries.
Some are believed to date from around the sixth or seventh centuries.
Valley of Awash; Paleontological and Pre-Historic Site - UNESCO registered
UNESCO registered the area of Awash Valley as a world heritage site mainly because of its immense paleo-anthropological and archaeological resources. In this regard, the Middle Awash, Hadar, Gona, Dikika, Busidima and Melka Kunture are worth mentioning.
The Awash Valley contains the oldest hominid remains that date back at least to 5million years. It also provides evidence of the genus Homo sapiens and Lithic (stone tool) technology. The major fossil remains of the area are described in the table below.
Royal Compound and other Monuments of Gondar, North Gondar Amhara Region, October 1979
The historic Gonderine town is very popular mainly because of the marvelous castles in the royal enclosure. There are six graceful castles in the palace compound built by the successive Gonderine Kings of the 17th and 18th centuries. The tradition was first set by Emperor Fassiledes and then followed by his successors. The castle were built from local stone, hard dark brown basalt and red volcanic lava held together with lime mortar within the fortified royal compound at aboubt 70,000 square meters. The 12 symbolic entrances (gates) of the palace compound have various names and represent the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.
Simen Mountains National Park, North Gonder, Amhara Region, September 1978
The Simien Mountains National park was primarily created to conserve Walia Ibex and other endemic species. Its scenic value, probably the most rugged in Africa, also formed the backbone of the concept for conservation of the area. These unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape has further led the park to the recognition as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 by UNESCO.
The Simen Mountains National Park is situated on the northwestern side of the Simen mountains massif in northern Ethiopia, Gonder, with an altitudinal range from 1900 to the highest peak of the African horn, Ras Dejen, at 4620m asl. It lies in the center of a triangle formed by Gonder, Lalibela and Axum- three major Historical Northern Routes. It is roughly about 900km from Addis Ababa. The head quarter is situated in debark, where entrance to the park is permitted.
Tiya, Prehistoric Site, Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia September 1980
Tiya is a megalithic site located at about 80km south of Addis Ababa in Soddo area on the road to Butajira. The monuments are supposed to be remains of medieval Ethiopia culture apparently dated from the 12th to 14th centuries. However, the local people claimed that they were the grave marker of the soldiers of Ahmed Gragn, dating the site to the 16th century.
The Tiya monuments belong to one of stone 160 megalithic sites in the Soddo region. There are more than 45 standing monuments in Tiya. Few of them were removed from the site and can be seen in the main campus of Addis Ababa University 6kilo, erected near the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES). Most of Tiya monuments measure a height between a meter and 3 meter though the largest one is about five meters, including its section underground.
The Tiya grave-markers are decorated with carvings of various representations. The meanings of the symbolic decorations are still open to speculation for various scholars. The major carved designs of the monuments are the swords, a kind of plants or carvings of leaves below the sword, carved circles, a carving like the letter ‘M’ on its side and the carving like the letter ‘X’ with slightly carved lines.
Valley of Omo Pre-historic and Paleontological site - UNESCO registered
The areas of Omo Valley has internationally recognized as World Heritage site because of its outstanding paleo-anthropological and archaeological reserves. For instance, Omo, Fejej and Konso are among the prominent paleo-anthropological sites within and around the Omo valley.
Sites of the Omo Valley contain fossil remains dating back to between 4 million and 100,000 years ago. Fossils of the genus Homo species and stone artifacts have been discovered in various localities including the following:
- The partial skull of Homo habilis, dated to 1.9 million years ago
- Homo erectus fossils dated about to 1.7 to 1.8 million years old
- Fossils of modern Homo sapiens in the Kibish area; Homo sapiens were originated 100,000 years ago most likely in Africa
Generally, many remains of humans and pre-human ancestors have been discovered in the Omo valley and the surrounding areas including Australopithecus Afarensis, Australopithecus aethiopicus, Australopithecus boisei, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, archaic and modern Homo sapiens
Visa and Immigration
VISA AND IMMIGRATIONS REQUIREMENTS
Visa applications may be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas. However, nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charges.
List includes:
1.Australia
2. Austria
3. Argentina
4. Belgium
5. Brazil
6. Canada
7. China
8. Denmark
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. India
14. Ireland
15. Israel
16. Italy
17. Japan 18. Korea
19. Kuwait
20. Luxemburg
21. Mexico
22. Netherlands
23. Newzealnd
24. Norway
25. Poland
26. Portugal
27. Russian federation
28. South Africa
29. Spain
30. Sweden
31. Switzerland
32. Thailand
33. United kingdom
34. United states of America
