Ethiopia Travel Overview
At a glance
Capital: Addis Ababa
Official language: Amharic
Currency: Birr
Continent: East Africa
The home of coffee, the origin of the Nile
The history of Ethiopia dates back over 2000 years to ancient times. A military coup in the 1970s brought repression and great famine to the state. In the last few years this old country has experienced a new upswing. In terms of tourism, it not only impresses with its long history and culture, but also with scenic attractions such as the highlands which are the home of coffee.
History of Ethiopia
According to Countryaah, Ethiopia is described as an independent kingdom in ancient scriptures such as Greek mythology and the Bible. It borders Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti and has no access to the sea. International shipping runs through the port of Djibouti. Until the military coup in the 1970s, it was considered the longest continuously existing state. In the list of the oldest nations in the world, it ranks in the top 10 next to China, Egypt, Greece and the Lebanon.
Historically, it should also be mentioned that it is the only country in Africa that has never been under colonial rule, with the exception of the occupation of Italy which was fascist during World War II. In addition to this special political position, it is also the only Christian country in the region.
Climatic and landscape contrasts
Climatically, the country is mainly shaped by its altitude differences. The capital Addis Ababa lies at 2,400 meters above sea level and is relatively cool in winter, while the lower-lying areas in the south-east are more dominated by the tropical climate. Ethiopia lies in the great African rift valley that stretches south-east to Somalia. Ethiopia’s geology is shaped by its contrasts, which is why it is especially interesting for nature-loving travelers. 50% of the country is over 1,200 meters, 5% even over 3,500 meters, which makes it the highest country on the continent next to Lesotho.
Definitely worth seeing
Famous sights are the rock church Bet Gyiorgis in Lalibela, the Simien Mountains National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is suitable for hiking tours.
Did you know that the Nile has its source in Ethiopia? Ancient texts tell of the origin of the Nile, actually from the Blue Nile in Abyssinia, more precisely 17 kilometers from the city of Gonder, it flows from the highlands into Lake Tana and from there on to Sudan.
Particularities
Traveling has a long tradition in Ethiopia, which is why there are hotels everywhere in Ethiopia. Larger cities are all served by the Ethiopia Airlines. Ethiopia has got a bit of getting used to for Europeans. New Year is celebrated in the country on September 11th and the calendar does not start at midnight at 00:00 but at 06:00 our calendar.
Important facts
Capital: Addis Ababa
Official language: Amharic
Currency
Currency (sub-unit)
Birr (100 cents)
ISO 4217 code
ETB / 230
Geography
Continent: Africa
Region: east
Geo coordinates: N 9 ° 8 ’42 ” E 40 ° 29′ 22.8″
Highest mountain: Ras Dashen Terera (4,620 m)
Total area: 1,127,127 km²
Mainland: 1,119,683 km²
National border: 5,311 km
Politics
Dependency: independent since foundation
Formerly dependent states: Eritrea until 1993
UN member since: 1945
Other political affiliation: African Union
Form of government: Socialist republic
Economy
Export goods: Coffee, skins, vegetables
BSP: $ 12,686,000,000
GDP: $ 13,474,100,000
GDP purchasing power parity: $ 67.810 billion
Economic growth: 9.2%
GDP share of agriculture: 46.4%
GDP share of industry: 10.2%
GDP share of services: 43.4%
Inflation rate: 10.2%
State budget revenue: $ 26.9 billion
State budget expenditure: $ 3.24 billion
Export: $ 647,000,000
Import: $ 3,010,000,000
Foreign debt: $ 5,723,000,000
Gold and currency reserves: $ 1,534,000,000
Electricity consumption: 2,142 million KWh
Gas reserves: 24,920 million m³
Oil consumption: 36,000 million m³
Cultivation area: 10.51%
Bovine: 37,500,000 pieces
Sheep: 10,760,000 pieces
Fishing: 16,300 t
Demographic data
Residents: 74,778,000
Residents in cities: 11,760,000
Average age: 17.8 years
0-14 years: 43.7%
15-64 years: 53.6%
> 65 years: 2.7%
Population growth: 2.31%
Birth rate: 38.61 / 1,000 residents
Death rate: 14.86 / 1,000 residents
Ratio men / women: 1
Fertility: 5.22 children / woman
Infant mortality: 93.62 ‰
Life expectancy men: 47.86 years
Life expectancy women: 50.24 years
Country codes and abbreviations
ISO 3166 Alpha 2: ET
ISO 3166 Alpha 3: ETH
ISO 3166 numeric: 231
Top Level Domain: et
IOC country code: ETH
UN / LOCODE: ET
Source: Abbreviationfinder
Communication
Telephone connections: 575,000
Cell Phones: 276,000
Radios: 16,700,000
TV: 560,000
Computer: 460,000
Internet users: 330,000
Transportation
Railway lines: 681 km
Paved roads: 4,963 km
Cars: 69,000
Merchant fleet (ships over 1,000 GRT): 8th
Health
Number of doctors: 2,050
Daily food intake: 1,880 kcal / resident
HIV- infected people: 1,720,000
Education
Illiteracy: 53%
History
Foundation: 2000 BC Chr.
Last sovereign since: 2000 BC Chr.
Religion
Main religious group: Muslims
Crime
Prison inmates: 67,600
Military
Armed forces (troop strength): 150,000
Main battle tank: 290
Warplanes: 50
Helicopter: 5
Defense Spending: $ 267.8 million
GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
The national airline is Ethiopian Airlines (ET) (Internet: www.flyethiopian.com), which operates daily non-stop from Frankfurt, from Vienna and Zurich partly in cooperation with Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX) flies to Addis Ababa.
Departure fee
US $ 20 excluding transit passengers who do not leave the airport.
Arrival by car
The main route goes through Kenya. There is an all-weather road from Moyale on the border via Yabelo, Dila and Yirga to Addis Ababa.
The following border crossings are open:
Moyale (Kenya),
Dewale / Galafi (from Djibouti) and
Humera / Metema (from Sudan).
The border area to Eritrea is currently a restricted military area and not passable. Travelers should inquire about the passability of the other border crossings at the embassy in advance (see addresses).
The route from Addis Ababa to Nairobi is part of the Trans-East African Highway.
Arriving by train
The 785 km long railway line between Addis Ababa and Djibouti is operated by the governments of both countries. The trains are slow, crowded and usually delayed.
Arrival by ship
Since the independence of Eritrea, Ethiopia has been a landlocked country. However, there are regular connections between European ports and Massawa and Assab in Eritrea.