Physical Features
The structure is unique. The central region is a vast plateau with an altitude varying from 6000 to 9000 ft. topped by heights reaching up to 15,000 ft it is cool and well watered. On the west and northeast the land is low-lying and dry.
Religion
Ethiopia is among the first christen countries in the world the Christian faith was introduced in the country in 333 AD. Islam was introduced in the life time of Mohammed. Christianity and Islam are, therefore, the two dominant religions.
Language
The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic: English and French are widely spoken.
Food
The national food of Ethiopia consists of “injera and wot” a spicy curry prepared with meat. The local beverages are “ tella”(local beer), “tej” (mead) and “arekie” (liquor).
Dress
Ethiopia has a national dress of its own style. Men wear white cotton or kaki trousers which are tight fitting from knee to ankle, with a white long “shemma” thrown over the shoulders. Women wear long dresses with full skirts made of white cotton with colored borders. Ethiopian style of clothing is commonly worn nowadays by most Ethiopian ladies.
Climate
The climate of the central highlands is temperate. These highlands are cool while the low-lying areas are hot. There are intermittent small reins from April to May and the rainy season runs from June to September. The rainfall decreases northwards. On the eastern and centeral parts of the plateau, the temperature is uniform throughout the year with little variations. The climate is dependant on the physical terrain and its position close to the Red see and the Indian Ocean, but for much of the year it is warm and pleasant in low-laying areas and cool and bracing in the highlands. There are 2 principal seasons, rainy from June-September (although the sun still shines on most days), and dry for the rest of the year, just perfect for discovering the riches of Ethiopia.
History
Ethiopia is an independent African country with a long history. The forerunner of modern Ethiopia was the kingdom of Axum which flourished in northen Ethiopia in the first century AD.
The Ethiopia calendar The Ethiopia New Year begins on the first day of the month of Meskerem which falls on September 11. the year is divided in to 12 months of 30 days each the remaining five days(or six in leap year) become the thirteenth month of the year –thus, depicting the counrty’s tourist maxim: “ Thirteen months of sunshine”. The day of 24 hours begins at sunset and divisions of the day and night are reckoned from sunrise to sunset. For example, 7 a.m. European reckoning is 1 O’clock.
Clothing
Warm clothing is essential throughout the year in the highland regions. You may bring light cotton clothing for use in the hot areas in the country.
Location
The federal republic of Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia, is a land locked republic in north-east Africa (Horn of Africa), Lying between 3.5 to 15 degrees North & 33 to 48 degrees East.
Boundaries
On the north and northeast, Eritrea,
On the east and southeast, Somalia,
On the south, Kenya, on the northwest and west, the Sudan.
Electricity
380/220/volts
Time
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 Houres Time zone. Ethiopia follows the Julian Calender.
Currency
Ethiopia Birr of 100 cents
USD1= Birr 9.561 (but fluctuates)
Entery Requirements
Visa can be obtained from any Ethiopian Diplomatic Mission abroad.
Health
A valid health certificate for yellow fever and cholera is required if coming from infected area.
