Ethiopia Country Profile

Discovering Ethiopia – the Land of Natural Contrasts

Ethiopia Flag

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is the second-most populous country in Africa with over 79.2 million residents; with a total land area of 1,100,000 sq km.
Popularly known as one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia is bounded by 5 countries; Sudan to the west, Eritrea to the north, Kenya to the south, Djibouti to the northeast and Somalia to the east. The country boasts about 100 different ethnic groups with the two largest being the Oromo and the Amhara, both of which speak Afro-Asiatic languages.

The capital city is Addis Ababa and is situated in the foothills of Mount Entoto at an elevation of around 2,400 m. Other major cities of Gondar and Axum are also located at elevations of about 2,000-2,500m above sea level.
Ethiopia experiences a predominantly tropical monsoon type of climate with wide topographic-induced variation. But being a highland country, it generally considerably cooler than other regions at similar proximity to the Equator.
Geographically, Ethiopia is a vast highland complex of mountains and dissected low land plateaus and separated by the Great Rift Valley which extends from southwest to northeast surrounded by lowlands, steppes, or semi-desert; it also has stunning waterfalls and volcanic hot springs.
The country is also home to an astonishing array of Wild animals and bird life in its National Parks of Awash, Mago, Omo NP, Nechi Sar and Semien Mountains, an evident testimony of the extensive wildlife safaris today in Ethiopia.
The largest cave in Africa is also located in Ethiopia at Sof Omar; Dallol one of the hottest places year-round anywhere on Earth is also located here.
The Adventurous travellers can opt to go hiking on Mount Entoto in Addis Ababa; climbing Simien Mountains’ Ras Dashan – the fourth highest peak in Africa also offers a great trekking experience. Ethiopia safaris are indeed satisfying excursions with this wide range of attractions. (Ethiopia holds the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa)
Ethiopian Airlines is the country’s national airlines and is one of the most reputable airlines in Africa. Bole International Airport is the country’s principal airport located in the capital. It handles several international flights by numerous airlines like Lufthansa, Sudan Airways, Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airways and Emirates.
Ethiopia hotels offer a wide range of accommodation for any budget size, so you needn’t worry about where to stay if you are here for holiday. There is easily accessed popular luxurious Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa, the capital for first time travelers.