At a Glance

Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Continent: Africa

Area: 432,310 square miles (1,119,683 sq km)

Population: 65,891,874

Capital City: Addis Ababa

Largest City: Addis Ababa (2,200,186)

Unit of Money: Birr

Major Languages: Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Orominga

Natural Resources: Gold, platinum, copper, potash

The Place

Ethiopia is a landlocked country in northeastern Africa. It borders Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea.

The Ethiopian Plateau makes up about two-thirds of the country and is the best farmland. The plateau averages about 6,000 to 10,000 feet (1,800 to 3,000 m) above sea level. Ras Dashen, the country's highest point, measures 15,158 feet (4,620 m) high. The Great Rift Valley divides the plateau into two sections. The temperature on the plateau varies from 60° to 75° F (16° to 22° C), depending on elevation. The area receives about 40 inches (102 cm) of rain a year.

Lowland regions surround the plateau. These areas are hotter and drier than the highlands. The average lowland temperature is about 80° F (27° C). This region gets approximately 20 inches (51 cm) of rain each year. The northeast part of Ethiopia consists of the Danakil Desert. This area can get as hot as 120° F (49° C).

The vegetation in Ethiopia varies by location. The Ethiopian Plateau and the lowlands in the south and east are covered mostly by grasslands. In the southwest, tropical rain forests are prevalent.

The People

Ethiopia has the third-largest population in Africa. The majority of the people live on the Ethiopian Plateau because of its great agricultural conditions. Harsh climate and poor soil result in few people living in lowland areas.

Ethiopians can be divided into two main groups. The Semites speak Semitic languages and include the Amhara, Tigre, and Gurage ethnic groups. Much of this population lives in the northern and central parts of the country. The Hamites speak Cushitic languages and include the Afar, Somali, and Oromo ethnic groups. These people live mostly in eastern and southern Ethiopia. About 5% of Ethiopians are of native African descent and live on the country's western border.

Approximately 87% of the people live in rural areas. Many rural Ethiopians live in small villages. Their houses are made out of wood and mud. There are some nomads who raise livestock in rural areas, but most are farmers. The majority

Education

Ethiopian children are required to attend school between the ages of 6 and 13. However, less than 40% of elementary school-aged children, and about 15% of secondary school-aged children, attend classes. About 1% of college-age students seeking a higher education attend Addis Ababa University. The school also has smaller branches spread throughout the country. There are also several vocational schools and training programs in Ethiopia.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Ethiopians enjoy many sports, including soccer, volleyball, and tennis. Board games and card games are also popular.

Feasts and festivals are cultural traditions throughout the country. Many local special events, such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals, are marked with family feasts. Major, national events are religious and often celebrated with festivals. Much of the country's art and poetry is related to the Ethiopian Orthodox religion. Modern artists are famous for murals and stained glass.