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Aksum Ethiopia: Historic past of a once-powerful nation in Ethiopia

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yeha axum aksum

If you heard about Ethiopia, you probably heard about the Aksum civilization, a civilization of one time was a powerful nation with its effect on the surrounding nations. The civilization had controlled up to the red sea and beyond. The country Ethiopia has been mentioned in the bible oftentimes and to express a mighty power from the south of the middle east.

Today, only a few buildings, stelae and historic artifacts are left in the area. The city is not as powerful as it once has been. Tourists travel there to visit the historic and cultural attractions in that part of the country. Aksum is located at an altitude of 2,200 m in the highlands of Tigray in northern Ethiopia.

It is the capital of the powerful Aksumite Empire which flourished from 100AD to 1000AD, centered at the present territory of empire territory of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia. This kingdom was one of the earliest powerful civilizations in Africa. Today Aksum remains an urban settlement, known for its tourist artifacts, best known for its monumental stelae.

Once you visit Lalibela, another historic town of Ethiopia, you then have to see the Aksum town. This small town holds beautiful people and beautiful culture. Despite, the place being near a war zone between Ethiopia and Eretria, the people are nice and respectful. The culture is rich, the food is delicious and the climate is optimal.  

Here, I will tell you why you need to visit Aksum and what its place is in history.

Where does Aksum come from?

The name Aksum, or Aksum as its sometimes referred to, is derived from the Agew word “Aks” which means water and the Geez word “Shum” which means official.

The historical record of the rise of Axum is not well known. But it is said that the Sabaean people from South Arabia had an influence parallel with the locals being the Da’amot people. Following the decline of the kingdom of Kush, located in Sudan, Axum had the opportunity to expand. Aksumite Kings then expanded their control to the parts of modern Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.

Initially, the pre-Axumite civilization developed based on agriculture. Similar to the Egyptian civilization, the fertile soil of the Nile river lead to settlements. The farmers used local tools to make their dwellings. Axumite rulers played an enormous role in the expansion of the empire. They dominated over several nations. As they ruled over them, they were titled as King of kings (Negusa Negast).

What Was the Axumite People Religion?

Through the northern Highlands of Ethiopia, the south Arabians had a strong influence on the culture and religion of the Axumite civilization. The Axumite people adapted the Sabean religion from the South Arabians. The crescent and the disk were a common element in the finding of the Axumite civilization. They represented the moon and the sun. They associated the crescent with feminine and fertility. While the disk represented strength and power.

Introduction of Christianity to Aksum Ethiopia

Christianity was first introduced to eastern Africa during the 4th century. A renowned king of Aksum named king Ezana was converted to Christianity in 320AD. Furmentius, a traveler during the 4th century, was employed as a teacher for the royal family. He was a childhood tutor of king Ezana. King Ezana was then persuaded to adopt Christianity. After traveling to Alexandria to receive an official title as patriarch, Furmentius became the first bishop of Aksum.

The form of Christianity was similar to the Roman Empire or Coptic Egypt. Bishop Furmentius remained a strong figure in the Ethiopian church and Kingdom. Churches and monasteries were built. The most significant church was at Aksum, the church of Maryam Tsion. According to texts, the church houses the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark is believed to be still there.

The nine saints worked to spread Christianity in the region by establishing monasteries in the rural areas. By the 5th century, the rural population was converted. The success of the endeavors made Christianity be practiced to this day. Aksum and Islamic religion Refugees from Arab were set to settle in the Tigray region, Negash. The Muslim legends say that the king of Aksum was secretly converted to Islam after being impressed by the refugees. At the same time, the Ethiopian orthodox legends say that Muslim refugees living in Axum were converted to Christianity. The Muslim community remains the minority to this day. But the Muslims live peacefully with the Christian community.

Axumite kingdom language

The Sabaean language, a semantic language used in south Arabia, was adapted by the Axum people. The Sabaean syllabic included characters of vowels and consonants which was read from left to right. From the Sabaean language originated Amharic and Geez language. Greek was also used in some scripts. The kingdom of Axum had its writing system, the earliest examples of which are found on sheets of schist rock slabs which date to the 2nd century CE.

Axumite Architecture

Temples

The prehistoric Axum is also known for the temples. The temples were made before the acceptance of Christianity. The temples where constructed meticulously. They had perfectly smooth surfaces with long cut blocks of stone with straight tight joints with perfect corners. The stones were not connected with mortar but merely with the friction between the stones. The utterly perfect walls are allegedly claimed to have been made with a stone melting technology. One of these famous temples is the temple of yeha.

The domestic houses are made from stone structural elements woof for roof construction and sometimes mud as walls. This domestic housing remains more of the same till today.

The Axum Stele

Axumite people had advanced architecture. The ruins from the monuments are proof of their high level of artistic and engineering ability. The ruins are found around the northern Ethiopian border. They mark the heart of Ethiopia. It testifies the greatness of the kingdom of Aksum between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The ruins contain giant obelisk, royal tomb, and ruins of Ancient Castles.

The Royal tombs and Stele date to the 6th and 7th century AD. Some Stele survived in the town of Aksum. The Largest Stele is 33 meters tall and weighs 160. At present, it lies where it fell for reasons unknown. It is the tallest stone stele any human being has ever attempted to erect. Currently, the tallest stele is 23 meters tall. It is decorated with serious reliefs and inscriptions. Most of the inscription was written in Sabaean and geez language which described their beliefs and religion. The concept of the multi-storey building was ahead of its time when the Axumite people decorated the monumental steles with these characters. The decorations on the steles where elements from building such as windows and doors.

These elements were staggered vertically eight to ten stories high. The monuments were there to mark the graveyard found underneath the obelisk. The ruins of the Axumite obelisks are not fully recorded. Due to financial conditions, it is said that only 5 percent of the Axumite civilization has been discovered so far. Even today, the engineering of the tall obelisk is a controversy. It is still not known how the Axumite people structurally erected the stele to last till today. During the Italian fascist occupation of Ethiopia, King Ezana stele of Aksum was taken by the Italians.

yeha axum aksum

 It was then erected in Rome. In 1947 the UN agreement Italy was forced to return the stele to Ethiopia. In the process of the reassembly in Rome, the stele hit lighting due to a violent thunderstorm on May 27, 2002. This causes significant damage. In the reconstruction, the three sections were fixed together. This arrangement has a guarantee of structural resistance during future incidents of earthquakes and lighting. It would also avoid rust. Although the vastly known architecture of Aksum is the obelisk, Axumite people were also known for the palaces. Their palaces were of a grand entrance which was emphasized with stairs. It had courtyards with well-dressed corner walls. They were mostly multi-story with stone buttresses.

Vernacular architecture Axumite vernacular architecture is known for its monkey heads. This where timber structures connected without nails, only by interlocking. This was connected as cross pieces. The edges where visible as protruding and rounded; monkey heads. The domestic houses were made with small stone and clay masonry. They used materials natural and easily found around the site, the windows were made with shallow and recessed projections. Axumite dry stone masonry construction.

Some bigger structures were made without the use of masonry. This was a remarkable architecture and engineering, as it was constructed during that period. The construction had walls with big stones at corners and crushed smaller stones in-between. The bigger stones at the corners, like column, supporters the smaller stones to its sides to stand firmly. From the Flat stones are used at a uniform level. The walls stepped inwards as the height increases. As the stones stepped inwards the flat stones as slabs support to stabilize the walls. Design ideas. The Axumite people used an equal-equal principle. This is a measurement mechanism. They divide spaces equally. The Axumite people used the central symmetrical idea. This is when the central element is set apart while the elements right and left are similar.

Ancient Aksum Agriculture

In the 4th and 5th century the remarkable development of culture and society was coupled with a high level of production. Citterns and Dams made with stone and terraced agriculture plots. The remains of the settled people are there to testify. The Axumite is said to have an education of viticulture. They grew wheat and other grain crops. Phillipson (1995: 4) has proposed that Aksum first attained prosperity through the exploitation of indigenous agricultural resources, including teff and emmer wheat, well before its people obtained control of gold and ivory sources and established relations with overseas partners, including the eastern Roman Empire. They reared a large amount of herd and cattle.

Aksum trade Agriculture cultivated in Aksum was not surplus to provide for market yet it was enough to fill the needs of the merchants. These merchants came from different areas that came with goods such as textiles, knives, swords, cotton, and silk. Through the trade, the Axumite kingdom wielded considerable power. As the manifestation, they minted their independent coin.

They were made from gold silver and bronze and where used in trade among the local Axum people and the merchants from abroad.

Geographically territory the territory of Axum was suited for trade. It had access to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. It had commercial relations with Persia, Arabia Romans, Byzantine, Ceylon, and India. This gave the Axumite people control of the northeastern Africa trade. Axum was surrounded by North Tigray Mountains. This was an advantage for the military of Axum

The minting of these coins was a political and economic activity of proofing to the world as an independent and powerful state. It also fosters the names and mottos of the kings.

Trade was carried along with the African countries along the Indian ocean through the intermediately of Axum and Adulis. This brought wealth to the Aksumite kingdom. The kings and the king vassals were the primary costumers. They extended their trade through their agents. The king’s agents were usually accompanied by other persons (Aksumites)

Although the kingdom was to the best advantage through the trade, the population had a great advantage as well. The bracelets made from imported

The local Aksum people would sell gold, ivory, hippopotamus hide, and slaves. In the process of trade exchange, there was a great deal of cultural exchange. Brackets made from imported bronze by local Smith, Spears made from imported iron and cloth made from imported textile were made for commercial markets.

The political domination of the trade routes gave Aksum great advantage as to becoming the leading state and economy.

Political structure

The kingdom had three zones. The center was where the king wielded power directly. The ruler’s immediate relatives worked as administrative. Too little is known about the history of Aksum. At the highest reach of power, the Axumite king Ezana was concerned with the centralization of power. He went no further to subjugating earlier territories.

The fall of Axum Empire

Axumite people had trading power through the Red sea that predated the earliest mentions of the Roman Empire. It said that the Axum Empire began to decline due to Persians and the Arabs rival along the red Sea tread routes. In time Axum was forced to be cut off from its principal markets in the Roman-Byzantine and Arab traders. As the empire declined, the influence in the city declined as well. It is believed that empress Yodit Gudit finally destroyed the Axumite Empire as it was in its weakest state.

Axum at present

At the present Axum is a city of population 56,000. The majority of the population practices Christianity. 85.0 percent was reported to be Christian while 15 percent where Islam. Relative to other developing cities, Axum is clean and well planned. The roads are pedestrian-friendly. The roads are chartered with bicyclists and walkers. The city is centered around the Axum obelisk. Just next to the Axum obelisk is the Gishen Mariam church. It is constructed out of granite.

Most roads in Axum are made from cobblestones. The stones are colorful. They give a lively character to the city. Axum University was established in May 2006. It has five facilities. Social science and languages, natural science and mathematics, business and economic science, technology and agriculture. The university has also dormitory and cafeteria facilities. Students from all over Ethiopia learn there. All students of the university are granted dormitories and can use the cafeteria. The student cafeteria is relatively affordable prices.

Conclusion

Although it is famous for the stone stele, obelisk, and relics it is so much more. It is one of the most powerful ancient civilizations in Africa. It was the first African city to accept Christianity. The economy of Axum was prominent. It played a big role in the commercial route of Ancient India and the Roman Empire. It was the first African nation to adopt its currency. Axumite civilization is remarkable. It is the identity of the Ethiopian people. Yet only five percent of the civilization is discovered. And limited information is available digitally. Hence, it is necessary to invest in the research and documentation of Axumite civilization. Aksum is UNESCO listed city.

Afar Ethiopia 101: A full on the road guide to visiting Afar region

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gorebet stuff
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afar man smoking ciggarate

Afar Ethiopia is one of the many attractive places that are found in Ethiopia. The Place and the people have their unique features that are worth visiting. It is also one of the hottest areas in the country. Despite the optimal climate around the place, the Afar region has the shallowest point below sea level that makes it hot and unbearable.

The afar people, however, have no problem with that. Their everyday life defies all the norms. The Afar men walk for miles with their camels to find water or back and fro to work into the Danakil depression. They extract salt from the mineral-rich area. The Afar Ethiopia people are nomadic and independent.

The Afar Ethiopia area is the origin of the oldest hominids and the skeletons found in this area proves this point. The place is also a marvelous scene, of course, together with the harsh sun. The colorful land due to the mineral over from the volcanos creates unforgettable scenery.

If you reading this, you probably are wondering whether to visit this area or not, or you need information for some reason.

Afar is a good experience to visit. Not a well-developed town but the whole experience is what you probably have never imagined before. It will be a total new exposure for most people.

Here are a few points you need to know before visiting the area or to know the Afar Ethiopia region.

Where is Afar Ethiopia?

The Afar Ethiopia people speak Afar, a language of the Eastern Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.

Afar, Adal, Danakil, are used to express these people in the Horn of Africa. The Afar Ethiopia interchangeably people live in north-eastern Ethiopia, south-eastern Eritrea, and Djibouti.

The Afar Ethiopia people were probably the first of the present inhabitants of Ethiopia. Their nomadism took them from the highlands of southeast Ethiopia and migrating to the desert area of Danakil.

The Afar Ethiopia Triangle, the northern part of which is the Danakil Depression, is part of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia and is located in the north of the region. It has the lowest point in Ethiopia and one of the lowest in Africa.

The southern part of the region consists of the valley of the Awash River, which empties into a string of lakes along the Ethiopian-Djibouti border. Other notable landmarks include the Awash and Yangudi Rassa National Parks.

What does the Afar Ethiopia Economy look lIke?

The Afar subsistence economy depends on livestock. They are known for their sheep, goats, and camels. They rarely own cattle.  They also mine and export salt. The Afar people have to travel long kilometers to get to the mining area and through the desert land.

They create shape the salt into cubes before transporting back to the town on their camel’s back. This has been a challenge for many to make a living. They travel back and forth every day through the harsh climate only to get small salt cubes.

The road is full of illegal control points where the miners need to pay tax to pass to town. This economic tension between these parties probably makes the area dangerous, if not properly approached.

There are some exceptions, such as fishermen in the coastal areas and agriculturalists in the Assau oasis. Proud and, highly individualistic, the Afar Ethiopia people are feared by their neighbors. They live organized in patrilineal kin groups.

afar man smoking ciggarate

What language Afar Ethiopia speak?   

The Afar language or Qafaraf is an Afroasiatic language belongs to the Cushitic branch. Afar language is spoken by the Afar people inhabiting Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. The Afar language is an official working language in the region. The language has more than 2.3 million speakers.  

Do the Afar People Write?

The Afar Ethiopia people use the Ge’ez script. Since 1850th the Latin script has been used in other areas to record the language. Later, in the early 1970s, two Afar intellectuals and formalized the Afar alphabet.

The Afar Ethiopia Government

In the current regional system, Afar Ethiopia is one of the nine regional states of Ethiopia. The capital city of Semera lies on the Awash–Assab highway.

What is Afar Ethiopia Demographics?

In 2017, according to the projections by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA), the Afar Ethiopia region had a total population of 1,812,002.

Out of those the 991,000 are men and the 821,002 are women. The majority of the Afar Ethiopia inhabitants are pastoralists and one-sixth are urban inhabitants. 

The 2017 statistics have shown a massive population growth. There has been an additional half a million new population. The number of both genders has increased equivalently. The urban population has doubled.

The Afar people live with a density of 14 people per square meter.

afar woman

What to visit in Afar Ethiopia?

Afar Ethiopia is much known for its landscape and as an origin of humankind. The evolutionists believe the humanoid creature began its journey from such places. Hadar was one of the places in the afar triangle where one of the first humanoid skeletons were found.

The major attractions in Afar Ethiopia include the Afar Depression, the Erta Ale, the Awash National Park, the Yangudi Rassa National Park, the Hadar, and the Aramis areas.

The Afar depression or the Afar triangle is an area at the border of the red sea and is also part of the Great Rift valley. This area is a location for the discovered fossils of the earliest hominids. Being one of the lowest points in Africa, that is 155 meters or 509 feet below sea level, the area is one of the hottest.

The Erta Ale is an active volcano in the Afar Depression. The Erta Ale is  613 meters (2,011 ft) high and it has the longest existing lava lake in the world.

Is Erta Ale active?

Erta Ale is an active volvano in the Afar Depression.

When was the last time Erta Ale Erupted?

In 2009.

Is Erta Ale dangerous?

erta ale afar ethiopia

Yes. First, the location is the least inhabited places on earth. Second, the road to the volcano is not a stroll in a park. Third, on the road there, there are landmines, armed assaults, and even malaria.

The Afar depression is one of the most volcanic areas in the world. This activity created a floor composed of lava and basalt. Minerals such as salt, sulfur, and gypsum play a role in volcanic activities.

Afar is a place for geothermal energy sources and hot springs.

While you are in Afar national park, you will get a chance to see wild animals such as African wild ass, zebra, cheetah,  wild fox, and ostrich.  

 However, it is best to know that the number of tourists in the area is relatively low. It may be due to undeveloped tourism culture to the area, or the security issues or the harsh climate, the area receives a lower number of tourists. Although you will find lodges in the area, the services are very limited.

However, if you are fascinated with nature, and if you plan to go to the extreme, Afar is the place for you.

Therefore, You can visit these three places in Afar.

  1. Erta Ale– An active volcano, with active lava on the surface.
  2. Dallol– is a multi-color spring and fissure. The landscape created with mineral surface cover is marvelous to visit. The annual temperature of 35°C (95°F) could be hard for some.
  3. Salt Lakes- As I said above, lakes such as lake Afdera and Lake Asale are hypersaline lakes in Danakil Depression. It is a minimal landscape, all white and gray and blue, and great to experience.
dallol danakil depression

Afar Ethiopia and the skeletons

After the discovery of Lucy, an almost full early hominid, in the Afar triangle area in 1974, Afar became a household name in the field. Donald Johanson and his team found the skeleton of an estimated age of 3.8 million years old. The hominid is believed to be the world’s oldest bipedal hominid. Hadar, a community in Afar, was the site of the discovery in 1973-74 of “Lucy”,

First in the US museum, now in the Addis Ababa Museum, the skeleton is located on the ground floor of the museum. Even after that, in 2006, an almost complete cranium that is between Homo erectus and Homo sapiens have been found in the area.

In 2009, Ardi, a skeleton that dated 4.4 million years has been found. The skeleton was similar to that of Lucy.

A year later, old stone tools were found in the afar Ethiopia area. In 2015, hominid teeth and jawbone were found.

Every time, a new skeleton is discovered in Afar Ethiopia, it has its own story and surprise. This place, according to archeology, is the origin of human life. This is where the first human beings stood erect and acted like a human.

To visit this area is to visit your ancestors and the place they lived. If not, the place is another world in a small space on earth. 

dallol afar ethiopia

Do Afar People have building skills?

The Afar people are nomadic and need to move from place to place in search of water. They also have their goats and camels, and they need shelter for their short stay. Using their pastoralist life, the Afar people have simple and flexible shelters that are easy to build and demolish to building another place once again.

The afar people rather live together and locate their houses next to reach others. 

These days, due to political pushes, land issues, the Afar Ethiopia people are pushed into settling than a nomadic lifestyle. This recently increased urban-like settlement. New small towns form following the main road that connects cities. These towns are rather linear towns that depend on the main road for their economic and social center

These days, you would find houses around smaller spaces as well. The towns are getting new services and are growing without formal city plans. Even the houses are not durable and are made out of mud and stick.

Are Afar Somali?

No. The Afar and the Somali People are related. But they are not the same. Both the Afar and the Somali people speak a Cushitic language. The Afar people live at the junction of Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. And the Somali live in Solakia, east Ethiopia, and Djibouti.

When to visit the Afar region?

Well, Danakil Depression is the hottest place on earth. People avoid the place for that reason. The temperature could go above 40-degree centigrade.  And the rain is below 200 mm every year.

Unlike many places outside of the depression, the months from June to August is one of the highest temperatures in the area. The tours usually begin in a nearby city such as Mekelle and these months. The tour is also expensive.

For the rest of the months, from September to May, the temperature will be between 35 degrees and 40-degree centigrade. This is a better time to visit the depression.

What Precautions Should I Take While In Afar?

Well, Ethiopians, in general, are good people towards foreigners. At the same time, you will find people who need to profit from unsuspecting visitors. While you are in Ethiopia or any other African country, you need to be vigilant of your safety. You probably won’t find instant karma like you wish you would have in any circumstance. The best thing to do is to minimize public show and focus on your visiting. You need to avoid having too many expensive artifacts with you.

Afar is near the Somali border and Eritrea border and these places are known for its security issues. Even in Afar Ethiopia, it is much known that due to the salt trade or other, gangs sometimes cause a problem.

The afar area is known with a cruel decision to assault extruders. Here are a few tips.

afar ethiopia salt on camel

1-Never go without a guide that knows the area.

2- Never argue with anyone or never insult a culture.

3-never carry too much money or valuables. Leave them at the hotel or home.

4-Never take pictures of another man without permission. This is the fault of many tourists. Some even believe they can do whatever they want and they forget to respect the privacy of the people. This is dangerous in this area.

5-Camel is expensive, maybe more expensive than your car. Respect that.

6- Be careful of the chemicals, especially in the volcanic regions. Some could be toxic.

7- never approach the volcano. The flowing lave is nice to see close but too dangerous.

8-The Sun is harsh and hard especially if you are light skin. Use sunscreen and umbrella. Stay hydrated as well.

9- Make sure that your car has full ventilation before you start moving to the Afar Ethiopia area. The climate is unbearable.

When you are in Dallol, you need to see where you are stepping as the ground could not hold as the surface could be weak salt deposits. You need to follow the guides, they know the place better.

Where To Stay In Afar Ethiopia

There are few places to stay In Afar and even in Mekele city where you will probably begin your journey in the depression. The place has low accommodation due to the climate. At Erta Ale, you need to spend the night at the campfire and it will be close to the crater. In other places, you only find small wooden huts that are made for the climate.

It is not a luxury place, especially if you stay for 3 and 4 days. Only in Abaala Village, a market town, you will probably visit throughout the journey, you will find small rooms. You will find electricity as well and cold drinks as well. That is the nearest village to the main city of Mekele.

Final

Afar is a marvelous place to visit. The place and the people are unique. They have their own unique culture. Besides the national park has wild animals that you would enjoy to see close. However, due to low tourist traffic to the area, the services are very much limited.

Afar Ethiopia is a true experience for many. With the serious precautions and preparations, we advise you to visit this place at least once. We advise you to check health conditions, although that may not be an issue for many, before traveling to such extreme places.

Afar Ethiopia is a beautiful town with unique people with a unique culture. The town is not that developed compared to other cities. This could be due to the nomadic lifestyle of the people. This region contains one of the most marvelous natural attraction that is located in the Danakil depression. This place is also a begging of humankind, according to the evolution theory. Many million years old skeleton is found in this area.

The place is preferred as a destination by many tourists, not for its comfort but its extreme characters. The high temperature, due to its altitude that is 150 meters below sea level, and dry air makes it an experience. The surface lava, and the salt and mineral landscape makes it a unique place on the planet.

Afar Ethiopia is a place to visit.

Ethiopia Facts that you need before visiting Ethiopia

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gorebet stuff
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orthodox church timket celebrations

Ethiopia facts that matter. Ethiopia is situated inside the tropical scopes, having equivalent good ways from the north-south and east-west. It’s one of the foremost populated nations in Africa. Over 80% of the populace lives in provincial zones. It’s circumscribed by Eritrea toward the north, Djibouti, and Somalia toward the east, Sudan and South Sudan toward the west, and Kenya toward the south.

Ethiopia is considered as the horn of Africa. This can be on the grounds that it’s the easternmost expansion of the African mainland isolating the Gulf of Aden from the Indian Ocean. Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is probably the foremost established nation on earth. Human life in Ethiopia has existed for several years.

Ethiopia Facts: Climate  

The atmosphere throughout Ethiopia changes significantly seeable of the varied domains. In any case, when all is claimed in done, eastern Ethiopia is ordinarily warm and dry while northern parts are cool and wet.

The climate ranges from tropical savanna within the west to a warm desert atmosphere within the east. pondering the seasons, from September to February is that the time of year which is bega and afterward the second season which is Belg.

Belg is that the short blustery season, March, April, and will be a hot and dry month followed by the long stormy season which is Keremt, July and august have the coldest temperature

Ethiopia Facts: Plant and creature life

Ethiopia has an unlimited assortment of indigenous plant and creature species. It’s a scope of untamed life with 242 recorded warm-blooded animal species, 28 of this are endemic. The bulk of Ethiopia’s mountains are secured with bushes.

Ethiopia’s western good countries are a greater amount of wetter land comprising of montane tropical vegetation with thick backwoods and rich undergrowth. Eastern good countries are secured with backwoods with field and it’s dry. 

The upper elevations of western and eastern good countries are secured with the mild field. The break valley and eastern swamps are a greater amount of tropical bushes and luxurious steppe. Danakil plain contains desert steppe.

Most basic plants in Ethiopia contain coriander, myrrh cardamom, visit and caraway Lions, panthers, elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and wild bison are rarities, particularly in northern Ethiopia.

Littler verities, as an example, foxes, jackal’s wild mutts, and hyenas are found inexhaustibly throughout the state. Waila ibex of simian mountains is that the most jeopardized species.

There are quite 6000 styles of plants, 277 species are warm-blooded animals and therefore the 35 species are considered as endemic. There are 800 styles of winged creatures. Ethiopia’s’ plants and creature species have diminished within the previous years. 

The foremost intriguing creatures found in Ethiopia likewise incorporate the Abyssinian lion. The Abyssinia lion found in Ethiopia contains a huge, dull mane, reaching out from the pinnacle, neck, and chest to the midsection.

He is littler and more minimal than different lions .the dark lion is taken into account to talk to the regional populace of the African lion and therefore the freedom of Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian wolf is one amongst the world’s rarest canid species it’s otherwise called a simian jackal. Just 500 Ethiopian dark wolves are left within the mountains.

Ethiopia Facts: Ethnic groups and language

Ethiopia’s is an exceptionally assorted ethnic gathering which has, with various dialects .most various dialects and ethnic gatherings talk an ethic-Semitic and Cushitic language.

The Oromo, Amhara, Somali, and Tigray are the foremost communicated in dialects. When all is claimed in done, there are 80 unique dialects with various societies.

Amharic with English is the country’s official or the working language and is local to the focal and northwestern zones. (recently Oromigna and Somali became part) It is one of the Semitic dialects. Gurage and Harari are spoken by a pair of people within the south and east. Every ethnic gathering has its own way of life and language and distinctive way of life.

Ethiopia’s composing framework is designated “fidal”. it is the most seasoned letters so as .there are 33 essential characters each one of which has seven structures relying upon which vowel it’s to be articulated within the syllable.

Amharic consists of a variant of the Ge’ez content. It is the antiquated language of the Aksumite Empire. The old wow language is that the precursor of the leading edge Amharic and Tigran language of Ethiopia.

orthodox church timket celebrations

Ethiopia Facts: Religion

Among numerous religions the foremost known religion in Ethiopia is Christianity. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the biggest oriental standard Christian church. It affects the way of life and legislative problems with Ethiopia.

The greater a part of the number of inhabitants in Ethiopia follows the universal Tewahedo .generally found within the good countries of northern Ethiopia.

Started in Ethiopia when two Syrian Christians came to Aksum and commenced to teach individuals concerning Redeemer and therefore the Christian confidence it absolutely was presented for the Ethiopian by lord Ezana for the primary run through who controlled Aksum within the early piece of the fourth century and effectively he has changed over him to Christianity.

Islam was presented within the seventh century and it is the second biggest religion in Ethiopia. Generally, the eastern marshes follow the Islamic religion. Yet, additionally discovered everywhere throughout the state.

It tends to be discarded rapidly, incompletely as a result of the long clash among Christianity and Islam. Islam contains a long history in Ethiopia. It’s more established numerous hardships to attain this phase of relative concordance and therefore, the quiet conjunction of each strict division as indicated by Ahmadin Jebel.

Researcher on Islamic undertakings, Ethiopia is almost the first nation to ask Islam and Muslim during a period of extraordinary oppression and sufferings in Mecca, the origination of the faith

Ethiopia Facts: Economy

Ethiopia has a low level of income-inequality in Africa and, therefore, the lowest within the world. Ethiopia’s economy is principally supported agriculture (cereals, coffee, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables, khat, cut flowers, hides, cattle, sheep, goat… ) and industries(food processing, beverages, textiles, leather, garments, chemicals, metals processing, cement ), but within the present days, it’s expanding to other economic activities like manufacturing, textiles, and energy generation.

Coffee is the major export crop to other countries. The agricultural sector suffers from poor cultivation practices and frequent drought.

Although recent joint efforts by the government of Ethiopia and donors have strengthened Ethiopia’s agricultural resilience changes in rainfall related to world-wide weather patterns still crate food insecurities banking, insurance, telecommunications, and micro-credit industries are restricted to domestic investors.

But Ethiopia has attracted significant foreign investment in textile, leather commercial agriculture.

ethiopian woman wearing habesha kemis

Ethiopia Facts: Culture

Ethiopia includes a diverse culture supported different parameters: these are
Music-each ethnic groups have their own unique sounds. Some kinds of traditional music are strongly influenced by popular music genre from the horn of Africa in northern Ethiopia in Wollo a Muslim musical form called Manzuma developed in 1907. In Amharic, Manzuma has spread to Harari and Jemma where it’s now sung within the Oromo language.

A long-standing popular musical tradition in Ethiopia was that of brass bands, imported from Jerusalem within the kind of forty Armenian orphans
Clothing-in some central and northern areas women’s traditional clothes are often made of shemma. It’s basically material about 90cm wide, woven in long strips which are then sewn together. Sometimes shiny threads are woven into the fabrics. Men wear pants and knee-length shirt with a white collar and a sweater. The shawl is worn in numerous styles for various occasions. When visiting church women cover their hair with them

Cuisine- consists of varied vegetable or meat side dishes and entrees, often prepared as wat or thick stew. One or more servings of the wat are placed upon a bit of injera, an outsized sourdough flatbread, which is 50cm Sports-track and field are Ethiopians most successful sport, within which they need to be won many medals within the Olympic Games.

Holidays- there are various holidays in Ethiopia looking at religions, timkat, Adwa, Ramadan, and Errecha are publicly celebrated

Ethiopia Facts: Drainage

Ethiopia has three principle drainage systems. The primary and largest within the western system, which incorporates the watersheds of the headstream, the tekeze, and therefore the Baro Rivers. All three rivers flow west to the White Nile in South Sudan and Sudan.

The second is that the vale internal system, composed of the Awash River, the lake region, and therefore the Omo River. The awash flows northeast to the Danakil plain before it dissipates into a series of swamps and Lake Abe at the border with Djibouti.

The lakes region could be a self-contained geographical region and therefore the Omo flows south into Lake Turkana, on the border with Kenya. The third system is that of the Shebelle and Genale Rivers.

Both of those rivers originate within the range of mountains and flow southeast toward Somalia and therefore the Indian Ocean. Only the Genale River makes it to the ocean

Ethiopia Facts: Soils

The soils of Ethiopia are often classified into five principal types. The primary type consists of euritic nitisols and andosols and is found on portions of the western and range of mountains. These soils are formed from volcanic material and, with proper management, have medium to a high potential for rain-fed agriculture.

The second group of soils is eutric camisoles and ferric and orthic luvisold are found within the simian plateau of the western highlands. The highly weathered with a subsurface accumulation of clay and are characterized by low nutrient retention, surface crusting, and erosion hazards. With proper management, they’re of medium agricultural potential.

The third group of soils is that the dark clay found within the western lowlands and at the foothills of the western highlands. Composed of verisols, they need a medium to a high potential for both food and agriculture but pose tillage problems because they harden when dry and become sticky when wet. 

A number of the rich coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia are found on these soils the fourth group consists of yermosols, xerosols, and other saline soils that cover desert areas of the eastern lowland and therefore the Danakil plain. 

Due to moisture deficiency and coarse texture, they lack the potential for rain-fed agriculture. However, the wetter margins are Excellent for livestock, and even the drier margins respond well to irrigation.

The fifth soil group is lithosols found primarily within the Danakil plain. Lack of moisture and shallow profile preclude cultivation of those soils with only about one-fifth of the population urbanized, most Ethiopia board scattered rural communities.

erta ale afar ethiopia

Settlement patterns generally scattered to be near farm plots. Buildings vary between circular and rectangular styles and are constructed of materials readily found within the environment.

Roofs are mostly thatched, but rural households are increasingly choosing corrugated steel tops with only about one-fifth of the population urbanized, most Ethiopians board scattered rural with only about one-fifth of the population urbanized.

Most Ethiopians board scattered rural communities. So as to cut back traveling distance, homesteads are generally scattered to be near from plots. Buildings vary between circular and rectangular styles and are constructed of material readily found within the environment. Roofs are mostly thatched, but rural households are increasingly choosing corrugated steel tops.

Modern urban centers in Ethiopia include the urban center so national capital and such regional centers as dire Dawa, Jima, Nekemte, dese, Gondar, and Mekele. National capital, founded by Menelik II in 1886, brought an end to the custom of “roving capital” practiced by earlier monarchs. After war II, Addis obtained the lion share of investments in industry, social services, and infrastructure.

By earlier monarchs. After war II, “Addis” obtained the lion’s share of investments in industry, social services, and infrastructure, so it became the foremost attractive place for children to hunt opportunity.

Ethiopia Facts: Demographic trends

Ethiopia’s increase rate is well above the world average and is among the best in Africa. Birth and death rates for the country also are well above those for the planet. 

Lifespan is about 50 years old, about average for the African continent but not up to that of the planet. Although the final age of the population is slightly older than it absolutely was in the last decades of the 20th century, Ethiopia still includes a relatively young population, with over two-fifths under age 15.

Ethiopia hosts refugees from several neighboring countries. The overwhelming majority of refugees are from Somalia, but there also are sizable numbers from Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan. Most have fled their countries due to conflict or famine.

Conversely, there’s some movement of Ethiopian refugees, most claiming political persecution and destined primarily for Kenya or the use additionally, since the half-moon of the 20th century, many young educated Ethiopians have opted to maneuver to the United States or European countries for greater opportunities.

Internal migration has occurred for a variety of reasons, including conflict and various government land-resettlement schemes. During the 1998–2000 war with Eritrea, as an example, over 300,000 Ethiopians within the Eritrean-Ethiopian border region were internally displaced, and, after periods of drought and famine within the early 2000s, some 300,000 people were moved from drought-prone areas to western parts of the country.

Ethiopia Facts: Resources and power

The role of minerals in Ethiopia’s economy is tiny. Only gold and tantalum are of significance. Gold is mined at Kibre Mengist within the south, platinum at Yubdo within the west, and tantalum within the south-central a part of the country.

Deposits of gemstones, niobium, and washing soda also are mined, and there’s potential for the exploitation of other natural resources, including petroleum and gas. Also important are mineral from the Denakil Plain and quarried building materials like marble. Compared with its potential, this sector contributes little or no to the country’s economy (less than 1 percent of GDP).

Hydroelectricity, the foremost important source of power for industries and major cities, is generated at several stations, including those on the Awash River, the Headstream River or its tributaries, the Omo River, the Gilgel Gibe River, and therefore the Shebelle River.

However, these stations represent only a part of Ethiopia’s full potential, et al is planned. Some hydroelectric projects have generated considerable controversies, like the large Gilgel Gibe III dam and powerhouse along the Omo River, which was inaugurated in 2016, and therefore the massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and power stations along the Headstream River, construction of which began in 2011.

Most energy for domestic use in rural areas springs primarily from firewood and charcoal; this has strained the remaining wood resources within the country. Ethiopia’s long dependence on these sources has contributed to the depletion of its trees and to the erosion of its soil. The government has begun to expand hydroelectric power generation with the intent to extend access to electricity in rural areas.

Ethiopia Facts: Resources and power

Ethiopia Facts: Services

The services sector, primarily tourism, contributes to about two-fifths of Ethiopia’s GDP. Although tourism was curtailed during the amount of Derg rule, Ethiopia once more promotes the tourist potential of such historical wonders because of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the antiquities at Aksum, and therefore the Gonder castles.

Of equal attraction are Ethiopia’s diverse peoples, their intriguing cultures, and therefore the natural fantastic thing about their land. Unfortunately, potential has been limited due to a scarcity of tourism infrastructure and continuing political instability within the country. The 1998–2000 conflict with Eritrea and lingering tensions have discouraged tourists from visiting places like Aksum, one in every of the foremost attractive destinations in northern Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Facts: Services

Ethiopia Facts: Labor and taxation

Ethiopian law allows all workers, with the exception of civil servants, to create and participate in unions. The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, an umbrella organization of several autonomous federations, is the largest labor organization. Also prominent is that the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association.

Tax revenue typically contributes to over half the government’s budget. Improvements made within the late 1990s to methods of assembling have contributed to a rise in revenue. Important taxes include import duties, income and profit tax, and nuisance tax.

Ethiopia Facts: Labor and taxation

Ethiopia Facts: Transportation and telecommunications

Among the more successful developments in Ethiopia has been the road system. During the brief Italian occupation of 1935–41, highways linking national capital to the provinces were displayed, and after war II the Imperial Highway Authority opened new feeder roads to isolated localities. 

Construction and maintenance slowed during the periods of conflict within the 1980s and ’90s. In 1997 the government began an ambitious long-term road-development program and within the following decades constructed new roads and made repairs to the country’s existing road network.


With the 1994 secession of Eritrea, Ethiopia lost direct access to the Red Sea ports of Aseb and Mitsiwa. This loss placed greater importance on the Djibouti–Addis Ababa railway, which was originally built between 1897 and 1917 by a French company and was jointly operated by the governments of Djibouti and Ethiopia.

The railway fell into disrepair, however, and, within the early 21st century, in spite of ongoing attempts to implement repairs, large portions of the tracks were unusable at any given time.

The railway’s limited functionality curtailed passenger and freight traffic until finally, by late 2010, trains had stopped traveling on any a part of it. Within the following years, a brand new electrified railway line was constructed along the route of the old track; it absolutely was completed in 2016.

The route, which was capable of handling cargo trains at speeds of up to 75 miles (120 km) per hour and passenger trains at up to 100 miles (160 km) per hour, substantially reduced the period between Djibouti city and capital of Ethiopia. 

The development of the railway was a part of a long-term plan by the Ethiopian government to make an expansive rail network across the country. A light-rail mass transit system in the capital of Ethiopia was completed in 2015.

Ethiopia’s shipping system has enjoyed successful unparalleled in Africa. There are numerous airports located throughout the country. The inner network of Ethiopian Airlines (EA), a state-owned but independently operated carrier, is well developed, connecting major cities and locations of tourist interest. Its international network provides excellent service to destinations throughout the globe.

Bole International Airport, near the capital of Ethiopia, serves EA and other international airlines and is additionally an acknowledged center for pilot training and aircraft maintenance.

Telecommunications systems in Ethiopia are rather underdeveloped. The use of landline and mobile phones isn’t widespread, although portable usage is increasing. Internet usage is restricted. Since the late 1990s the govt. has actively worked to expand telecommunications infrastructure and services within the country.

Ethiopia Facts: Transportation and telecommunications

Ethiopia Facts: Constitutional framework

Ethiopia’s ancient system of feudal government experienced significant changes under Ras Tafari Makonnen I (reigned 1930–74), who carefully grafted onto the normal governing institutions a weak parliament of appointed and elected legislators, a judiciary with modernized civil and criminal codes and a hierarchy of courts, and an executive cabinet of ministers headed by a chief minister but answerable to the emperor.

The Derg took power in 1974 and promised to bring revolutionary change to Ethiopia. Promulgating itself because of the Provisional Military Administrative Council (PMAC) and later because the Workers’ Party of Ethiopia (WPE), the Derg instituted a Soviet-style government with a state president and a house of deputies that were answerable to a revolutionary council with a politburo at the highest.

In May 1991 the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) entered the capital. The EPRDF introduced a short-lived constitution called the National Charter, created an 87-member assembly referred to as the State Council, and proceeded to create a cupboard for the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE).

The TGE endorsed the secession of Eritrea, realigned provincial boundaries in a shot to make ethnic homogenates, demobilized the national defense force, and suspended the courts and enforcing agencies.

The TGE was replaced by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which was established by a constitution adopted in 1994 but not promulgated until after the federal elections of 1995.

The new constitution stated that “sovereignty resides within the nations, nationalities, and peoples of Ethiopia” instead of within the people as an entire and granted each nation, nationality, or people rights of self-determination, up to and including secession.

Under the constitution the govt. maybe a republic with a robust prime minister as head of state and a titular president as head of state. The legislature is bicameral, with a House of Peoples’ Representatives (lower chamber) and a House of the Federation (upper chamber).

Members of the previous are directly elected to a five-year term, while members of the latter, who also serve a five-year term, are often either selected by state councils or directly elected if state councils exercise the choice to carry an election.

The ruling party within the House of Peoples’ Representatives designates a chief minister. It also nominates a candidate for the presidency, who is then subject to a vote by both legislative houses. The president serves a six-year term.

Ethiopia Facts: Constitutional framework

Ethiopia Facts: Local government

The 1994 constitution created ethnically based kililoch (regional states; singular kilil)—Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, Harari, Oromia, Somali, Tigray, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and other people (SNNP)—and two self-governing administrations, the cities of the capital of Ethiopia and Dire Dawa.

Each regional state is headed by a president elected by the state council, and also the cities are headed by MD. Voters in a very 2019 referendum overwhelmingly supported the creation of a brand new skill for the Sidamo people, which might be split from the SNNP region.

Prime minister office of Ethiopia

Ethiopia Facts: Local government

Finally, Ethiopia has a vast cultural and natural values. The Ethiopia facts are intended to help you understand the overall reality of the country before traveling.

                       

What You Probably Must Know Before Visiting Walia Ibex

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Walia Ibex is an endemic mammal of Ethiopia which is found in Semien mountain national park. It is a mammal that has hooves with a medium-size Physical appearance. It has a scientific name called Capra walie. It shows a marked sexual dimorphism and has a chocolate-brown coat color. It is a wild creature usually living in a herd of 5-10, but females are more solitary than males outside of the breeding seasons.

Unlike the other Ibex species, Walia Ibex seems to breed throughout the year. This may be conceivable because of the need for temperature regularity within the tropical Semien Mountains, creating no natural costs to individuals that breed year-round.

Walia Ibex Ethiopia

But Peak sexual action between males and females is watched between March – June covering with the brief groove season. Walia ibex individuals reach sexual maturity at the age of one year. The incubation period is around 150 – 165 days and female gives birth one, now and then two kids per birth. The males and the females both have horns, but the males’ are more gigantic.

Bending back in an elegant bend to the wilts they in some cases accomplish a length of over 110 cms. The females are littler in body and lighter in color with shorter more slender horns. They live in little parties of two to half a dozen and the enormous old males regularly live singular but amid the mating season. Since of the irregularity of the creature, it isn’t regularly conceivable to watch an expansive male and one feels advantaged to do so.

They are sturdily built creatures standing almost a meter tall at the bear and weighing up to 120 kgs. Their excellent chocolate to chestnut brown coats shade to grayish-brown circular the gag, paler dark around the eyes, lower flanks, legs, and back end, and pale dim or white on the paunch and interior of the legs. There’s a dark stripe down the exterior of the legs and a white fastener on each fetlock broken within the rear legs by a dark streak into the cleft of the foot. Matured males wear rich dark facial hair.

The tail is brief with a brushlike tuft of dark hairs. The radiant horns and striking coloration make it an extraordinary location. Their hooves have sharp edges and the undersides are concave, empowering them to follow to some degree like suction cups. To observe indeed the most youthful and littlest of the Walia kids romping around on inclined rough edges in a cliff confront of unnerving steepness, a 500-meter drop as it were inches absent, makes one capture one’s breath with uneasiness. They don’t fall.

The maximum life expectancy of this species is up to 15 years. Someone be able ordinarily to watch them when they come out on to the rocky edges to sun themselves within the morning and evening. Small groups of females and young are not exceptional, or even single females with a kid at the foot. Some of the time someone could see a yearling gather of young males which can be recognized by their paler greyer color and the thickness of their small brief horns. They eat grass and herbs but incline toward to browse instead of graze, standing up on their rear legs like residential goats to reach the tender shoots of giant heath.

There’s no deficiency of nourishment, as interior the woodland of heath there’s inexhaustible scavenge of herbs and sweet delicate grasses. They tend not to drink even though water is abundant; it is accepted that they get adequate dampness from the green stuff on which they bolster. They usually lie up in caves or shrubberies during the day. They usually live between 2600-3900 meters above sea level mountains of the park. They live on cliffs in an environment characterized by rocky mountains, gorges, outcrops, and loose stony screes.

It depends on undisturbed juniper and another mountain timberland, subalpine prairies and clean, and a year-round supply of water. Its inclination for the slope, where the abrupt cliffs offer security and refuge, may mostly be a result of past chasing weight. Walia Ibex is both a nibbler and a browser. In truth, it utilizes a wide assortment of grass and bush fabric in its eat less. Even though touching accounts for a significant part of its diet, this species spends most of its time feeding browsing in the cover of dense shrubs.

Seeing Walia Ibex

Walia ibex, once in the past broad within the northern mountain massifs, has presently a confined extend as it were in Semien Mountain National Park, northern Ethiopia. The most prominent concentration happens basically along 25 km of the northern ledge between Adarmaz Camp and Chennek Camp. Be that as it may, there are four little populaces exterior the park: north of Werkamba, west of the park; between Silki and Walka northeast of the park; between Bwahit and Mesarerya; and fair north of Weynobar along the Ras Dejen ledge to the north.

Walia Ibex were previously found to assist west within the park and more scrounge plants are accessible within the lowlands. In any case, right now, the dissemination of Walia ibex is towards Sebatminch within the eastern parcel of the park which has more highlands accessible.

walia ibex

The population of Walia ibex numbered 150 – 300 individuals between 1966 – 1969, increment gradually until 1983 when there were conceivably more than 500 individuals, and after that diminishing once more amid the period of civil unrest amid the early 1990s. During the civil unrest, the zone was a military technique, as a result, more Walia ibex were murdered by the outfitted strengths and society without any control which causes an extreme declined in population. 1994 and 1996 the population was evaluated at 200 – 250 individuals but it along these lines expanded coming to almost 500 individuals in 2004.

This increment in population was a result of the security exertion of the government after the conclusion of the civil unrest. Walia ibex checks have been done at the slightest twice a year in later times by the Semien Mountain National Park organizations beneath Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority.

The population estimate has expanded marginally, evaluated to be 745 individuals amid the 2009 count. At present, not less than 10% of the cliff surface is composed of wide edges or green chasms in which Walia can feed. The Walia has no natural enemies separated conceivably from the periodic bird of prey, and in this way, with total assurance from Man they may well be anticipated to recoup their numbers and to double the present population in ten years.

Walia Ibex Endangered Species

Walia ibex is one of the foremost endangered mammal species within the world and is threatened by termination due to low numbers and the exceptionally confined zone of the remaining environment. Besides, environment misfortune, human settlement, animals touching and chasing are few of the major dangers to this species. Despite the presence of national and territorial legislation, the remoteness of the range coupled with the presence of people living inside and exterior of the Park earlier to its foundation as a preservation region makes legislation troublesome to uphold.

The increment of the human population and with it soil degradation by erosion constrained the people to settle and develop up to higher and higher as well as steeper and more extreme ranges of arable land over time. The high numbers of grazing cattle and other domestic animals have an amazingly annihilating impact on the afro-alpine grassland environment.

Nowadays the land use is hazardously high, all open zones, indeed if they offer only a contract strip of some meters between two rocks, are developed. Some Walia ibex moreover move to the south-east of their common extend to feed on cultivated crops at places where there’s the cultivation of barley and other crops on steep gradients. These rates every so often lead to conflict with neighborhood farmers. The natural effect on wildlife postured by executed road construction within the park is vital as the arrangement of the unused road between Mindigebsa and Sankaber precisely takes after the environmentally defenseless border zone between the level and the heather forest.

Here, the road isolates a Walia ibex, Klipspringer and Gelada scrounging habitat from the protecting cliffs. The same happens for the street from Chennek to Bwahit. Also, the street cuts straight through the Walia ibex passage which interfaces the northern ledge with the edges and crests of Mount Bwahit and Mesarerya. Walia ibex has been chased by neighborhood individuals for meat, hides, and horns for drinking vessels for a decade.

Be that as it may, chasing of the Walia ibex within the Park is now not allowed. Its blocked off environment given security until the coming of modern firearms, which drive to a critical reduction within the population. Even though not as expansive a problem as within the past, chasing still does happen to a few degree interiors the national park. The disease is an imperative threat that contributes to the decrease of wild creatures around the world. Within the case of Walia ibex, there’s no logical proof that considers disease as the major figure to its decrease.

A Guide to Lake Tana, Never Miss Anything

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lake tana plants

Tana? You probably have heard the name “Tana” around Addis Ababa in many cases. There is a Tana building in Merkato that is quite old and famous. But also, there is a hotel and a resort. Yet the main name belongs to the Ethiopian Lake that is in Bahir Dar. And to be more specific the coordinates are 12°0′N 37°15′E.

Tana is one of the few lakes in Ethiopia that has its own unique wildlife, culture, and religion fused together. The lake is a source of higher temperatures near the towns in some months, and at the same time, it is a place for fishing, boat tours, a religious place in the middle of the lake.

A 20th-century geographer identified 37 landmasses, of which he thought 19 have or had hermitages or house of worship on them. Lake Tana (also denoted T’ana, Amharic: ጣናሀይቅ, Ṭana Ḥäyq, T’ana Hāyk’; the eldest alternative is Tsana, Ge’ez: ጻና Ṣānā; every so often called “Dembiya” following the province to the north of the lake is that the cause of the headstream and is that the biggest lake in Ethiopia.

Lake Tana is one of the most important lakes in Ethiopia not only for its astatic and strategic position but also for its connection to the Nile river. Lake Tana has been part of the discussion, in the Nile conversation and deal between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Nile River is the source of farming and place for recreation for the Egyptians and the renaissance dam Ethiopia has been seen as a threat for their survival. Studies suggest that Lake Tana is probably the source of the Blue Nile that meets the White Nile in Sudan and flown to Egypt.

Ethiopia is home to more than 20 lakes. Lake Tana is the largest lake found in Ethiopia and it contributes up to half of Ethiopia’s freshwater and contributes approximately 60 % of the Nile River. Lake Tana is located in the northwestern part of Ethiopia situated in the Amhara region. Its primary inflows consist of Gilgel Abay which rises from the mountains of Gojjam and flows north into Lake Tana, Kaliti River, Magech River which surges just above the city of Gondar and flows south into the lake, Reb River, and Gomera River which arises from mount Guna and flows into Tana from the east.

It has a maximum length of 84km, a maximum width of 66km, a subsurface area 3200km2, and a maximum depth of 15m. This measure has been gradually changing due to the influences of activities around the shore. Lake Tana is a result of volcanic activities which prevented the inflow of nearby rivers in the ancient Pleistocene epoch, this is approximately 5 million years ago these volcanic activities also created numerous islands in the lake.

2-3 million people live around Lake Tana. Cities like Bahir Dar which translates as ‘by the lake’ contributing up to 1 million of the population existed since the 16th century flourished in the vicinities of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is located in the southwestern extremities of the lake.

Where Is Lake Tana Ethiopia?

Lake Tana Ethiopia is located in the …. latitude and longitude. The lake is located north of the Bahir Dar city.

Lake Tana Map and Locations

Situated in Amhara Region inside the north-western Ethiopian Highlands, the lake is approximately 84 kilometers (52 miles) long and 66 kilometers (41 miles) wide, with the highest depth of 15 meters (49 feet), and an elevation of 1,788 meters (5,866 feet).

The lake is fed by the Gilgel Abay, Reb and Gumara rivers. Its vastness extends from 3,000 to 3,500 square kilometers (1,200 to 1,400 square miles), watching on time and rainfall. The lake level has been controlled since the advancement of the control weir where the lake explodes into the headstream. This controls the movement to the headstream Falls (Tis Abbai) and hydro-power base. At 1,830 m altitude, the lake is located on the basaltic Plateau of the north-western plateaus of Ethiopia encompassing a region of ca 3,050 km2. lake Basin is that the second biggest sub-basin of the headstream which includes a neighborhood of 15,114 km2.

lake tana plants

What is About Lake Tana Ethiopia?

The tana lake was larger than what it seems these days. There are forty seasonal rivers and seven big consistent rivers. The main inflows are from the Megech, Rib rivers, Gilgel Abbay (Little Nile River), and, Gumara river. This great lake basin only in Ethiopia and outflows into the much greater Blue Nile.

For The Reason, That of the sizeable seasonal alterations in the inflow of its rivers, rain, and dehydration, the water concentrations of Lake Tana naturally vary by 2–2.5 m (6.6–8.2 ft) in a year, reach your peak in September–October just after the most crucial wet season. When the water amounts are high, the valleys around the lake often are flooded and other long-lasting wetlands in the territory become linked to the lake.

Going down the historic lane we see, about 5 million years ago, a volcanic activity that closed off the rivers that flowed in created this Lake. And after that, just like the pharos in Egypt, the remains of ancient Ethiopian rules and their wealth are said to be hidden away on an isolated island, including Mertola Maryam, Ura Kidane Mehret, Daga Estifanos, Kebran Gabriel, Medhane Alem of Rema, Kota Maryam, and Narga Selassie).

As historians have spoken, on Tana Qirqos they have researched that the introducer of Christianity to our country was buried there. Furthermore, the biblical figure and the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Saint Mary had been there from her trip to and from Egypt.

Lake Tana Monasteries

There is also information about the Daga Islands and the great rulers of Ethiopia Yekuno Amlak, Fasilides, Za Dengel, Zara Yaqob and Dawit I. Other notable islands here are Gelila zekarias, halimun, Mitraha, Dek and Briguida.

As far as the architecture in these sites goes, the monasteries are said to have been built a long time ago on former religious sites. In the 14th century the Debre Maryam, on the 18th-century Narga Silasie, the Ura Kidane Mihret is also known as Regalia and the tana Qiros is known for having housed the covenant ark until it moved to Axum.

The boat ride in this site connects Bahir dar through dek island and various lakeshore villages with Gorgora. On the southwest side of the lake there is the zege headland, which is a part of the Azawa Mariam abbey. Nile countries that are found by the east downstream have religious, ecological, environments, political, social and economic provision from this basin, as well as the Blue Nile river.

Blue Nile River and Lake Tana basin give political, environmental, economic, social, ecological and spiritual benefits also for downstream eastern Nile nations. The basin difficulties have also impact in downstream eastern Nile states. Food safety and conservation sustainability are big questions in the basin. Ensuring ample supply and quality of water for water consumer sectors in the basin continues to be a challenge.

The hygiene and cleanliness treatment remain not significantly enhanced compared to the unparalleled population increase. The basin suffers from easily perceivable land-living, soil and water dilapidation which are demonstrated in diverse forms: Sedimentation, reimbursement of wetland, canalization of the streams, augmented trend of eutrophication, toxigenic cyano microbes, the incidence of aggressive species like water hyacinth (Eichorniacrassipes), shareholders conflict, inappropriate blockading, erection of constructions in the Lakeshore areas.

These are ordinary upbringing and feeding lands for some fish and bird species, underprivileged waste administration, increased occurrence of waterborne sicknesses particularly in the riparian community which largely depend on raw water for drinking and regeneration are major difficulties of the Basin.

The climate shift is also getting its impact. Though the challenges and challenges are known in the area, successful actions proportion to the enormity of the problem is not yet undertaken adequately.

lake tana

It is deficient in nutrients and the foundation of the Blue Nile River also known as the Great Abbay, with a drainage basin of ca 16,500 km2. The Lake has been developed by volcanic movement, hindering the course of action towards the inside rivers surrounded by the early Pleistocene periods ca 5 million years ago. The lava also removed the Lake and its headwaters as of the lower Blue Nile basin by 40 m high falls at Tissisat, 30 km downstream from the Blue Nile drainage.

Terraces imply that the Lake was originally much larger than it’s today. Seven large permanent rivers feed the lake also as ca 40 small temporary rivers. the most streams to the lake are Gilgel Abbay (Little Nile River), Megech River, Gumara River and similarly the Rib River. Simultaneously they contribute quite 95% of the whole yearly inflow. The Blue Nile is that the only outflowing tributary.

The shallow lake (median depth 8 m, max. depth 14 m) is Ethiopia’s biggest lake, including half the country’s freshwater reserves, and the third-largest surrounded by the Nile Basin. within the main season (July—August) the inflowing rivers bring a heavy load of delayed silt into the lake, thereby growing the turbidity of the lake water. The postponed sediments diminish the underwater power and in and of itself the first manufacture, the premise of the food cycle.

When it comes to the fauna and flora more than 230 types of birds, including 80 wetland kinds, like the African darter, hamerkop, great white pelican, ducks, kingfishers, ibis, and African fish eagle are all found at this location. A number of Palearctic migrant water birds find this ground as a great settling and feeding. Associated with additional tropical lakes, the streams in Lake Tana are comparatively cold, normally ranging from almost 20 to 27 °C (68–81 °F). The water has a pH that is neutral to some extent alkaline and its clarity is pretty minimal.

The fish population of the Lake is dominated by cyprinid fishes, 20 of the 27 fish varieties (e.g. Labeobarbus spp., Barbus spp., Garra spp.) are endemics to the Lake collection. This speciation was feasible because incipient Lake offered new environments for radiation and maintained its isolation for several years from the lower Blue Nile.

Wetlands are situated all-round the lake, apart from the Northeast. Together they’re the most valuable within the country and essential parts of the complex Tana-ecosystem. They adapt permanent swamps, seasonal swamps, and areas subjected to frequent inundation.

During the raining time, these wetlands relate to the lake. They act as nurseries for many of the fish populations within the lake and operate a piece of land for waterfowl and creatures. round the lake and its catchment, including the town of Bahir Dar, live about 2 million people. This lake and adjoining wetlands provide immediately and indirectly a livelihood for quite 500,000 individuals. The Blue Nile drains the NE Ethiopian Plateau (total catchment: 324,000 km2). Already in ancient Egypt society, this river was of key significance to early agriculture and today the river remains of critical significance for the economies of Sudan and Egypt.

What Attractions the Lake Tana Has?

The lake and its region have the potential to produce coffee, oilseeds, and grains because of the abundant rainfall it gets. Also, cattle and fish, that use the old ways of papyrus reed boat, raising is important.

There are 27 fish varieties in Lake Tana and 20 of them are ordinary. This comprises one in only two known cyprinid multiplicities clusters. It comprises of 15 relatively large, up to 1 m, Labeobarbus hooks that beforehand were contained in Barbus in its place. Along With these, L. megastoma and L. truttiformis L. acutirostris, L. longissimus, are strictly piscivorous, and L. macrophtalmus and L. platydorsus, L. kdainellii, L. gorguari, are mostly piscivorous.

Their most important victims are the diminutive Enteromius and Garra types. The lingering Labeobarbus in Lake Tana generate other distinct nurturing habits: L. beso that is non-endemic and not closely associated with the others eats on algae, L. surkis totally on macrophytes, L. gorgorensis on macrophytes and molluscs, L. brevicephalus on zooplankton.

However, youths of all governments of the varieties flock prey on zooplankton), L. osseensis on macrophytes and adults bugs, and L. crassibarbis, L.intermedius the non-common but intimately related with the others), L. nedgia and L. tsanensis on benthic invertebrates like chironomid larvae. Among the widespread Labeobarbus, eight species spawn within the lake’s wetlands and the continuing move seasonally into its rivers where they spawn.

Apart from the Labeobarbus species flock, the endemic species are Enteromius pleurogramma, E. tanapelagius, Garra regressus, G. regressus and Afronemacheilus abyssinicus (one of only two African stone loaches). The outstanding non-endemic species are Nile tilapia (widespread in Africa, but with the endemic subspecific tana within the lake), E. humilis, G. dembecha, G. dembeensis and large African sharp tooth catfish.

Lake Tana supports an enormous fishing industry, mainly buttressed the Labeobarbus barbs, Nile tilapia and sharp tooth catfish. per the Ethiopian Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 1,454 abundance of fish have been landed in 2011 at Bahir Dar, which the department estimated was 15% of its sustainable amount.

However, in a very review that compared catches in 2001 to those ten years earlier, it had been found that typical sizes of both the tilapia and also the catfish had decreased substantially, and populations of the Labeobarbus barbs that breed within the rivers had significantly declined.

Among the widespread fish, most are considered endangered (endangered or vulnerable) or data deficient (available data insufficient for evaluating a status) by the IUCN. within the early 2000s, authorities at the primary time introduced a fishery law-making and it’s hoped this may have a positive effect on the fish populations.

lake tana animals duck

Is There History in Lake Tana That I Should Know About?

Lake Tana has been the center of the political and spiritual part of Ethiopian history. It plays an important part in the rise and fall of dynasties of the Christian empire. According to the legends, Emperor Menilik the first, A son of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, went to Jerusalem and returned with the ark of the covenant to Ethiopia. He then hid it in the islands of Lake Tana and constructed monasteries and churches around it. Due to this reason, the islands are a destination for religious sanctuaries.

The islands and peninsulas are also historic tourist sites. They house various churches which are approaches through the southern end. Debra Mariyam, Daga Estefanose, Narga Selassie, Tana Cherkos, Bete Mariyam, and Azwa Mariyam are some of the many churches and monasteries found in the perimeter of Lake Tana.

What Are the Monasteries and Churches in Lake Tana?

Debra Mariam this monastery is located just before the Nile Bridge it is one of the younger monasteries found in the area it was built by emperor Tewodros in the 19th century. Daga Estefanose it is located on a hill 100m above Lake Tana. Its construction was the 16th century. In it found many mural paintings and mummified bodies of five previous emperors and is seen as the resting place of past emperors.

Nara Selassie was constructed in the early 18th century, established by Abune Hirut Amlak during the reign of Emperor Yikun Amlak. Entos Eyesus monastery located in the southern part of Lake Tana. This monastery was built by Abune Ze Yohanise in the time of Emperor Amade Tsion.

Kristos Semere church established in the kristos semere peninsula is positioned at the eastern shore of Lake Tana served as a technological institute during the reign of Emperor Dawit in the 14th century. These monasteries are constructed using local materials such as wood, stones, and mud. They served as the building stone of the culture in the area and also as historical record keepers.

How can I visit Lake Tana and the monasteries?

Visiting lake tana is easy since the lake is located near the Bahir Dar City. You need to take a place from Addis Ababa or Lalibela or Gondar or any other city with an airport and fly to Bahir Dar. The city is also accessible by bus or by private vehicle.

Then you need to the part of the city where boats are easily available. Before departing to the monasteries, you should enjoy the lakeside hotels and restaurants. Order fish, in various forms and recipes, and eat with local hot sauces. Enjoy the lake view and the warm weather.

Then you will need to go and talk to the boats, or your restaurant could do that on your behalf. Boat rides could go up to 200 birrs (6 USD) each for foreigners.

The boats, against the water waves, will take you to the center of the lake where the islands are located. There you will find churches that have not been renovated for a long time. Most are made out of local ground and wood. These are old and not impressive for most visitors. Instead, learn the history of the place and the stories that may appear as a myth to you.

Take pictures of the books, the unique crosses, the priests, and the life of the people. Enjoy the local fruits and return back in an hour.

The entrance fee is about 3 dollars.

What Animals And Plants Can I Visit at Tana?

Lake Tana economic sector around Lake Tana is based on agriculture, wide range crop cultivation exists around the shores of Lake Tana. Crops endemic to the area such as sorghum and millet. Others such as rice and maze. Lake Tana gives rise to one of the biggest wetlands in Ethiopia due to this fact. This ecosystem both directly or indirectly affects and supports the lively hood of the area. The livelihood of the area, in turn, affects the ecosystem to be in a negative or a positive way

Lake Tana “A paradise of diversity” – The shores and islands of the lake have a high level of biological diversity. These shores adjacent to it are homes to numerous unique species of plants, plants, and reptiles. It acts as a resting spot for migrating birds from the different parts of the word, birds such as the northern pintail, northern shivelle, and black-tailed godwit.

This provides invaluable genetic recourse to add to the biodiversity of the area. It has also been internationally acknowledged as an important bird watching site. Close to 230 species of birds are found in the area including wetland bird-like storks, hamerkop, great white pelican, kingfisher, ducks, African fish eagle, and African spoonbill.

The lake itself has an exceptional collection of endemic fish species. Over 27 different fish species are found in Lake Tana 20 of which are endemic to Ethiopia. One being the Barabus fish which is said to be the only found in this place. Neither the less Lake Tana faces serious threats of distribution of habitats because of the rapid growth of population and urban growth of Bahir Dar and the equally growing demand of the city.

This results in current issues like pollution overfishing and erosion. One of the main problems faced by Lake Tana is the Water Hyacinth (eichhorinia crassipes) commonly known as the “Emboch Arem” which is a free-floating invasive plant. It restricts the flow of water, blocks sunlight from water surfaces and beds.  

Does Lake Tana Have Historic and Cultural Value?

Lake Tana is the backbone of Ethiopia and the region for its historical heritage (culture), economic value, and biodiversity.

Lake Tana has small islands amid its water surfaces, that are only accessible by a boat. In the highlands, are ancient monasteries that were built for their remote location from the public. The monasteries contain ancient churches, usually hut, and impressive, but ancient books and paintings and crosses. Residents also live on selling fruits and artifacts for the visitors. For its religious value, the lake Tana is much respected in the region.

Challenges of Tana

Habitat destruction and pollution are some of the other serious threats. Bahir Dar is growing fast and is also becoming an outsized city. The lake is being a waste disposal space due to the leaking of wastewater into it. The flora within the lake’s marshlands are being exonerated at a fast speed, but they are very crucial to the Labeobarbus and other fish.

An establishment of an outsized and effective rapacious species, which has been associated with frequent disappearances in the lake, just like the Nile perch is a hypothetically serious threat to this unusual environment. The piscivorous Labeobarbus of Lake Tana is comparatively unproductive hunters that only can take fish up to about 15% of the size of the hunter itself.

Finally,

Between many more creatures, the lake chains comparatively a small number of invertebrates: There are 15 species of mollusks, as well as one common, and a common lake sponge. There are no crocodiles, but the African softshell turtle has been recorded near the Blue Nile outflow from the lake. Hippos are present, mostly near the Blue Nile outflow.

In the year 2015, the UNESCO recognized Lake Tana’s cultural, national and international importance.

Author: Aman Alemayehu

Culture of Ethiopia: 15 Dazzling Facts and Experiences

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ethiopian woman wearing habesha kemis

The culture of Ethiopia has various dimensions and faces. Ethiopia, eastern African, the place of ‘thirteen months of sunshine’ (literally), land of origins, the uncolonized country in Africa, a country with its own calendar and with more than 80 cultures and languages, old alphabet and numerical system, and rich history of its own, that is free from colonialism.

Ethiopia is famous for the undeniably beautiful ladies in the world, talented great long-distance runners, great Nile river, home to many UNESCO world heritage. The list goes on and on.

The nature it offers is above and beyond, and as a person who was born and raised in this magical land, I will roughly explain how the culture of Ethiopia is real.

The dictionary defines culture as the arts, ideas, social behavior of a particular people or society. One could write many books about Ethiopia and yet is not enough to tell everything. In this article, I will mainly focus on the culture of Ethiopia that are not widely known to the foreign world. At the end of the article, I will surely change your mind about Ethiopia.

Culture of Ethiopia: History

Many historians refer to our country as one of the oldest countries in the world. Plenty of people at least know king Minilik who founded the present-day Addis Ababa; emperor Haile Selassie, who is known for his contribution to the origin of the African Union and as a man responsible for Rastafarian religion; and to the present government system.

The classic leaders also contributed a lot to the current face of the country. Kings from Ezana to Lalibela to the queen of Sheba had their own marks to the present of the country.

Ethiopia’s ancient name was Abyssinia that’s derived from the Arabic ”Habesh” referring to the northern populations in Ethiopia. The name Ethiopia refers principally to Nubia the word Ethiopia is derived from the word ‘ethiopis’, the name of an Ethiopian king.

The Book of Aksum identifies Ethiopia as the twelfth king of Ethiopia and is the father of Aksumawi. The word comes from the Greek words “Aitho” and “ops” which together mean “ burnt face” and that was how ancient Greek people used to describe dark-skinned people.

Culture of Ethiopia: Religion

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country and the second populous country. Based on the history of Kebra Nagast (Book of Kings) Menelik the first captured the area and the Abyssinian empire was created. Later, after the conquest of Aksum by Queen Gudit, a period began which some scholars refer to as Ethiopian dark ages. The country’s history, yet, survived with palaces, temples and everyday artifacts. These are the etiquette, cultures, and language.

Culture of Ethiopia: the Everyday

Starting from polite greetings with bowing heads, Ethiopians are well known for their guests handing and take care of a good standard. The care the people give to family members and the respect we give to our elders is limitless and it is with great humility. Both genders are respectful to one another and work at their job tirelessly and equally.

We share both happy and sad moments together with relatives friends family neighbors and the rest members of our community. Living in harmony, we have about more than 8 types of religion. Sure with more than 80 different ethnic groups with 200 dialects spoken there might be some misunderstandings with people and some arguments but that doesn’t mean expats can’t make a living and succeed here.

At the end of the day the awareness of what our grandparents fought for, for freedom against colonialism, would help us live in harmony with each other and with foreigners. This survived the country and even today people wish to live together and not without each other.

Culture of Ethiopia: the Unique timing

Yes, Ethiopia is a land of thirteen months of sunshine. Including the five day leap year, the mild sun is every month, even in between the rain.

We have our own calendar that we follow having an extra month named Puagume with 5 days in it and also we are 7 or 8 years behind the western calendar. Sun dictates time usually calling 7:00 a 1:00 we do not observe daylight saving time. All Ethiopians use a 12-hour clock system. The daytime cycle begins at dawn at 12:00and ends at dust at 6:00.

Culture of Ethiopia: Friendly Like no Other

Ethiopia is a diplomatic capital of Africa, housing the African union centered herein in the main city Addis Ababa. Emperor Haile Selassie was one of the founders of the African Union and Ethiopia has always been the seat of the union ever since.

Tourists mainly choose Ethiopia as its one of the most amusing country with its green landscapes, historic sites like Gondar, Aksum, and the holy city of Harar. And national parks and mostly for hiking as Ethiopia has 70% of the mountains in Africa. We take care of tourists with a heart warmed welcoming and give them a friendly stay and environment.

Many tourists who visited the country get a unique experience before departure. Many share their experiences through blogs and social media. Ethiopia experiences high tourism growth with an income highly increasing year after year.

Culture of Ethiopia: The Dazzling Local Food

Another very fascinating thing about Ethiopia would be food. To name a few, sourdough flatbread(injera), Sautéed meat chunks(tibs), Shiro (Cheak peas) and Ethiopian beef tartare(kitfo) are amongst the wide range verity of food we have. some say the majority of our food is enriched with a great number of spices and is rather hot. Secret sauces passed through generations, makes the same food with different tastes.

Tourists recommend tasting Injera along with Misir wot, Salata, Shechebsa, Doro wat, key wat, and Gomen Besiga. These foods are made of grains such as teff, wheat, barley, corn, sorghum, and millet.

Ethiopian people are powered by injera, the most common in everyday meals. It is a nutritious and gluten-free tef grain that flourishes in the highlands of Ethiopia. It contains a high proportion of fiber more than other types of bread around the world.

While talking about the foods let’s not forget about the drinks. Tej and tela are mostly consumed drinks in the rural areas as well as in urban These are basically a mead or honey wine that is brewed and consumed. Flavored with the powdered leaves and twigs of Gesho. And others are very popular traditional fermented alcoholic drinks like Areki, Borde and Shamita.

Ethiopia is originally known for coffee. It is a longstanding tradition dating back to dozens of centuries. The story goes back to a shepherd called Khaldi who discovered the ‘hypering’ effect of coffee seed after he witnessed his goats getting active after consuming the plant. One of our identifications as Ethiopians is our coffee ceremonies and how we make coffee for the purpose of drinking and it is considered to be one of the best coffees in the world because of its high altitude growing conditions. The bean is steeped in a rich history of tradition and culture. From all the countries that grow coffee, ours is very special and unique and here is why.

Ethiopian beans of coffee have a high flavor profile and it is known for their bright fruited and floral flavors. It has high acidity (not the harmful they are with relatives, neighbors, or other visitors. It’s served after large meals and even at restaurants. It also plays a big role when it comes to income by exploring a large amount of coffee. People drink coffee on a daily basis. Hence, visiting or living in Ethiopia cannot be complete without having coffee with the ceremony. We can say that is the huge piece of the puzzle when It comes to discovering culture in Ethiopia.

Culture of Ethiopia: The local Music and Dance

Another culture in Ethiopia would music we listen to. The main genre would be Ethio jazz having a rich and fascinating history. It is based on a pentatonic scale with asymmetrical rhythm. Aster awoke, Tewodros Taddeese, Ali Bira, Mahammod Ahmud of course one of the legendary Tilahun Gessese are amongst a few of the famous singers renowned around the world when it comes to singers in Ethiopia.

Culture of Ethiopia: Nature and Man

The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes first-time visitors. Among the most visited sites in the country, the wildlife takes place up top. Ethiopia has an extraordinary and astonishing range of wildlife.

It is home to many species boasting over 24,000 species overall. Most iconic epidemic animals in Ethiopia whose primary source of food being grass are Walia ibex, the mountain nyala, Somali wild donkey, yellow fronted parrot, bale mountain vervet, Minilik bushbucks and gelada baboons. It also contains 7 lion populations that contain about 500 lions. The country has wild animals and flying animals that are not yet fully explored.

We hear that most people who want to come to Ethiopia would want to be aware of the climate first. Ethiopia is in the tropical zone lying between the equator and the tropic of cancer. The climate varies mostly with altitude and goes from hot and arid climates of the lowlands to cool climate of a plateau having 3 seasons mainly known as Belg, Kiremt , and Bega. Dallol, located in the northern part of Ethiopia takes over as being the hottest place in the world averaging 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Of all the times and seasons, November and February are better when sunny, clear days are present.

ethiopian woman wearing habesha kemis

Culture of Ethiopia: Clothing in Thousands

Clothing in Ethiopia could be a bit different when it comes to traditional costumes. The traditional clothes are mainly made of woven cotton and are named gabi and Netella. Women often wear dresses (Kemis) and Netella with borders of colored embroidered woven crosses.it is produced as white, gray, or beige chiffon woman’s dress that often falls to the ankles and is worn with a Shawa.

Basically, the ideal dress would be long flowing skirts and dresses that cover shoulders and knees are the common dressing styles. Shorts or sleeveless tops are rare, especially in rural areas. Whenever we attend funerals in our country we turn this Netella’s borders upside down stating or showing condolences to the family that is mourning and our Habesha Kemis is known to wear best for holidays, weddings, get together, and on so many other occasions.

Culture of Ethiopia: Diversity is a culture

The population in Ethiopia is a highly diverse mix of an ethnic and linguistic background containing over 80 different ethnic groups or tribes with a different way of living, different languages, different dressing styles, different types of foods and furthermore discrepancies among each other. And most known ethnics with most people in them are Oromo, Amhara, Tigray, Somali in that order.

Generally, Ethiopian languages are divided into four major language groups. These are Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic and Nilo-Saharan. And Oromo has the largest number of speakers. Though it is the official language of Ethiopia, and only a small percentage of the population speaks Oromo. Amharic taking over of being the first communicable language of all the others. Amharic is a Semitic language and comes behind Arabic as the most spoken Semitic language.

So, we could say that Amharic is the official national language of Ethiopia. English, Arabic, Italian, and French is widely spoken by many Ethiopians as well. And concerning religion, Ethiopia consists of a number of faiths. Among these many religions, the most numerous are Christianity (orthodox, protestant, catholic, and Jehovas) followed by Islam.

There is also a longstanding but small Jewish community called black Jewish or (felashas or bête Israel, various historians claim they are a lost tribe of Israel or descendants of king Solomon). Through all this diversity and differences, Ethiopia stands strong in living peacefully and cherishing one another.

When talking about Ethiopia geography, it is dominated by a vast highland complex of rugged mountains, flat-topped plateaus, and deep gorges and river valleys. Bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti, and Somalia to the east, Sudan and South Sudan to the west and Kenya to the south. It consists of erosion, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic movements overages and has a diverse topography. The climate and its dependent territories vary greatly.

Culture of Ethiopia: Social Hierarchy

Cultural values are the main principles and ideas upon which an entire community exists. Culture has several branches which are traditions and rituals. And values are beliefs and culture. When it comes to a family structure which is much extended. Children are expected to grow to respect very strict social rules. The basics are shaking hands, covering hair, taking shoes off when the inside house or guest house, standing up and bowing heads as we greet people and elders.

Giving our seats to our elders, lowering voice during talking and silence when elder people are present, always pray before and after meals. Chewing gum when talking to people, liking hands and wearing hats when eating is considered rude behavior. Respecting elders is our main culture and what we are known for. Almost every Ethiopian citizen is raised with this rule and has them throughout their lives. These rules are being washed off through city life, and yet these survive in many areas.

Culture of Ethiopia: Local Architecture

Our most visited sites would include best-known architect features. From numerous sites in the list, few are the ruin of the temple at Yeha found in Tigray Region, the church of Abune Aregawi at Debre Damo monastery constructed around the mid-century, Lalibela’s monolithic church bête Gebriel, Fasilides’ castle in Fasil Ghebbi found in Gondar and the list goes on and on. Ethiopian architecture has been influenced by cultures and the country’s history. Architecture, especially the churches, and culture stick together.

orthodox church timket celebrations

Culture of Ethiopia: Celebrations

Regarding holidays, Ethiopia is wealthy in vibrant and colorful festivals holidays and well known for celebrating them with the gatherings of our family, closest ones and our community at large. Leddet (Christmas), Timket (epiphany) victory of Adwa Commemoration day, good Friday, ester, new year.

Most tourists like to be present during our Meskel ceremony and Timket holiday that honors the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river of Jordan. Hosted and celebrated on street consisting very huge population of the Christian community, the day goes in chants, songs, and performances. After the ceremony, at home, a family gathers at a big plate (mesob) to eat and have a coffee. They play games and share memories.

No doubt when talking about the beauty of Ethiopian women. Some say that Ethiopian beauty results from the mixing of ancient Yemeni people with people in eastern Africa. The facial and a body different from the other part of Africa may support this. Belonging to Semitic and Cushitic ethnic groups mostly from North Country people say that our generation of race elongates from that.

Culture of Ethiopia: Traditional

Traditional medicine is part of this culture. When one suffers from sickness and when they are in excruciating pain, grandparents used to make traditional medicine that quickly eases the pain and heals the pain. They do that using herbs to treat pains such as hepatitis, pneumonia even tapeworms.

Even scientists point out that common western drugs such as Asprin and other renowned medicines were realized and derived from traditional folk medicines. Doctor Aklilu lemma is a great proof who found Endod leaf and used it to kill snails that carry disease.

Culture of Ethiopia: Literature

Ethiopian literature dates from ancient Ethiopian literature up until modern Ethiopian literature, Started writing in either in classical Ge’ez or in Amharic. But Ge’ez had by now lost its vigor and mostly used in the Ethiopian orthodox church and Amharic is widely used to write poems reaching and touching people’s hearts. Poem reviles hidden expressions, feelings and used to expose the reality of the world using waves of beautiful words and phrases reflecting nationalism, patriotism, and unity of the country.

Poetry has the greatest power in uniting and motivating society together to work unshakably and live untroubled life. And Ethiopia is heavenly gifted with writers and poets succeeding in this department of culture. Writers like Zera Yakob, Dinaw Mengestu, Nega Mezlka and many more and among from poets most famous poet laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin shows us the true color of the world both sides of the coin and are best for it. I will finish this essay with one of laureate Tsegaye’s best poems about Ethiopia.

This is where I am / Tongues of tombs, blazing / Sidetracking the breath of life / Egg, thorn the quiet of day / Override the stink of bodies / Leap and lash at what it seems / A wild dream coming true / This is where I am / A lone flame , distant/ aloof / A Time – bound serenity / Singularly embracing the shadow of deaths /Our truth crawling back /

From the grave of ages / Defying the demons of fear / With the stiff wings of younger hopes. / This is where I am. / Humming where eternal silence hung. / Calling, my innermost screaming / With a deafending silence, calling / Charging the multiple of outer silence. / This is where I am. / Lurking in my shere of the kill / Asking how I failed / The cause of the thousands dead /The cause of the thousands dying, / I , daily lurking in that fear /They overcome for me in their deaths. / This is where I am. –

–This is where I am, Tsegaye gebre-medhin, November 1974

Finally,

Culture in Ethiopia begins hundreds of years before. The country is even mentioned in the bible and is painted as one of the powerful nations in the world at the time. The people evolved socially and economically, and today the country is part of low-income countries.

However, cultural, religious, and historic artifacts are kept intact. You will be amazed to visit Ethiopia and to experience the diverse social and historic and cultural diversities.

Ethiopia 2017 report

Ethiopia: Religion & Culture

Author: Ruth Tesfaye

Ethiopia Economy: the past, present, and future and Opportunities

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how far is from gondar

Ethiopia economy growth is playing a great role in the world. Ethiopia is a country that is categorized under developing or emerging countries that have low-income in the economy. The estimated population size in Ethiopia in 2020 is about 108 million and this number puts the country in the second populous country in Africa. Ethiopia is a one-party state with a planned economy. Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing countries among the 188 IMF member countries. This growth was driven by government investment in infrastructure, as well as sustained progress in the agricultural service sectors.

Ethiopia economy is based on agriculture, industry, and services. About 70% of Ethiopia’s population is still employed in the agricultural sector, but services are better than agriculture as the first in order of important sources of GDP. The economic activities that are included in the main industries are food processing, beverages, textile, leather chemical, metal processing, and cement production.

Ethiopia Economy

Ethiopia is one of the countries that have relations with other foreign countries, this relation has benefited the country economically in exporting and importing goods.
Ethiopia is one of the countries that is trying to focus on the economy heavily.

There are different projects Ethiopia is working on, to mention the projects: power production and distribution, roads, rails, airports, and industrial parks. The major or main economic sectors are owned by the government, these economic sectors that are owned by the state are telecommunications, banking and insurance, and power distribution. Under Ethiopia’s constitution, the state owns all land and provides long-term leases to tenants. Title rights in urban areas, particularly Addis Abeba, are poorly regulated and subject to corruption.

Ethiopia follows a mixed type of economy and a transition economy type. This type of economy is managed by mainly the government and partly by the people, but in the case of Ethiopia, many businesses are owned by the government and distributed to the markets that are more close to the people to serve. The enrollment of the country’s network system is supplied and distributed by the government only until now.

Ethiopia has the lowest income compared to other African countries and the rest of the world. The country Ethiopia is working hard to eliminate extreme poverty, still, Ethiopia remains one of the poorest countries in the world this is the result of rapid population growth and a low starting base. The result of changes in the rainfall caused by the worldwide weather pattern will cause the worst drought in 30 years by creating food insecurity for millions of peoples living in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Economy Growth

Around the 5th–8th century, the coffee plant was introduced into the Arab world from Ethiopia. Coffea arabica, the most highly regarded species, is native to the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Long before the cultivation of coffee, however, other food crops like finger millet, teff, sorghum, lablab bean, and castor bean were domesticated and cultivated in Ethiopia.

Following the overthrow of the Ethiopian monarchy, a Marxist military government nationalized all companies and land, expelled foreign investors, and pursued an extensive military expenditure. The Ethiopian economy significantly deteriorated due to the civil war and famines of the 1970s and 1980s. Since 1991, the Ethiopian government has embarked on a program of economic reform, including privatization of state enterprises and rationalization of government regulation. While the process is still ongoing, the reforms have attracted much needed foreign direct investment.
In 2015, Ethiopia has 2,700 millionaires, a number that has more than doubled since 2007.

Their fortunes are mainly built-in niches of economic rents (banks, mines, etc.) without investing in structural and strategic sectors (industrial production, infrastructure, etc.) and should in no way promote economic development or represent a source of competition for Western multinationals.
The Ethiopian government is stepping up its efforts to attract foreign investors, particularly in the textile sector. They can now import their machines without customs duties, benefit from a tax exemption for ten years, rents much lower than market prices and almost free water and electricity. Major brands have established themselves in the country, such as Decathlon, H&M, and Huajian. These companies also benefit from a cheap labor force, with a monthly salary of around 35 euros.

Finally, trade agreements between Ethiopia and the European Union allow them to export duty-free. Sectors of Economic Activities in Ethiopia Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Agriculture is the main economic activity and many other economic activities depend on it including marketing, processing and exporting of agricultural products. The agriculture sector suffers from poor cultivation practices and drought. But the action of Ethiopia’s government and the other donor countries have strengthened Ethiopia’s agriculture to recover quickly from difficult conditions.

The economic activities that are based on agriculture make the main economic activity which is agriculture the highest-ranking economic activity in the country among the rest. The main exported goods are almost entirely agricultural commodities, among all; coffee is the largest foreign exchange earner and next to that flower industry follows.

Ethiopia economy and Forestry

Forestry is another economic activity that is highly useful for construction since Ethiopia is one of the developing countries. This forestry helps the country in the use of construction and manufacturing and also as an energy source.

The other sector is fishing, this economic activity is effectual because all the fisheries in the country are freshwater because Ethiopia has no marine coastline. This economic activity has become more wanted and increased in production since 2007. It should be taken into consideration that this economic activity is a very small part of the economy yet it has high quality in production.

Textile Industry and Ethiopia Economy

This economic activity is another type that supports the Ethiopia economy. Like many pieces of research shows there is low productivity in this particular economic activity due to the low payment for the employees and most of the income in this activity comes from the export of resources and this country imports the finished product which leads to the higher importing expense than production. Some factories have replaced all their employees on average every 12 months, this study is taken from the New York University in the 2019 report.

The report states:” Rather than the docile and cheap labor force promoted in Ethiopia, foreign-based suppliers have met employees who are unhappy with their pay and living conditions and who want to protest more and more by stopping work or even quitting. In their eagerness to create a “made in Ethiopia” brand, the government, global brands, and foreign manufacturers did not anticipate that the base salary was simply too low for workers to make a living from.”

Minerals and Mining and Ethiopia Economy

This is the smallest sector in Ethiopia. It is believed that there are coal, opal, gemstone, kaolin, iron ore, soda ash and tantalum deposited in the country’s crust but only gold is mined in significant quantities. The gold mining amounted to some 3.4 tons in the year 2001.

The salt is also extracted from the salt beds in the Afar depression, as well as from salt springs in Dire and Afder districts in the south. This particular economic sector is mainly used only inside the country and only a negligible amount is exported. On August 30, 2012, it was announced that British firm Nyota Minerals was about to become the first foreign company to receive a mining license to extract gold from an estimated resource of 52 tonnes in western Ethiopia.

Energy and the Ethiopia Economy

The main energy sources in Ethiopia are waterpower and forests. Hydropower drives about 90 percent of the country’s electricity. This can show that electricity like agriculture is dependent on abundant rainfall. The deforestation of the highlands of the country highly affects the electricity, agriculture, and construction of the country which are the main economic activities in the country.

Since Ethiopia has many urban cities in the country there should be a supply of energy for the vehicles, but there is no mineral and mining project that discovers petroleum so it is a must to import petroleum from other petroleum-producing countries that lead the country into a loan. It has been found that there is a huge amount of oil in the Gambela Region in the process of finding gas. The discovered amount of oil is said to be more than any other region in the world.

Ethiopia Economy Manufacturing

Most of the factories in the country are owned by the government and the production became higher since the 1990s. Nowadays manufacturing factories are starting to be owned by private enterprises. Industry parks are being built in most of the country that can increase the production and manufacturing rate of the country that can enhance the economic activities.

Transport and the Ethiopia Economy

The country of Ethiopia has one of the best and successful airways. This transportation through the air is helping the economies of the country by gaining a huge amount of money and creating a great positive image in the eyes of other countries. Ethiopia focuses on the construction of roads since it is a developing country. The background of the growth and civilization of a country is a road.

Road and the Ethiopia Economy

As of 2016, there are 113,066 kilometers (70,256 mi) all-weather roads. The size is increasing and supporting the Ethiopia economy.

Air

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest and most profitable airline. It serves 123 destinations and has a fleet size of over 100 aircraft. Other than airline business, Ethiopia has begun to produce electricity from the air which put another way in growing the country’s economy.

Rail

Ethiopia has back to the railway business again, it has stopped working for many years and started again as city transportation, across a country and as a commodity transporting. This transportation system by railway is much cheaper than any other transportation system. The first light rail in Africa was opened in Addis Abeba in 2015. Surveys show that the operation of the Ethio-Djibouti railway begun in 2017. Presently, two other electric railways are under construction: Awash-Woldiya and Woldiya-Mekelle.

Telecommunications

Ethiopia’s telecommunication system is provided by the state-owned monopoly, EthioTelecom, formerly known by the name Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation. But in recent days Ethiopia is getting into an agreement to introduce or provide a new telecommunication system in the country.

Tourism and the Ethiopia Economy

Ethiopia is best known for its historical places that are favorable and admired. The culture is also another practice that plays a great role in a tourist attraction. This economic sector is connected or interrelated with other economic sectors because it is dependent on the sustainable growth of them.

But from all other sectors, the transportation and communication sector is the backbone of tourism. There are other business centers that are growing under tourism both as a country level and as a private level, for example, the hotel business is one of economic activity that is based on the presence of tourism. This specific economic sector is directly related to the peace and security performance of the country.

This is directly related to the safety of the country. Ethiopia is a remarkably safest country compared to other African countries. Serious or violent crime is rare in the country, especially for travelers it’s extremely rare. Outside the capital city, Addis Abeba, the risk is petty crime drops still further. Tourism plays a great role in creating an image in every individual.

Ethiopia is also benefited by this sector by putting great treasure of the country in the world Guinness book. Traditional and religious ceremonies are also another major factor in developing the tourism of the country. Unique traditions and cultures attract tourists to the country which is beneficial for foreign exchange. Ethiopia was ranked the “World’s Best Tourist Destination” by the European Council on Tourism and Trade in 2015.

Macroeconomic trends of the Ethiopia Economy

The current GDP (USD) per capita of Ethiopia shrank by 43% in the 1990s. The Ethiopia economy saw continuous real GDP growth of at least 5% since 2004. While the GDP growth has remained high, based on high saving and high investment, compared to other countries Ethiopia’s per capita income is still among the lowest in the world. Ethiopia issued a second state-led Growth and Transformation development plan in mid- 2015, which determine the relative importance of industrialization and urbanization. Ethiopia has achieved a high single-digit growth rate for the last ten years through government-led infrastructure expansion and commercial agriculture development.

Ethiopia Economy and Power

According to the research made in the year 2015, the industrial production rate of the country is 8.5% estimated, the electric production of the country is 6.632 billion kilowatt-hour and the sources for the electric production are fossil fuel (8.3% of the total installed capacity), hydropower (88.2% of the total installed capacity) and other renewable resources (3.6% of the total installed capacity), the electric consumption of the country is 5.227 billion kilowatt-hours, from the produced electric energy 400 million kilowatt-hours is exported to other countries, there is no electric energy source that is imported to the country so Ethiopia uses electric energy from the produced energy inside the country.

Ethiopia has no oil production site so the production of oil in the country is 0 bbl/day since Ethiopia does not produce oil; the amount that the country exports is 0 bbl/day, but Ethiopia needs oil consumption so it imports refined oil 51,960 bbl/day. Ethiopia’s current account balance is estimated about -3.78 billion US dollar since Ethiopia is categorized under the developing countries it needs loans from the developed countries to support the economy, this left Ethiopia in debt with 15.55 billion US dollar in amount.

Ethiopia economy challenges

The World Bank is helping to fight poverty and improve living standards in Ethiopia. Goals include promoting rapid economic growth and improving service delivery. The WBG, with United Nations Development Program and one bilateral donor, is one of the rotating co-chairs of the Development Assistance Group (DAG), the main forum for donor coordination in Ethiopia.

Through DAG there are efforts to make progress on the implementations of commitments the Paris and Accra Declarations, including joint economic and sector work (much of the WBG’s major analytical work has already been prepared with its partners) and joint missions. Much of the collective effort is focused on furthering harmonization through major multi-donor programs and policy areas of importance.

The WBG has taken the lead in developing a set of multi-donor programs to reduce transaction costs, aligning support with the country’s decentralized model, and enhancing the predictability of aid. These instruments allow for large scale leveraging of the International Development Association (IDA) support. Such approaches are used in the Enhancing Shared Prosperity through Equitable Services, the Productive Safety Nets Program 4; the water supply, sanitation, and Hygiene Universal Access Program, the Sustainable Land Management Project II, and the Agricultural Growth Program II.

External Trade

About 26.4% of Ethiopia’s foreign exchange earnings were gained by the export crop of the major agricultural product which is coffee in 2013. At the beginning of 2014, oilseeds exports have been more important. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian economy. More than 15 million people (25% of the population) derive their livelihood from the coffee sector. Other exports include live animals, leather and leather products, chemicals, gold, pulses, oilseeds, flowers, fruits and vegetables and khats (or qat), a leafy shrub which has psychotropic qualities when chewed.

Ethiopia has many export partners but there are some countries identified by the main export partners with the country Ethiopia. The main export partners are Sudan, Switzerland, China, Somalia, Netherlands, United States, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. From these main export partners of the country and from any other export partners, the country Ethiopia exports about 3.23 billion US Dollars and imports goods with 15.59 billion US Dollars. China, Saudi Arabia, India, Kuwait, and France are considered as the main import partners to the country of Ethiopia.

Cross-border trade by pastoralists is often informal and beyond state control and regulation. In East Africa, over 95% of cross-border trade is through unofficial channels and the unofficial trade of live cattle, camels, sheep, and goats from Ethiopia sold to Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti generate an estimated total value of between US$250 and US$300 million annually.

External trade and Ethiopia Economy

This trade helps lower food prices, increase food security, relieve border tensions and promote regional integration. However, there are also risks as the unregulated and undocumented nature of this trade runs risks, such as allowing the disease to spread more easily across national borders. Furthermore, the government of Ethiopia is purportedly unhappy with lost tax revenue and foreign exchange revenues. Recent initiatives have sought to document and regulate this trade.

Dependent on a few vulnerable crops for its foreign exchange earnings and reliant on imported oil, Ethiopia lacks sufficient foreign exchange. The financially conservative government has taken measures to solve this problem, including stringent import controls and sharply reduced subsidies on retail gasoline prices.

Nevertheless, the large subsistence economy is incapable of supporting high military expenditures, drought relief, an ambitious development plan, and
indispensable imports such as oil; it, therefore, depends on foreign assistance.
In December 1999, Ethiopia signed a $1.4 billion joint venture deal with the Malaysian oil company, Petronas, to develop a huge natural gas field in the Somali Region. By the year 2010, however, implementation failed to progress and Petronas sold its share to another oil company.

Conclusion

Ethiopia is one of the countries that have great potential in developing faster than any other country. Ethiopia has many resources that can benefit the country and can be exported to other countries. As all the essays told us, there are many more resources that are undiscovered till now. It is believed that the resources found in the country can make Ethiopia the greatest country in the world, it’s a matter of time until that happens.

Ethiopia is a country with precious resources inside it, the people living in Ethiopia is not understanding what they have in their hands. Yet they are migrating into other countries rather than working in their country together to change into a better one. The productive part of the people is still not working due to different reasons, a major action should be taken to overcome this laziness.

In my opinion, Ethiopia is not using the resources that the country has, almost all the resources are still buried in the crust without purpose. The working environment of the country and the working habit of the peoples of Ethiopia is poor, the government and related media shall do make something that can change this embarrassing work culture. The future of the country is relayed on the back of the new generations which adapts technology faster than before. The Ethiopia economy is an untouched topic yet.

Ethiopia economy data

The Ethiopian government and 10 basic questions answered

By
brook
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Ethiopian government - Ethiopia history . dr abiy -

“The 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union” by PMO Ethiopia is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

The Ethiopian government has passed through various layers of time in history. The country has seen a lot of political changes and social movements. The current government is a result of this continuous political evolutions and revolutions. The country passed through a monarch system up to the 80s and through socialism and now through federalism.

Ethiopia is not a new country on the map. In fact, it is a land with a history of more than 2000 years, since the time of the Axumite era. Even in the bible, the name Ethiopia has been mentioned more than 50 times. The Greeks knew the country as the land below Egypt.

The country got various images because of political and economic events thought out history. The wars and the recent famine, made a bad reputation for the country. At the same time the country’s strong foundation made it a strong nation since the Axumite era and even after that. For long, the country had a reputation and a sovereign position. Despite many African countries, Ethiopia stayed an independent state, with no colonial past. In fact, defeating colonial power in a war inspired many African countries and blacks throughout the world.

The country also lived peacefully with diverse political and religious backgrounds, with minor disagreements. Only recently, are seen religious and ethnical violence, that some think emancipated form the Ethiopian government bad policies.

Despite the bad reputations and the good ones, the Ethiopian government has prevailed to replace one another and making story thought history.

Today, the Ethiopian government has the federal government, 9 regional states, and 2 city administrations.

Here, I will answer the basic questions asked about the Ethiopian government.

What is the current Ethiopian Government Name?

The country name is called the ‘Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’ or it is called ‘Ethiopia’ in short. The Ethiopian government has a structure of a federal system with parliament and a prime minister. Therefore, the Ethiopian government functions under a federal parliamentary republic.

What Type of Government Is Ethiopia?

Federal Republic: the country has many ethnic groups and these are represented in the parliament. Ethiopia, therefore, is ethnic federalism. And the governance is identified with the 1990’s consensus where ethnic groups were represented and deemed free from the federal rule. The states have their own administrations, and they solve their own issues and the federal government only involves a request or in a matter of countrywide issues.

Who Is the Head of Government in Ethiopia?

The prime minister is the head of the government of Ethiopia and the president is the head of state. The prime minister is also the commander in chief. Since 2018, Dr. Abiy Amhed has been in power in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Government Structure and Branch

Each regional and federal government has its own branches of government namely the legislative, the executive and the judicial. The legislative part of the government is held by the house of representatives and the house of the federation. The house of people representative has 547 seats and 22 seats reserved for minorities. The election to the house of representatives and the house of federations is planned to be held in 2020. The existing representative served since May 24, 2015.

The executive power is held by the prime minister and the council of ministers. President Sahalework Zewde has been ahead of state since October 2018.  And prime minister Abiy Ahmed has been the head of government since October 2018. The Prime minister leads the minister, whom he/she selects. The prime minister is designated by a party that has a majority seat in the house of representatives.

The Judicial part of the Ethiopian government is held by the federal supreme court. The federal supreme court has 11 judges, and responsible for constitutional issues.

Ethiopian government dr abiy ahmed
“The 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union” by PMO Ethiopia is licensed under CC PDM 1.0 

Ethiopian Government History

The Ethiopian history is traced back to the 8th c. BC, to the time of the ancient D’mt Kingdom, which reigned over present-day Eritrea and Northern Ethiopia. Then, the Axumite became part of history in the 4th century BC and ruled in the northern part of Ethiopia, and the red sea. The empire reunited the independent kingdoms in the region and controlled the sea trade.  

This part of the Ethiopian Government’s history is left for generations through archeological and structural artifacts. The Yeha is a town near Axum and is evidence of the time of Axum before Christianity and pre-Axumite civilizations.

For the next sixteen hundred years, Ethiopian history was tied to a monarchy with ties to the Orthodox church. King Haile Selassie was the last monarch, forcefully overthrown by a socialist government in 1974. Later the socialist Derg government was forcefully overthrown by the EPRDF, a party that is on the lead since then.  

Ethiopian government history and historians say the beginning of Modern Ethiopia is with the rise of Emperor Tewodros II in 1855. Emperor Tewodros II’s contributed to present-day Ethiopia by ending the decentralized Zemene Mesafint (Era of the Princes).

The successors Emperor Yohannes IV (1872-1889) and Emperor Menelik II (1889-1913) made Ethiopian government history with their own contributions. Following the death of Menelik in 1913, Lij Eyasu, a grandson took the throne. Lij Eyasu, a young boy at the time of the throne, inclined away from the orthodox church towards Islam. This shortens the throne of the young king.

The church hatched a plot to replace him with a relatively older young man from a royal family called Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie). After a coup against Lij Eyasu, Zewditu, the daughter of Menelik took the throne and Ras Teferi appointed as regent and became heir to the throne. Later Zewditu diet in 1930 and Ras Teferi, became the emperor.

Right from the beginning, he introduced a reformation program, the first written constitution, and he even attempted to end slavery in the country. He did much in the education sector.

The socialist era was a time of terror for many, a time of dictatorship. Opponents driven to exile and peasant families resettled in villages and farmlands were expected to supply crops to the state below market price. The drought and famine of northern Ethiopia happened this time.

Later, EPRDF took power with a coup and Mengistu, the leader of the socialist regime flew the country.

With a promise of freedom of ethnic groups and religion, EPRDF took the position. Meles Zenawi became the head, after a national conference in 1991. Meles Zenawi died on 20 August 2012 and was succeeded as Prime Minister by Hailemariam Desalegn. Meles was in power for more than 20 years. After a short turmoil and public demonstrations, a change in leadership was necessary. Later on 2 April 2018, Abiy Ahmed was declared Prime Minister.

What Are the Ethiopian Government administrative Divisions?

The Ethiopian government has 9 ethnically based regional states and 2 self-governing administrations. The regional states are further subdivided into 68 zones. The central admirations would further divide into Sub-city, then to woreda and to kebele. The kebele is the smallest subdivision that can be alternatively used as a neighborhood level.

The 9 regional states are Addis Ababa, Afar, Amara (Amhara), Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples), Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale’ (Somali), Tigray, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples.

Ethiopian Government Ministers

The council of misters that are the country’s executive organs is the cabinet of the Ethiopian government organized under the constitution.

Ethiopian government AU meeting in addis ababa
“The 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union” by PMO Ethiopia is licensed under CC PDM 1.0 
  • Prime Minister of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Abiy Ahmed
  • Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Demeke Mekonnen
  • Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopian Government Ministers……   Getahun Mekuria
  • Minister of Finance of Ethiopian Government Ministers……   Ahmed Shide
  • Minister of Transport of Ethiopian Government Ministers……               Dagmawit Moges
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Gedu Andargachew
  • Minister of Peace of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Mufheriat Kamil
  • Attorney General of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Birhanu Tsegaye
  • Minister of National Defense of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Lemma Megersa
  • Minister of Health of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Amir Aman
  • Minister of Trade and Industry of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Melaku Alebel[3]
  • Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopian Government Ministers… Omer Husen
  • Minister of Education of Ethiopian Government Ministers……Tilaye Gete
  • Minister of Mines and Petroleum of Ethiopian Government Ministers… Samuel Hurka

  • Minister of Science and Higher Education of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Hirut Woldemariam
  • Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Sileshi Bekele
  • Minister of Urban Development and Construction of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Aisha Mohammed Mussa
  • Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Ergoge Tesfaye
  • Minister of Women, Children, and Youth of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Yalem Tsegaye
  • Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopian Government Ministers… Hirut Kassaw
  • Minister of Revenues of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Adanech Abebe
  • Commissioner of National Planning of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Fitsum Assefa
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Gedu Andargachew
  • Minister of Peace of Ethiopian Government Ministers……mufheriat Kamil
  • Minister of Finance of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Ahmed Shide
  • Minister of National Defense of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Lemma Megersa
  • Minister of Transport of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Dagmawit Moges
  • Minister of Education of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Tilaye Gete
  • Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia…Hirut Kassaw
  • Minister of Health of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Amir Aman
  • Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Getahun Mekuria

  • Minister of Trade and Industry of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Melaku Alebel[3]
  • Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Omer Husen
  • Minister of Urban Development and Construction of Ethiopia…Aisha Mohammed Mussa
  • Minister of Science and Higher Education of Ethiopia…Hirut Woldemariam
  • Attorney General of Ethiopian Government Ministers…Birhanu Tsegaye
  • Minister of Mines and Petroleum of Ethiopia…Samuel Hurka
  • Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopia…Sileshi Bekele
  • Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Ethiopia… Ergoge Tesfaye
  • Minister of Women, Children, and Youth of Ethiopia…Alem Tsegaye
  • Minister of Revenues of Ethiopia…Adanech Abebe
  • Commissioner of National Planning of Ethiopia…Fitsum Assefa

updated link

Is Ethiopia a Democracy

Ethiopia is a democratic country, with a constitution and distribution of power to states. The 1995 constitution established the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia.  This was thought to create unity and living together within the ethnic groups. The federal government assumes responsibility in matters of foreign relations, the general policy of common interest and national defense. The state council has power on state matters and on powers of legislation.

Ethiopian Government Problems

Since the 2005 election, Ethiopia has unrest and protesting against the government. Recently, even after constant leader change, the problem continues. Is there corruption in Ethiopia? The simple answer is yes. There is corruption in Ethiopia. The land administration has a higher level of corruption.

Land certificate, a construction permit, the business permit, all are vulnerable to corruption. The level of corruption extends to day to day events. These include traffic violations, tipping for faster services and even in schools. These trends are increasing and creating greater problems in the overall economic scenario of the country. According to transparency international, Ethiopia sits on 37 out of 100, on a scale where 0 is high corruption and 100 is no corruption. This puts the country on the 96th position out of 180.

Map: corruption perceptions index 2019

The Ethiopian government is also accused of controlling media and detaining journalists. Many pollical prisoners who have been detained without any evidence and without probable cause have testified to have been beaten and tortured. Recently, after the political change, many journalists have been released from prisons.

The internal displacement due to ethnic violence has been a challenge for the Ethiopian government. The scale of displacement is huge and it needed strong interventions. The current Ethiopian government repetitively says it is working to support more than 1.4 million internally displaced people.

The clash between the neighboring countries is also a problem. Policy problems were the result of the clash between these countries and Ethiopia. Recently, the prime minister is working hard to create a peaceful resolution between these countries. The peace deal between the north and the south of Sudan is a good example. Ethiopian government played a great role in the deal. The peace deal between Ethiopia and Eritrea even got Abiy Ahmed a Nobel prize.

Drought and famine are other challenges for the Ethiopian government. The long history of famine in the country comes and goes in a while. The new humanitarian says, in 201, 10 million Ethiopians needed food aid.  And this happens in the next years.

Ethiopian government contacts and addresses

Final words

Ethiopia is a land of many histories. Its past begins 2 millenniums ago, at the time of Yeha and Axum. The Ethiopian government since ten had its own good and a bad reputation. In general, each monarch or leader did something that is reputable or something bad. In all these times, the country persisted with its strengths and flaws. The recent story of the socialist government is a bad reputation. In 20 years’ time, many people lost their lives, lost heir belongings.

And others were limited to the bad policy of the country and refrained from creative and productive endeavors. The country’s famine, that many foreigners refer to the country to happened at that time. Even the EFDRE government had its flaws. Ethnic violence grew readily this time, as some stipulate was intended the act to remain on power.  Many people lost their lives and others were detained. Ethiopia’s structure is still based on federalism.

Ethiopian federalism has been on work since the 1990s. The ethnic-based federalism has 9 reigns that have various ethnic groups. These are represented in the parliament. There is still a problem in Ethiopia. Poverty is the first. Recently, ethnic violence became a story of the country. The federalism structure and the wrong policies seem to have caused a sense of competition among the ethnic groups and even among different religious groups.

The Ethiopian government has 3 structures, the legislative, the executive and the judiciary. Through this system, the power is fairly shared. One makes the rules the other implements them and the last interprets them. The Ethiopian government, despite the power-sharing, and other gestures has challenges. Corruption is the main one. The country seems to have run out of cash due to constantly losing money.

The internal displacement, the timely drought and the pollical crises as some call it are few of the Ethiopian government challenges. The country, especially under the Abiy Amhed administration seems to work to change these issues.

The best way to contact the Ethiopian government office is to directly call and get an appointment.

If you are a foreigner and if you have problems that you can’t solve, you can always contact your embassy and let the embassy help you figure it out. The US embassy emergency involving American citizens can call at 251 11 130 6000. 

If you are UK citizen living Ethiopia and needs assistance, call at +251 (0)11 617 0100

Ethiopia weather guide that will save you a lot of time.

By
brook
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0
Ethiopia weather -

Ethiopia weather has two major seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. However, each month in every season has its own character and setbacks. It is necessary to know what is going on in Ethiopia, before deciding to come or before deciding to wear certain clothes or for any other reason.

Ethiopia is situated in the horn of Africa, and it has enormous diversity in altitude from place to place. The highest point, for example, is 4,550m (14,930 ft), at Ras Dashin mountain, Africa’s 10th tallest mountain. The lowest point is at the Danakil Depression that reaches 125m (410ft) below sea level.

This difference in altitude has a huge impact on the weather of the country. You may have different climatic zones and huge variance in Ethiopian weather. The north part of the country has a high altitude, therefore it has early rain and colder weather. Some cities, surrounded by high latitudes and mountains, have a much higher temperature. The Ethiopia weather changes as it goes down, especially near the rift valley region. It then goes cooler as it approaches the south. The overall green cover also increases.  

The climate zones range from tropical savanna in the west to desert climate in the east. Tourist destinations such as Lalibela and Gondar are at an elevation above 2,000m (6,561ft). These places enjoy a considerably cooler climate year-round.

The best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and May.  

Here I will show you everything you need to know about Ethiopia weather, what you should wear and when to visit the country. This article will save you a lot of time.

The Ethiopia Weather and the Climate

Ethiopia weather is influenced by the three climatic zones: The Kola, Woina Dega, and the Dega. These are the tropical zone, the subtropical zone, and the cool weather zone respectively.

The Kolla or the tropical zone of Ethiopia weather is in areas 1800 above sea level. Here the average annual temperature could be above 25-degree Celsius. The temperature rises higher in areas such as the Danakil Depression up to 50 degrees Celsius.

The Woina Dega or the subtropical zone is in areas between 1800 or above to 2500 or below meters above sea level. The temperature is about 22-degree Celsius.

The Dega or the cooler part of the country is above 2500 meters above sea level. This Ethiopia weather regions could have 16 Celsius.

Traveling to Ethiopia, it’s vital to understand the country’s climate in order to make the very most of your time there. Ethiopia weather varies with altitude, from the hot and arid weather of the lowlands to the cool weather of the plateau. The country is just north of the Equator, therefore, experiences little variation in temperature throughout the year.

The country has four major seasons. The summer or the Kiremet is a rainy season, from the end of May to the end of September. The rains are usually caused by the southwest monsoon, which affects most of the country from June to September. It only affects the plateau and the mountain slopes exposed to the south-west. The area on the south-east of the country has two rainy seasons from March to May and from October to November. The rains are less tense than the southwest plateaus. In the southeast part, during some years, the rain doesn’t occur and, causes droughts.

On the Ethiopian Plateau, the weather is mild and warm. The sun shines from November to February, and the rain takes place from June to September and rain and thunderstorms once a day (mostly in the afternoon) from March to May.

Except for Mekele, located at 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) of altitude, the arid or semiarid areas surrounding the Ethiopian plateau have much lower altitude. These places have a July and august rainy season, and hot April to June.

 Afar is very hot and is a desert. The Danakil depression gets hotter as the altitude suddenly drops to 125 meters below sea level. With the low temperature around 30 °C (86 °F) and highs around 40 °C (104 °F), the area is one of the hottest in the Ethiopia weather.

addis ababa rain

Is Ethiopia Hot or Cold?

Since Ethiopia is near the equator the sun shines almost all year round. There is no snow in Ethiopia weather, and the rain usually comes and goes in half a day in may places. The rain mostly forms due to evaporation and precipitation due to mountains near cities.

Ethiopia weather changes from city to city and from place to place depending on the altitude of the place. The higher the altitude, the colder the place becomes.

Addis Ababa, for example, is located at 2300 meters or 7500 feet above sea level. The temperature is mild and the day is pleasantly warm. And the night is cool. The average temperature at day time is 23/25 °C (73/77 °F), and at night is 1 0 °C (50 °F) or below.

Gondar is located at 2000 meters or 6500 feet above sea level, therefore the temperature is higher than Addis Ababa.

Bahir Dar, for example, is hotter than Addis Ababa, since it sits 1800 meters or 5900 feet above sea level.

Altitude is not the only criteria here. The location also matters. Places in the north that sit near the high plateau areas would have a hotter climate. Mekele, for example, sits on 2000 meters or 6500 feet but has a hot and dry climate. If the altitude goes lower than that, the heat becomes higher.

Places such as the Somali region and Dire Dawa are hot areas with 35 °C (95 °F) temperature. Like a desert the day becomes hot and night very cold.  

Does It Get Cold in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, in some places like Debre Brihan, few kilometers from Addis Ababa, and somewhere in the plateaus of northern Ethiopia, it could get cold. Some times the night could be windy and very cold even in Addis Ababa.  

Ethiopia Weather Map

Weather Forecast Addis Ababa 15 Days

Addis Ababa has an optimal temperature, around 24 degrees or less in the day time. This consistently goes from October to march. March might see some increase and soon declines in the rainy season. here is the weather forecast for Addis Ababa for 15 days.

Lalibela Ethiopia Weather

Lalibela has 3 months of rainfall days with 1140mm or 44.9inch of precipitation. January, the middle of the year, is dry. May and June are warm and they have an average high temperature of 24°C (75.2°F). The temperature drops between August and November by 4-degree centigrade.

Gondar Weather

The temperature of Gondar varies from 51°F to 84°F and is rarely below 48°F or above 88°F.

What to wear and pack

The average temperature is warmer between October and May and is colder between June and September. Based on when you will visit the country, you need to pack accordingly. However, you should not expect extreme weather. The Ethiopian climate has an optimal temperature throughout the year.

In the rainy seasons, you need to have Jackets and full cloths. At this time of the year, avoid short dresses or short trousers. You don’t need many fur clothes or too many clothes. In the night time, especially in Addis, you only need normal clothes. The locals wear, shirts and trousers and dresses as well.

Sometimes, the night gets cold, then you only need to have an extra sweater or coat.

If you are traveling on a bus from Addis Ababa to the north, then you definitely will have a layer of weather varying from one place to another. Especially in the northern part of the country, despite the altitude, the temperature could change. The Abay desert in the north is a very hot place. Humera is also very hot during the summertime. Some places in the north also get very cold. Mekele could become warm and humid like Bahir Dar.

ethiopia landscape seimen mountain

Therefore, you need to pack clothes and change as you feel like it.

The day time is warmer in many places and the cold comes as soon as the sun goes down. Therefore, you need to consider the temperature change and pack accordingly. In Addis Ababa night, for example, the Ethiopian weather goes down at least in half of the day temperature.

The harshest place is in the northeast part of the country. Near the Danakil depression and near afar, and Dire Dawa, the weather becomes harsh. The day is very hot and the nights get very cold. The locals do heavy manual work such as grinding and cutting salt out of the ground, and they even have to walk for hours to arrive at the workplace. But it is not advisable to do for a foreigner. Here, wear cotton and linen cloths and have a turban and a simple scarf.  Wear white cloths, and avoid black clothes. Don’t expose skin to the sun, if you have a frail skin.

In the regions of Danakil and Afar and in the south-east, bring loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, light and long shirt and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen), a desert turban, hiking shoes, a sweatshirt for the evening at an altitude higher than the plain.

The best time to visit Addis Ababa, Aksum, Lalibela and Gondar

The best time to visit Aksum, Lalibela and Gondar are from November to April. The sun is up and the day is warm. You won’t have a problem with rain. The cold season begins in June in many places. Timely rain and cold weather begin here. Then in July and August, the rain proceeds and it rains at least once a day. In some places, it rains for hours nonstop.

October gets warmer and the flowers bloom in many places. March and April have a higher temperature in many of these places. It is advisable to wear cotton clothes in these months.

The big plus of the weather is that in September and October, March, April, May, and June, traveling gets cheaper. With unexpected rain and colder weather, you can enjoy the country.

The best time to visit the Lower Omo Valley

The best time to visit the Omo Valley is from January to April when the Ethiopian weather is dry but hot. Since you are looking for social and cultural events, you need to avoid going there in the rainy season. The people would be sitting their chambers waiting for the cold to pass rather than going out and dance and do their things.

The roads that lead to some villages are also not paved and the mud, due to the rain, would give you a hard time.

The rain in the south is much more than in the north. It may rain all day, nonstop in some places. The days get cloudy and cover all the beautiful things you need to visit.

The wild animals also would take a shade instead of coming in the open to be seen.

The best time to visit the Danakil Depression

The Danakil depression Ethiopia weather could get up to 50 degrees and more. It is not a place for a simple walk. If it was not for the marvelous landscape and the natural features, the places would not be fun to be inside. Due to the altitude, the weather is harsh. The mountains and higher altitudes surrounding the area would trap the air and you feel a still hot air. While in a car you need to close windows or else you see the heat against your face.

denakil depression , afar ,ethiopia

Make sure you have a good ventilation system on your car before departing to Danakil depression.

Final words

Visiting new places is always a strange activity. You would see new phenomena that your body did not experience before. Therefore, it is best to understand the climate and the weather of the place beforehand.

1-The weather of a place in Ethiopia doesn’t only differ based on altitude, but also the nearby altitude and the mountains surrounding it. For example near the northern part of Addis Ababa, the air is colder and the rain stays longer than the rest of the city. The south part seems dry. This is due to the mountains in the north and the relatively higher altitude. The great depression zone in the south makes the area hotter.

2-When traveling by bus to long-distance, the Ethiopia weather changes fast. You need to be aware of this all the time.

 3-White cloths and thin clothes are preferable in the day time.

4- Time from June to October is a rainy season for many places. The sun gets harsh in march.

5-Ethiopia, even Africa is not a desert as you may have heard. It is definitely less humid and less desert and less cold than any place in the world.

10 unexpected facts about Ethiopia

By
brook
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ethiopia landscape seimen mountain

Many facts about Ethiopia seems to have been hidden away from the world for a long time due to various reasons. One of these is the history of drought and famine the country had in the 80s. This has destroyed the image of Ethiopia and facts about Ethiopia were covered with this news.

Ethiopia, in fact, is one of the oldest Africa’s oldest civilization, that has its own system and alphabet. With more than 2 millennium’s history, the country persists until now with a diverse nation and with diverse culture.

Ethiopia has been represented through the ancient Axum that was a powerful nation in the horn of Africa. The Axum’s domination on the red sea was obvious and written on many occasions and historic artifacts.

Ethiopia became world news in 1896 after defeating Italy, refusing a colonial rule. The fascist country returned in 1935, and in the battle of Adwa, it was defeated and returned home. Within the occupation four years period the Italian government ad put its influence on the country. The buildings and some roads and even Italian names still exist in the country.

The present territory of Ethiopia was consolidated during the 19th and 20th centuries as European powers invaded Ethiopia’s historical domain. Since then the country passed through various political and economic situations. King Haile Selassie’s monarchy era in the 50s was replaced by a socialist government in a coup in 1974. Recently a party system has been seen for the last 25 years.

 Here are 10 facts about Ethiopia that are interesting.

1. Thirteen Months – facts about Ethiopia

Unlike the rest of the world, Ethiopia has 13 months to a year. The country seems to have stuck to its own calendar system for a very long time. Not only the calendar but also the timing is different from the rest of the world. Only a few counties have their own calendar system. The Hebrew, the arabas, the Chinese, the Koreans. These use a mixed system with the rest of the world or they kept their calendar as a souvenir. Ethiopia, however, uses the calendar together with the Gregorian calendar.

First, The Ethiopia calendar has 8 years difference with the Gregorian calendar. Second. Every month has 30 days and the 13 months will be a five- or six-days leap year.

Since the country is located on the equator there is no much disparity between the length of the day and the night. The few minutes difference is not that noticeable. Therefore, Ethiopian time starts at 1 in the morning, not at 7, and ends at 12 and the evening begins at 1 and ends at 12 in the morning. There are not days of light saving.

The fists of facts about Ethiopia is it has 13 months and some call it 13 months of sunshine. 

Facts about Ethiopia #1- Ethiopia has 13 months.

2. Ethiopia and ancient religions

Ethiopia has been a name in many historic and religious books including the bible, the Koran, Homer’s Odyssey. The name Ethiopia has been in the bible more than 45 times and other times mentioned as a country in the south of Egypt.

It is a story that Mohamed the prophet of Islam first sent his daughter and accomplices to Ethiopia, running from persecution. The Christian country of Ethiopia accepted them and sheltered them and some have changed to Christianity while locals also changed to Islam. Mohmed is said to have ordered his followers not to attach Ethiopia if they didn’t attack them first.

 Facts about Ethiopia #2 – Ethiopia in religious books

ethiopia landscape seimen mountain

3. The contradictory Scenic Landscape

The landscape of Ethiopia seems to contradict each other on every few kilometers the altitude increases and decreases. A few kilometers from the highest altitudes in the world lays the lowest point in Afar, the Danakil Depression. The northern mountains, as high as 2600 and much more above sea level became the lowest point in Afar up to 125 meters below sea level.

Danakil Depression is a place many archeological findings in Ethiopia were found. The colorful landscape due to underground chemicals on the surface makes the place dreamy.

Besides this, the Erta Ale active volcano, on the surface is one of the most attractive landscapes in the world.

The rift valley, the Blue Nile gorge, the Seimen mountains, all make the place a land of landscapes.

Facts about Ethiopia #3- The landscapes change so fast.

how to make ethiopian coffee at home

4.  Discovery of Coffee- Facts About Ethiopia

Ethiopian coffee is a household name in the country. It has gained popularity even in the west and in the Arab world. The coffee arabica of Ethiopia has a unique position in the world of coffee. Many brands prefer it for its taste and color.

It is considered Ethiopia could be the first person to have discorded the use of coffee and have used it. The oral story begins with a farmer called Kaldi who was born in a Kaffa region. Coffee is thought to have derived from the place Kaffa. Kaldi saw one day that the goats that consumed the coffee tree became hyper and he could not handle them. Curiosity led him to discover the overexcited effect of the plant.

Related: How to Make Ethiopian coffee at home.

Since then the world shared this drink and today coffee is considered only the second valuable commodity after petroleum.  And 4 out of 5 Americans consume coffee daily.

Ethiopian coffee is a way of life in the country. Many people use it to socialize and create a social bond.  

Facts about Ethiopia #4- Ethiopia probably gave coffee to the world

facts about Ethiopia

5. Birth of Rastafarianism

Many Rastafarians think that religion begins in Jamaica and with the inspiration of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie who inspired the religion. Ras- Tafari is translated as head or a leader Terferi, that is the first name of Haile Selassie.

The Rastafarian movement believes Haile Selassie as the incarnation of God. They also believe Ethiopia to be a promised land. They present the religious background and the reason why Ethiopia has not colonized a sign the country is sacred land.

The country also inspired many black Americans and black Africans to see a better future beyond colonialism. The country played a great role at the beginning of the African Union.

The flag of Ethiopia is a symbol for the Rastafarians and Africans, and it is a sign of freedom and the future.

Facts about Ethiopia #5 – Ethiopia is a reason for Rastafarianism.

6. Origin of Mankind

A land of Lucy and other archeological hominid finds, Ethiopia is considered one of the beginning places for humankind. Lucy, an almost completed skeleton found in Afar was found in 1972 and is thought to be 3.2 million years old.  

Facts about Ethiopia #6 Ethiopia is an origin of humankind.

7. A place of the True Cross

Religion has a big place in the lives of Ethiopia. Orthodox Christianity has an oral history that seems fantasy for some. The history of the church is immense and has a lot of unverified but amazing claims. The tomb of Adam is thought to be in Lalibela. The legend says that the true cross that Christ was crucified on, was found by St. Helena—the mother of Constantine the Great, the Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity—in the 4th century. The relic of that cross was later given to Ethiopia’s kings to protect Coptic Christians in their country.

Related: When to be in Ethiopia to celebrate Meskel?

Ethiopia celebrates this day once a year, on September 26. The celebration is called Meskel, and for more than 1500 years the country celebrated the arrival of the True Cross in Ethiopia.

Facts about Ethiopia # 7 – a place for the true cross

8. The Ark of Covenant

The ark of the covenant that was given to Moses is thought to be in Ethiopia somewhere hidden away from the public. The ark of the convent is a stone that has the ten commandments that God gave to Moses.

The orthodox church claims to have the ark of the covenant.

Facts about Ethiopia #8- the arc of the covenant could be in Ethiopia.

9. Never been Colonized

Ethiopia is one of the two African countries to never be colonized. This is news for many readers but this is true and the second one is Liberia and was not colonized due to a prevalent disease in the country.  

The Italian colonization power was defeated at the end of the 19th century (in the 1880s), in the war of Adwa and the country remained free for long. The country then fell under the Italian invasion for four years in the 1940s, from 1936- 1941. At the time the whole world ignored the call of the Ethiopians, and the invasion of Italy, that was against the international rule, then King Haile Selassie left the county to find assistance to defeat the power of Italy.  

British and France and other countries supported Italy. Later, the king returned and Italy was defeated. The day is celebrated once a year in the country.

Facts about Ethiopia #9 – Ethiopia has never been colonized.

10. Abebe Bikila

Ethiopian distance runner Abebe Bikila became the first black African to win the gold medal in the Olympic Marathon at the time Blacks were considered inferior. He won the first gold medal at the 1960 summer Olympics in Rome, barefoot.

He was an inspiration for many aspiring runners and other African and black people. When he said he could do another 10 kilometers after the Marathon, he was not joking. He was a very competitive person, with great charisma. His bare feet running was another amazing occasion.

Today many records are broken by Ethiopia. Some of the known runners are Haile Gebre Selassie and Fatuma Roba. These runners set a bar in their respective running category.

Facts about Ethiopia #10- Setting the bar in running

Ethiopia is one of the civilizations that contributed much to the world. The Axum civilization 2 millennia ago was a big influence in the development of the world. Today, it seems the country is in a problem, and poorness is associated with its name. However, it is always to remember the good part of a country as well.

The country’s position in religion, sports, and social and historic areas should be celebrated as well.

11 amazing Lalibela Churches you should visit, and their mystery

By
brook
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lalibela chruches, Facts About Lalibela Churches-
Image-by-RogueAngel-is-licensed-under-CC-BY-NC-2.0

Lalibela churches are one of the most marvelous pieces of architecture you would see in Africa. Lalibela churches are considered as the 8th wonders of the world, next to the seven that UNSECO identified. These churches still survive, centuries later, in a small town called Lalibela.

Lalibela is a small ancient town in the Northern part of Ethiopia and is known for its religious buildings and its history. The town contains rock-cut monolithic churches that were part of the medieval civilization that the country was in.

Lalibela is thought to be hugely influenced by Aksum (Axum). The Architecture and the religious influence are visible on the buildings. Lalibela was also influenced by Jerusalem and wanted to be the second Jerusalem, especially after the middle east Jerusalem fell under the Islamic influence at the time.

The river in the town and other buildings have biblical names.

There are 11 rock-hewn Lalibela churches and the two are monolithic sanctuaries, namely Bete Hawariat and Bete Estifanos. Lalibela is majorly a tourist city, unveiling its history and attracting the economy in return. Many people in the town live dependent on these religious and historic artifacts. The society also lives around these edifices, where these are geographic and Thousands of visitors travel to see them every year.

The churches, in the center of the city, are located on the other side of a small stream, from each other. A seasonal stream called Jordan separates the northern side churches from the east. Beite Giyorgis, saint George building stands in the sloping rock terrace in the southwest of the churches.

The Northern side of river Jordan churches:

  1. Bete Maryam, ‘House of Mary’
  2. Bete Meskel, ‘House of the Cross’
  3. Bete Denagel, ‘House of Virgins’
  4. Bete Medhane Alem, ‘House of the Saviour of the World’
  5. Bete Golgotha Mikael, ‘House of Golgotha Mikael’

The Eastern Group:

  1. Bete Amanuel, ‘House of Immanuel’
  2. Bete Gabriel-Rufael, ‘House of the angels Gabriel, and Raphael’
  3. Bete Qeddus Mercoreus, ‘House of Saint Mercurius’
  4. Bete Lehem, ‘Bethlehem’
  5. Bete Abba Libanos ‘House of Abbot Libanos’

The Western side churches:

  1. Church of Saint George

1. Bete Mariam, ‘House of Miriam/House of Mary’ Lalibela churches

Lalibela church medhane alem door "medhane alem door" by nicholaslaughlin is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Edited “medhane alem door” by nicholaslaughlin is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

Being one of the oldest churches in the town, Beite Mariam is a UNESCO heritage. The building was built with a concept of the Tombs of Adam, the first man, and Christ, the savior, the second man. Beite Mariam Lalibela church is a one-story monolithic building with seven rooms.

The church is thought to be built during the reign of the Zagwe dynasty, at the time of Gebre Mesqel Lalibela. The churches were made between the 11th and 13th centuries.

The exterior walls have a molding decoration that runs horizontally across the walls and the three rows of windows gave the church a memorable image. The rows on the upper side of the windows are plain and are rectangular without any fillings while the rows on the lower end are carefully decorated with various cross image.

The interior of Bete Mariam is a fully developed cathedral, decorated with icon diagrams of St. Marry and St. Joseph, Star of David, Seal of Solomon, cross symbols. A semi-circular gallery is located on the first floor consisting of seven rooms.

With a trapezoidal courtyard, the church’s courtyard is used for a religious celebration space especially during the Christmas season. In between the courtyard is a deep rectangular pool that is believed to make a barren fertile with a blessing from priests. The people bath in the pool looking for a miracle. 

2. Bete Meskel, ‘House of the Cross’

Bete Meskel also means a house of the cross. It is an underground monolithic church carved out of and into a rock. The church is also part of the UNESCO heritage site. It is believed the building was built during the Axum Kingdom.

Image by RogueAngel is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 

3. Bete Denagel, ‘House of Virgins’ Lalibela Church

Beite Denagel has church arts and decorations that are unique to Lalibela churches.

4. Bete Medhane Alem, ‘House of the Savior of the World’ Lalibela Churches

Being one of the largest monolithic churches in the world, Bete Medahane Alem is one of the most impressive monolithic churches in Lalibela. Since it is a place for Lalibela cross, it is an important edifice.

Bete Medane Alem has resemblance with St. Mary of Zion of Axum and is thought to be an imitation of the church.

The walkways and the tunnels connect Bete Medhane Alem with one of the oldest churches of Bete Maryam. The east side of the Bete Medhane Alem wall of the Lalibela church is a display of geometric carved windows in a vertical line. Axum shaped crosses and Latin crosses are also seen on the church walls. 

5. Bete Golgotha Mikael, ‘House of Golgotha Mikael’

Bete Golgtha Mikael was renovated and reopened in 2018. The Lalibela church is a monolithic church carved out of soft volcanic tuff. It was built in the 12th century by King Lalibela. With its pilgrimage symbols, the church has been a destination for many visitors and religious people.

The deteriorating Bete Golgotha Mikael church has cracks and the outer part is eroded during rainy seasons.

lalibela church "DSCF0549" by Giustino is licensed under CC BY 2.0
“DSCF0549” by Giustino is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

6. Bete Amanuel, ‘House of Immanuel’

Bete Amanuel is another underground monolithic rock-cut Lalibela church. The church building shows the Axum construction prints more than any of the other Lalibela churches. The building is believed to be a royal prayer house of King Lalibela and his family.

Bete Amanuel is a three-story building in which the ground floor in cross-shaped, the first floor is arched over, and the second is square-headed.

Inside the courtyard on the ground, it is accessed by three gates, of which is from Bete Merkorious. The Bete Amanuel church is fascinating. Its wall is carved with horizontal strips that go around the walls. It has 24 external columns and 45 small windows. Stairs carved into the rocks, take one to the first floor.

The Axum influence is clearly displayed in this church. The external façade followed Axumite style of alternating recessed and projecting stonework, and the ancient Ethiopian wood and stone method of construction.

The rectangular church is purely monolithic and is carefully placed amidst the center of a quadrilateral courtyard. It is a

The external walls are richly decorated with horizontal carving decorations on the external walls and alternating vertical and horizontal moldings on the four facades of the Lalibela church are impressive. The three-row windows have their own unique characters. The lower windows are cross-shaped, the middle is round-arched with capitals, and the uppers are square-headed. The bottom and the top windows exhibit frames with corner posts of Axumite style. The top row windows have no fillings.

Like the others, it has three doorways; the main entrance is on the west wall accessible by four steps.

“Igrejas de Lalibela, Etiópia” by Samuel Santos is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

7. Bete Gabriel-Rufael, ‘House of the angels Gabriel, and Raphael’ Lalibela Churches

Bete Gabriel-Rufael is a different church in its architecture and service. This single-story Lalibela church is connected to a mountain and accessed by wooden bridges to its story level. The ground floor of this church is filled with water and cannot be accessed.

Amazingly the gate of the ground floor gives no service.

The church has eight external columns, of which five of them continued to the ground floor and the rest three remain at the upper floor.

Internally, there are two columns. It has a short room height relative to the others. Bete Rufael and Bete Gabriel are situated under a single roof. Inside Bete Rafael, there is one huge column and two windows.

Externally its wall has recessed slots inscribing windows. The two doors have a wider veranda. It has a wider door at the south that takes to Eucharist Kitchen, to a store and to other caves, which are too wide. Its western gate takes to Bete Rufael. Traveling through the cave, you can find a wooden gate that was constructed by Lalibela.

Bete Gabriel is a church located between two deep channels on the north and south side. The monumental northern facade is decorated with ogival niches whose top shape is similar to the Axumite stales.  

8. Bete Qeddus Mercoreus, ‘House of Saint Mercurius’

Another underground church built during the kingdom of Axum. It is thought to have been a prison as ankle shackles were found there.

9. Bete Golgotha Mikael, ‘House of Golgotha Mikael’

Bete Golgotha is known for its artwork and carvings of saints on the walls. It is believed to be a place where the tomb of King Lalibela and has a gold-draped Ark over the grave. The Selassie Chapel and the Tomb of Adam also reside there.

Bete Debre Sinai and Bete Golgotha are twin churches. A tunnel at the western end of Bete Mariam leads to the twin churches.

The east side Golgotha and the west Debre Sinai are semi-monolithic and separated by a rock wall. These are connected within the trenches that is 10 meters below the surface. The churches appear as one when viewed from outside and the local people called them Bete Golgotha-Michael as a single church.

Lalibela Ethiopia map

10. Bete Lehem, ‘Bethlehem’

Bete Lehem is underground monolith church, created during the kingdom of Axum.

11. Bete Abba Libanos, ‘House of Abbot Libanos’

Bete Abba Libanos is an underground rock-cut monolith Lalibela church.

bete giyorgis lalibela church

12. Church of Saint George (Bet Ghiorgis), ‘St. George’s’

Located on the western side of the cluster of churches, Bete Ghiorgis is cut 40 feet down and its roof forms the shape of a simple cross. It was built after Lalibela’s death in 1220 by his widow as a memorial to the saint-king.

The plan was to make a new Jerusalem with measured dimensions and precisions.

Unlike some of the other churches, St. George’s is plain inside. A curtain covers away from the place called the Holy of Holies, and a priest stands Infront exhibiting books and paintings to visitors. A Tabot, a copy of the Ark of the Covenant, is thought to be in one of the wings in the spaces.

Bete Ghiorgis, which is a distinctively cross-shaped Lalibela church. This is believed to be the last work of Lalibela. It is situated far from the other two groups of churches and accessed through the cave. The building stands inside the courtyard. Narrow and with horizontal bands, the walls appear symmetric and visually bold.

It is decorated by two rows of windows, 9 blind windows in the bottom row are blind and emulate the Axumite framework. The 12 windows in the upper row have ogival arches and bracket capitals.

The church has three doors in the west, north, and south and at the main entrance in the west, you will find seven steps as a representation as seven skies, heavens.      

The Lalibela churches have one thing in common, that is these are carved out of a single rock. These have articulations that are unique to each of the churches. The Lalibela churches are an impressive tourist destination, and some even call them 8th wonders of the world. The Lalibela town is rather small but holds great historic edifices. If you plan to visit Ethiopia, then you need to see Lalibela.

20 Tribes in Ethiopia, surprising facts and travel tips

By
brook
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Tribes in Ethiopia have various cultures, languages, and lifestyles. These tribes of Ethiopia live in harmony with nature and with each other. A few tensions raised recently due to differences. Tribes in Ethiopia speak more than 80 languages and are too many in numbers.

The main tribes in Ethiopia are the Oromo, the Amhara, the Tigray, and the Gurage. These have a large population. The minorities such as Mursi and people in Benishangul Gumuz also have their own cultures and traditions.

The Omo valley is another unique place that holds diverse ethnic tribes of Ethiopia, that have a similar culture but different settlements. These tribes in Ethiopia intrinsically have a very unique culture and way of life that makes them different from neighboring clans and ethnic groups in some way. These people were a destination of many tourists due to their unique and ancestral lifestyles.

The Amhara and Tigray also have an association with ancient civilizations that Axum and Lalibela emanated from. These were powerful people in the northern part of the country.

The Gurage and the Sidama inhabit the southern part of the land. And have their own cultural attributes to the overall country. The Somali and Harari also have a historic and cultural place in the development of Ethiopia.

Here, I will answer your main questions about tribes in Ethiopia.

1.     Ethnic Groups in Ethiopia

More than 8o officially recognized ethnic groups are found in Ethiopia. The four ethnic groups that are the Oromo, the Somali, the Amhara, and Tigray make three-quarters of the whole population. The Oromo and the Somali are from the afro Asiatic language, mainly from the Cushitic branches. The Amhara and the Tigray are from the Semitic branches.

The rest of the Rhinic groups, tribes in Ethiopia, are the Omotic ethnic minorities, from the Omotic branches. Welayta is in this tribe.

The Nilotic speaking minorities live in the southwest regions of Ethiopia, in the Gambela region. These people speak Afro-Saharan language and share a culture with South Sudan.

  • Geez, Tigrigna, Gurage, Amharic, Harari- Sematic group
  • Somali, Afar, Oromo- Cushitic
  • Walita- Omotic
  • Kunama- Nilotic

2.   How Many Tribes in Ethiopia ?

Ethiopians are diverse in ethnicity, and there are more than 80 languages being spoken in the country. These tribes of Ethiopia speak languages that belong to the Cushitic, Sematic or Omotic and Nilotic groups.

Related posts: What Does Ethiopia Looks Like? Unpopular Facts

3.    List of Tribes in Ethiopia

  1. Oromo– Oromo is one of the largest tribes of Ethiopia. This ethnic group of Ethiopia belongs in the Cushitic group and has a history of a millennium.
  2. Amhara– Amhara is the second-largest tribe of Ethiopia. The Amhara people live in the northern part of Ethiopia. Wollo, Bahir Dar, Lalibela belong in these tribes of Ethiopia.
  3. Somali– The Somali people live in the eastern part of the country. The Harari and Dire Dawa people have a closer culture with these tribes in Ethiopia.
  4. Gurage people– The Gurage people live in the southern part of the country and are known with their work ethic. Their foods are also unique and are loved by tourists.
  5. Wolayta– These tribes in Ethiopia also live in the southern part of Ethiopia.

The Amhara, the Oromo and the Tigray tribes in Ethiopia make 75% of the whole population. The smallest number of tribes go as low as 10,000.

ethiopian cloth cultural

4.   Ethiopian Tribes Amhara

The Amhara are tribes in Ethiopia living in the northwest highlands of Ethiopia. In 2007, the Amhara were 27 percent of the whole Ethiopian population. The Amhara are known with their Amharic language and contribution in history. The biggest tourist attractions such as Lalibela exist in this region.

The Amhara tribe of Ethiopia has historically lived in the north, central and western parts of Ethiopia. They depended on agriculture.

Some historians traced the origin of these tribes of Ethiopia to the modern-day Yemen who migrated to Wollo, in the Amhara region.

The church arts, the dances, the unique food, and clothing, the religious stories, the political stories all make these tribes in Ethiopia a truly beautiful people.

5.   Ethiopian Tribes Oromo

The Oromo people take a third of the Ethiopian population. The Oromo language or Oromiffa is the language these people use. The Oromo people have a traditional religion called Waqeffanna, and they use a unique hierarchical governance system called Gadaa. The Gadaa system has a power hierarchy where leaders stay on power for 8 years.

The Oromo people’s history was first documents by Ethiopian monk Abba Bahrey, in his writing called Zenahu Le Galla, in 1593. The term Galla is considered derogatory and it is not used in the country.

6.   What are the Southern Ethiopian Tribes?

These tribes in Ethiopia are formed merging five regions and Awassa is the capital. The southern Ethiopian tribes, border Kenya in the south, and South Sudan in the southwest. Gambela is in the northwest of the southern Ethiopian tribes’ region. Arba Minch, Hosaena, Welkite, Bonga and Dilla are some of the towns and cities in the southern Ethiopian tribes.  

Almost 90 percent of the southern Ethiopian tribes live in a rural area. In 1994, the southern Ethiopia tribes of Ethiopia were a bit more than 10 million. It was estimated that the number of populations in the region would be almost 20 million.

Related post: Who Are the Habesha People? What Are They Known For?

7.    How Many Tribes Are in Omo Valley?

There are 10 much known Omo tribes in Ethiopia. The Tsemai live in a Wito village, and on the road that takes from Konso to Jinka. This minority Omo tribes of Ethiopia are small in number and are not more than 5000 in number.

These tribes in Ethiopia have a much-shared culture with the nearby Ari People and the Erbore people. They share clothing with the Ari people and social and spiritual way of life with the Erbore. They survive on subsistence farming.

The Erbore people are much linked to the Tsemai tribes and are thought to have come from the Konso tribes of Ethiopia to their present location. These tribes in Ethiopia have intermarried to the neighboring settlements like the Borena Oromo and the Guji, and the Hamar people.

The Karo are about 1000 in number and live on the east side of the Omo River. They are known with the chalk paint facemask and paintings, and the women’s scarifying of the chest.

The Dasenech or the Geleba live near the Kenya and Sudan border, about 25,000 in number. The tribe is divided into 8 clans and live near each other. The clans have their own borders and live a semi-nomadic life.

Bume tribes in Ethiopia live in the west of people called Dasenech, south of the Surma people. They live on the Kenyan border.  These are a bit more than 5000 in number. They are semi-nomadic and survive herding cattle and hunting and small-scale farming.

Konso is people south of Arba Minch, and they are known with their hill land cultivation systems an irrigation system.

The Dasenech are much known for their rituals called Dimme, which is slaughtering cattle for a wedding ceremony. The days will be celebrated with well-dressed clan members, clothed with feathers, leopard skin and more.

The Dorze are known with their cotton products and staple food from Enset or false banana and their unique house construction system.

The Benna is about 35,000 and lives in the highlands in the east of the Mago national park. They are hunters as well.

tribes in ethiopia Hamar ethiopia black and white

8.   Hamar Tribe

The Hamar of the minority tribes in Ethiopia, with an ancestral settlement, in the south of Ethiopia, near the border of Kenya. The tribe lives in the east of the Omo river and has a cultural connection and even has a dispute with the farmers on the Kenyan border.

If you have seen pictures of nude women with permanent skin decorations, muddy hair and braids. They wear necklaces made out of beads, seashells and other plastics.

The men also are distinguished with their skinny, tall and black nude features. They wear beads and feathers on their hair and decorated their faces with colorful muddy substances.

The life of the Hamar tribe is dependent on small scale agriculture and pastoralism. The products are sold in a weekly market. A market is a place of exchange for products that they would not get otherwise. These are tobacco or coffee and other fruits and vegetables and daily tools.

mursi people

9.   Mursi Tribe

The Mursi Tribe is thought to be one of the most aggressive and warrior tribes in the Omo region. They are known with their culture of getting a wife and respect thought intense stick fight.

The women are known with their round clay plates on their lips. Like the Hamar, they have their own jewelry on their ears and neck.

They scarify their full body as a symbol of strength.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a4oiIyTNr0

10.  Somali Tribes in Ethiopia

The present-day Somali is located The Somali tribes in Ethiopia are known throughout the horn of Africa. These tribes in Ethiopia were first appeared in the area in 1200 and later expanded to west and south. The Somali tribes are known with the faith of Islam, that is thought they were first converted in 1550 due to Arab traders. It was in 1650 the Somali people entered into Ethiopia.

The Somali tribes are sheep and cattle herders and the camel is a wealth for the owner. Camel milk is much known in this region. The Somali tribes live in a very divided clan, and clashes often appear in this area.

They also live in temporary huts and survive as nomads, and this is usually due to the harsh climate. They travel from place to place looking for water.

They are known with their music, and fancy women dress.

11. What Is the Biggest Tribe in Ethiopia?

The biggest ethnic group in Ethiopia is the Oromo. In 2007, according to the central statistics agency of Ethiopia, the population of the Oromo people was almost 34 %.  Amhara is the second-largest tribe in Ethiopia and the Somali was the third largest tribe in Ethiopia.

-Oromo 34.4%, Amhara 27% Somali 6.2%,

-Tigray (Tigrinya) 6.1%, Sidama 4%

-Gurage 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%

-Hadiya 1.7%, Afar 1.7%

-Gamo 1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%

-Silte 1.3% (Based on the 2007 population projection)

Find the Central Statistics Agency(CSA) data here.

12. Ethiopian Tribes Map

 Final Words and Necessary Tips

  • The Tribes in Ethiopia are truly diverse and have their own colors. Visiting each tribe is difficult but you can always taste the good offerings of each culture. Most restaurants serve the foods of tribes of Ethiopia. The Gurage and Amhara and Oromo foods are much known in these traditional restaurants. You can still taste the culture and the food from the comfort of a restaurant.
  • Minority tribes of Ethiopia and other bigger tribes exist at a border of Ethiopia. It is always the best option to avoid such extreme locations, that are at a border to neighboring countries. Clashes could arise at any moment and government and US embassy advise to ignore such places.
  • There are more than 80 languages in the country and these are categorized under 4 language branches: the sematic, Omotic, Kushite and Nilotic.
  • You probably don’t have to enter remote tribal settlements; you may need a guide.
  • Ask before taking pictures, or you may end up paying too much.
  • The best time to see the Omo valley is between October and March, where the rainy season pass and the dry season returns. Most of the internal roads are not paved and it would be hard to visit around the area.
  • Each tribal group or ethnic group has its own culture, a hair braiding style, clothing and even food that is uniques to its place. Many urban populations do not cloth in a traditional way. Instead, these cultural attributions are usually seen in the times of celebration and holidays. If you plan to witness these cultural attributes, then you should know the times of celebrations.
  • Irreecha is celebrated in October, probably a good time to see the Oromo culture.
  • Timket is celebrated in Lalibela on January 19 or 20, then it is the best time to see a northern Christian culture in Lalibela, Gondar and Addis Ababa.
  • Meskel, on September 27 is the best time to see culture in the Gurage area and the southern area and even in the Oromo people areas.
  • The Islamic holidays are the best times to be in the Somali and Harari regions.
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