Ethiopia

East Africa

Ethiopia is a country in East Africa, home to 129.7 million people, with an area of 1,104,300 km². Its capital is Addis Ababa.

Capital: Addis Ababa
Population: 129.7 million
Area: 1,104,300 km²
Region: East Africa
Density: 117 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Ethiopia · East Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Ethiopia is known for

Ethiopia is best known for Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park and Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, and Sudan and South Sudan to the west. It is known for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage, including its unique architecture, art, and cuisine.

Ethiopia at a glance

Language: Amharic is the official language, but many other languages are also spoken, including Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya
Currency: Ethiopian birr
Religion: Christianity and Islam are the predominant religions in Ethiopia, with approximately equal numbers of adherents to each
National dish: Injera (a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour and often served with stews and other dishes)
Climate: Ethiopia has a diverse climate, with most of the country experiencing a tropical or subtropical highland climate, and the eastern part of the country experiencing a hot, dry desert climate
Main industries: Agriculture, including coffee production and livestock farming; mining, including gold and other minerals; and manufacturing, including textiles and leather goods
GDP: $110.7 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Ethiopia is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 173 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Ethiopia

Some of the main tourist attractions in Ethiopia include:

Lalibela a town in northern Ethiopia that is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of 11 rock-hewn churches that were built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Simien Mountains National Park a protected area located in the northern part of the country that features stunning mountain landscapes and unique wildlife, including the Gelada baboon.
Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia, known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and historic landmarks, including the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethnological Museum.
Harar a historic walled city located in the eastern part of the country that is known for its unique architecture, colorful markets, and traditional culture.
Lake Tana the largest lake in Ethiopia, located in the northern part of the country, that is known for its scenic beauty and historic monasteries.
Omo Valley a remote region located in the southwestern part of the country that is home to many different ethnic groups and offers a glimpse into traditional ways of life and culture.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Ethiopia has to offer. The country's rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty make it a unique and fascinating destination for travelers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Ethiopia in pictures

Ethiopia on video

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Ethiopia compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of East Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Ethiopia	129.7 million	1,104,300 km²	Addis Ababa
Tanzania	68.6 million	945,087 km²	Dodoma
Kenya	56.4 million	580,367 km²	Nairobi
Uganda	50 million	241,550 km²	Kampala