The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE)
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is located in the north-eastern part of Africa commonly known as the Horn of Africa. It is strategically proximate to the Middle East and Europe, together with its easy access to the major ports of the region and enhance its international trade. It shares borders with Sudan and South Sudan to the west; Eritrea to the north and north-east; Djibouti & Somalia to the east; Somalia and Kenya to the south. Ethiopia is relatively larger in size, covering 1,112,000 square kilometres (472,000 sq. miles) which roughly makes it as large as France and Spain combined and is five times the size of the UK.
The country has different topographies. From the north and running down to the center are the Abyssinian highlands. To the west of the chain the land drops to the grasslands of Sudan, to the east to the deserts of the Afar. South of Addis Ababa, the land is dominated by the Rift Valley Lakes.
Ethiopia’s central plateau varies in height from 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and the center of the country there are about 25 mountains whose peaks rises over 4,000 meters (13,200ft), the highest being Ras Dashen at 4,543 meters (14,538ft) above sea level.
Population
With a population of more than 120 million, Ethiopia represents a melting pot of ancient cultures with Middle Eastern and African cultures evident in the religious, ethnic and language composition of its Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic and Nilotic peoples. The Ethiopia comprises over 80 different nations and nationalities of which the Amhara and the Oromo constitute the majority. Approximately 75-80 percent of the population lives in the rural areas. Economically active segment of the population whose age is between 14 and 60 is about 57.23%, aged from 0-14 is39.63% and over 65 is 3.14%.
Regional States and Chartered Cities
Ethiopia is a Federal Democratic Republic state composed of twelve regions and two city administrations: Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, Central Ethiopia Regional State, Gambella, Harari, Sidama, Somali, South Ethiopia Regional State, South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region; and two city administrations–Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. Addis Ababa is the Capital City and the Seat of African Union.
Some Basic Facts
Location: Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa, 3′ and 14.8″ latitude 33′ and 48′ longitude bordering Somalia, the Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya and Eritrea.
- It is the 10th largest country in Africa.
- The 2nd-most populous country in Africa after Nigeria
- With the lowest point of 100 meters below sea level, the Danakil Depression, and with the highest point of 4620 meters above sea level, Ras Dashen
- Abay (Blue Nile) River which contributes 86% of the Nile River emanates from the northern high lands of Ethiopia to join the White Nile in Khartoum, after flowing a distance of 1,450 kilometres.
- South of Addis Ababa, the land is dominated by the Rift Valley Lakes with beautiful scenery.
- Its proximity to the Middle East and Europe, together with its easy access to the major ports of the region, enhances its international trade.
Climate
Ethiopia has various climatic ecological zones and four seasons: summer, spring, winter and autumn. Summer is the rainy season running from June to August. Spring is a transition from rainy to dry season. It is very colourful and attractive to enjoy the visit because the field will commonly be covered with flowers and greenery. It runs from September to November. Winter is dry season because there is no rain as such in most of the areas. It consists months of December, January and February. The last season, Automn, is again a transition period from dry to rainy season, Summer. March, April and May are included in this season.
Although Ethiopia lies within 15 degrees north of the equator, owing to the moderating influence of high altitude, its central highland, generally enjoy a temperate and pleasant climate. The temperature rarely exceeds 25°C in most of the country. In fact, in the lower lying areas like Awash, Omo and Mago parks, which experience sub-tropical and tropical climates, it can get considerably hotter. The temperature generally drops quite rapidly towards sunset.
The Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is a significant environmental campaign aimed at combating climate change, deforestation, and land degradation in Ethiopia. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has led to the planting of over 17.5 billion trees across the country. This large-scale afforestation effort is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to address environmental challenges while fostering economic resilience.
The initiative not only focuses on increasing tree coverage to absorb carbon emissions but also aligns with Ethiopia’s economic reforms. These reforms aim to create a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, ensuring that economic activities do not lead to further environmental degradation. By enhancing the country’s green infrastructure, Ethiopia seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve biodiversity, and support sustainable livelihoods for its population.
Time
Ethiopians also use a 12-hour clock, with one cycle of 1 to 12 running from dawn (6 am) to dusk (6 pm) and the other cycle from dusk to dawn. The start of the day is dawn, rather than midnight. Thus, 7:00 AM in East Africa Time (EAT) corresponds to 1:00 daylight hour in local Ethiopian time; 12:00 noon EAT is 6:00 daylight hours, and 6:00 pm EAT is 12:00 local time.
Urban Ethiopians often use both systems as appropriate. Nevertheless, in general, when asking about dates and times, it is always worth checking which system is being used!
Language
Ethiopia, one of the countries with ancient civilization, has its own alphabetic characters and numerical systems. Its alphabets fully depict any sound that there is no consonant and vowel distinction in the writing system. Just an alphabet represents a sound. The following is the alphabet representation.
Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic diversity and as a result Ethiopia has more than 80 languages and over 200 dialects. Amharic or Amharigna is the working language of Ethiopia. The working languages of the national/regional governments may differ according to regions. Other languages with considerably wide speakers are Oromifa, Somiligna, Tigrigna, Sidamigna, Afari, etc.
Religion
Ethiopia has all the three worldly dominant religions: Christianity, Muslim and Jewish religions, though the number is getting less and less in case of the last one. This time the most dominant religions are Christianity and Muslim. Among christians there are distinctions including Orthodox Christianity and Protestant Christians. In fact, there are traditional beliefs, too.
Communications
Ethiopia has international airports including in Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport), Dire Dawa, Bahr Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum, Arba Minch, and Mekelle. The national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has excellent international reputation and currently flies almost to every corner of the world, having destinations in America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The main entry points by road are at Moyale (from Kenya), Humera and Metema (from Sudan), Dewaele (from Djibouti). All have full customs and immigration checks. Humera, Rama, Zalembessa and Bureae entry points from Eritrea.
Currency and Currency Regulations
The local currency is the Ethiopian birr. Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 birrs. There are six different coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, and 1 birr. Currency exchange is based on free market and it varies from day to day. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be imported into Ethiopia, but it must be declared on arrival, using a currency declaration form. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. Recently, the Ethiopian government has launched macro-economic reform, and in this regard forex bureaus are expected to be opened and serve based on demand. The currency declaration form will be required by Customs on departure. Visitors may change back any excess birr into foreign currency at the airport before departure.
Credit cards
These can be used in some of the larger hotels in Addis Ababa, and major credit cards can be used for flights by Ethiopian Airlines. A number of banks and hotels have ATM machines available and Visa cards can be used at some banks. The Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Why is Ethiopia attracting foreign investors?
Youth Job Opportunity and Available Labour Force
Among its populations, more than 70% of them are under the age of 30 while 50% are under the age of 15.
Ethiopia has a highly trained and easy trainable inexpensive labour force. The work culture is promising and companies can benefit from the work ethics and discipline of the youth Ethiopia currently has.
Privatization of state-owned enterprises/ newly established Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH)
The EIH advances performance of public commercial assets by utilizing modern management practices, corporate governance standards and public interest protection, while mobilizing new investments through the development of multiple, innovative platforms.
State-owned enterprises such as railway projects, sugar development plants, industrial parks, hotels, Ethio-Telecom, electricity generation projects are either partially or fully privatized. Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise and others are on the pipeline to be privatized.
Strategic location between Europe and Asia
Ethiopia is the gateway to the Middle East, Europe and Asia. In this regard, Ethiopian Airlines is playing a pivotal role connecting Africa with the rest of the world. The country is also the seat of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in addition to more than 100 Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates of different countries.
Access to cheap and renewable energy
Ethiopia is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources and has a potential to generate over 60,000 megawatts (MW) of electric power from hydroelectric, wind, solar and geothermal sources. Currently Ethiopia is among few countries that provide electric power for companies with cheaper price.
Ethiopia is on the verge of finalizing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) which has the capacity of producing 5150 MW of electric power. The Dam has the potential of lifting millions of Ethiopians out of poverty and raising the standard of living. It will further connect Ethiopia with its neighbours laying the ground for regional economic integration.
Greater social stability
Ethiopia is working towards greater openness and democratic process. Since 2018, a number of measures have been taken which manifested in terms of reconciliation both domestically and in the subregion. The rapprochement with Eritrea on a border dispute that lasted for two decades is an asset for Ethiopia’s continued stability.
Major holidays in Ethiopia
Enkutatash (New Year’s Day- September 11/12); Eid al Fitr – the end of Ramadan (variable); Meskel (the finding of the True Cross ); Eid al Adha; Genna (Christmas – the birth of Christ); Timkat (Epiphany: Baptism of Christ ); Maulid (Birth of the Prophet Mohammed ); Adwa Day (commemorating the victory over Italy in 1896); Patriots’ Day (celebrating the end of the five years Italian occupation in 1941 ); Siklet (Good Friday ); Tensai (Easter Sunday); International Labour Day and so on.
