The country

Ethiopia covers an area of 1,104,300km², making it the tenth largest country in Africa. It covers approximately twice the area of Kenya or Texas and five times the area of the United Kingdom or New Zealand. Ethiopia is located in the eastern part of Africa, and is a country rich in natural beauty, be it mountains above 4000m, broad savannahs, forests, lakes and rivers which are sanctuaries to diverse bird species and wildlife. The country is a place of extremes, home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery, be it the Simian or Bale mountains or fertile plains.
Ethiopia has much to offer the tourist. The northern route includes the historic cities of Lalibella with its breathtaking ancient rock-hewn churches, Bahir Dar, home to Lake Tana of the Blue Nile, Gondar, and Axum, where the newly returned famed obelisk stands.
The regions of the south also provide ample opportunities for tourists, from the ethnically and culturally rich areas of the south, where fertile plains are home to fabulous indigenous plant- and wildlife.
The capital, Addis Ababa (population: 4 million), is often referred to as the ‘Capital of Africa’ for the many continental organizations located there. The city itself has plenty to entertain visitors, from fine restaurants and bars, to museums and galleries.

Ethiopia is unique among African countries: the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule, with the exception of the 1936-41 Italian occupation during World War II. In 1974 a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile Sellasie (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale droughts, and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994 and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995. A two and a half year border war with Eritrea ended with a peace treaty on 12 December 2000.

Facts:

Population: 72 Million
Total area: 1,112,000 sq. Km
Capital: Addis Ababa
Currency: Birr (1 US Dollar 8,6 Birr, 1 Euro 10.8 Birr, August 2005)
Electricity: 220V 50AC
Main airport: Bole international airport, Addis Abeba
Ethiopia is easily accessible by international flights like Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Kenya Airways, British Airways or KLM