ETHIOPIA
GEOGRAPHY
It’s a land-locked country of north-eastern Africa the area also known as the Horn of Africa facing the 960 km shore line of Red Sea with Somalia to its west and bordered by the Sudan on western front with 1606 km, Kenya towards south with 830 km, easterly Somalia 1626 km, Djibouti 337 km in east direction and Eritrea in its north with 912 km verge.
Much of the Ethiopian territory is occupied by the rugged Ethiopian Highlands broken by deep river valleys going up to the depth of 1600 meters and individual massifs. The valleys have dense vegetation. The Highlands are dissected by the Great Rifts with its numerous lakes and volcanoes. The rivers are not navigable but plausible power production treasures. The height of mountains varies between 1500-300 meters. The Amhara Plateau descends to the west as well to the east. In the north-east near the Red Sea lies the Danakil Desert.
The Grasslands are grassland forests are rich in animal life. This includes the giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, jackal, hyena, lion, and buffalo as well as various species of monkey.
The agriculture suffers from frequent droughts and various biological disasters such as locusts and termites. The most common crop is the coffee bean. Farmers also grow sunflower sesame, rape, groundnuts, legumes, vegetables, potatoes, and fruits. Sugar cane, cotton, tobacco, tea, and spices are grown on plantations.
Mineral resources are considerable and include gold, platinum, rock salt, potash, sulphur, oil, uranium, nickel, iron, and cobalt, although with the exception of gold and platinum mining, the reserves remain under-developed. The most important industries are foodstuffs, textiles, and leather, but most of the products of the domestic market are still from the local crafts. Forestry and timber are very important.
The major cities are Asmara, Diredawa, Bahir Dar, Debre Markos, Harar, Makele, Jimma, Nazareth, and Nekemte.
Highest elevation is Ras Dashan at 4620 meters at Ethiopian Highlands; Denakil in depression at 125 m. It is globally accepted hottest place on earth.
Chief rivers are Abbai, Blue Nile the longest river which has its source in Lake Tana; other rivers which are also rapid and have ample water feed the Nilotic system.
Hot springs, tiny volcanoes and numerous fathomless abysses make the region prone to earthquakes, and volcanic outburst. The areas most susceptible are the Denakil region and the Great Rift Valley.
THE CAPITAL
The capital city established in 1887 is on the contour of central plateau at 2400 m is Addis Ababa meaning new flower. The northern region of the capital city is scattered with high mountains and deep valleys on top of the plateaus with area specific native vegetation and climate. The mountain chain Chercher and Aranna also exist here. The south has similar topology except of its lower height and tapering ends. The area henceforth is desert and thinly populated.
This biggest city of the nation is central to government establishment. There are many sight seeing places such as Angel Gabriel Church, Giorgis Catheral of 1896, the palace Haile Selassie, Museum of Institute of Ethiopian Studies, mausoleum Menelik II, open air alluring market at Merkato and Trinity Cathedral.
CLIMATE
Climate is equatorial of the monsoon type alleviated by high altitudes. The climate region are broadly segregated into three parts namely the cool region beyond 2400 meters, the temperate region at the height between 1500-2400 m, the hot region under 1500 m.
It rains between June and September and sprinkles between February and March.
POPULATION
The population includes tribes Amhara, Tigreans, Galla, Oromos Gurage, Awi, Afar, Welcomo, Sidama, Beja and Somalis.
The nomadic tribes keep large numbers of cattle zebu, sheep, camels, horses, mules, and donkeys.
There are almost 100 ethnic congregations; the constitution of the land identifies only nine of them.
The religious faith is Ethiopian Orthodox, Christian, Islamic, pagan beliefs.
The language in official use is Amharic. A small percentage speaks Tigray and Englosh. With so many tribes almost 99 languages are used for communication. Some of them are Oromigna, Somali, Guaragigna, etc. At international level French Arabic and Italian is made use of by some natives. The currency for transaction is Birr.
The country is a Socialist Republic
HISTORY
The famous fable of the land dating back to 500 years is about King Solomon the founder of the Ethiopian Empire and his Queen Sheba. The reference of the same is made in Bible. In ancient scripts this region is referred to as Abyssinia. 5th century Greek Historian Herodotus refers to this place. The remnants of Queen Sheba are kept in north city of Tigray. The remains found in excavations at Awash Valley are of five million years ago.
In 600 BC the natives foiled an attempt by the Islamic conquerors to annex their land. However in 15th century Portuguese used the land for trade purposes through Indian Ocean. They quietly made an attempt to convert natives into Roman Catholics. As a result the missioners were made to beat a hasty exit at the start of the 17th century. An attempt was again made by Italians in 1880 to annex the country but they failed miserably. A second attempted proved successful; but British compelled the Italians to leave the country.
The present Ethiopia is cumulation of centuries of interplay of peace and conflict in the region of Horn of Africa. The modern era is counted from 1855. The conclusive battle of Adwa in 1896 gave the country its contours in the next couple of years. Around 1993 Eritrea became independent from Ethiopia. Hence forth since 1994 it is called the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The country is the oldest liberated country among all other sub Saharan Africa.
TOURISM
The varying topology of the land makes it very attractive by its unique nature. Each place has booty of sight seeing places; visit Bahar Dar and enjoy smoky water Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana and its monasteries, like Dek Stephanos, and Bahir Dar popular shopping spree of textiles and wood articless in Saturday market. Gondar once an ancient capital city has castles like Ras Beit, Kauquam and church like Debre Berhane Selassie still in its past glory. The Arabian inspired architecture and murals are amazing. Lalibala has the unique distinction of possessing eleven rocks carved out 12th century churches pleasing and tranquilizing to the eye. It is in the list of wonders of the world.
Tigray close to Mekelle has excellent series of monuments on the theme of man and his devotion to god; the once place now houses a wonderful museum. In ancient times it was a halt point for caravans arriving here from dry desert.
The pious town Harar was once a trading hub. It still has many admirable classic buildings. The city wall view is enriched by row of houses on either side. The place has 99 mosques and an attached learning center. Other family recreation that this place offers is the natives contact with wildlife. After dusk the natives lure Hyena to town and feed them in full view of the audience.
The city Dire Dawa in the vicinity of Harar is a modern town established in 1902 is an important business center with good railway connectivity.
Visit Saint Mark church with its historical time line at Debre Markos; the land is full of surprises whether man made or natural.
There are many national parks in their natural settings such as Gambela National Park, Harer Wildlife sanctuary, Nechisar National Park, Omo National Park, Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary, Harer Wildlife sanctuary, Mago National Park, and Stephanie wildlife reserve.
Those interested in the historical happening can visit the oldest city Axumite and ponder over the monolithic remains. The palace here is that of Queen Sheba. Not very far away is Debre Damo monastery open to men only and accessible through rope pulley only. It was constructed be a saint by the name Abune Aregawi. Those visiting Axumite can pay tributes at the 5th century made Yeha Judaic temple.
FOOD
The food is exclusive to the land; Berbere is basic ingredient for most food; A red paste mixture of spices and herbs. Local spicy food is appreciated. Other accompaniment is Niter Kebbeh a type of flavored butter. Wat a kind of stew prepared from meat or vegetable and good amount of spices. It goes with Ethiopian bread called injera. The natives love to drink local coffee. However in the capital city food of all nationalities is served in the restaurants.
ACCOMMODATION
Five star and below accommodation is easily available; it is advisable to do advance booking. Option of camping on certain sites is available. Economy bed and breakfast and few hostels are open to guest of tight budget.
SHOPPING
Bargaining is acceptable here. Be alert of beggars and pick pocketer. Harar is famous for basket craft, woven textiles, and silver items. Tourists love to carry back local spices and coffee with them. The choice in small inexpensive items is many such as hat, painting, decorative pot etc.
A journey to this land of surprises will never be repented in your life time.
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