Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopiaa
Ethiopia | Ethiopia Flag | Ethiopia Political Map | Where is Ethiopia
Ethiopia flag
Map of Ethiopia
Location of Ethiopia on globe
Ethiopia comes lauded as Africa's oldest independent country. Bounded by the countries of Eritrea, South Sudan and Somalia, this second most populated country in Africa is among the oldest Christian nations in the world. Ethiopia’s other claim to fame is that coffee was first discovered in this very country.
Known for its diverse culture and multiplicity of ethnic groups, Ethiopia allures ethnic tourists. The country has as many as 80 fascinating ethnic groups. Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia. However, English, Italian and Arabic are widely spoken in business world. The ancient heritage of the country is fiercely loved by its people.
Cities
Addis Ababa
Nestled in the soaring Entoto Mountains, the expansive capital city of Addis Ababa boasts beautiful architecture and a wide array of cafes, restaurants and entertainment.
Aksum
Aksum is an enigma waiting to be unraveled. History weighs heavily on this town which is believed to be the home of the ancient Ark of the Covenant. One of Ethiopia’s greatest treasures, Aksum is the country’s oldest city and was the seat of power of the Axumite Empire. The remains of the city remain as a testimony to its past glory and the unmatched talent of the artists and sculptors.
Lalibela
The UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Lalibela is an obligatory stop on the Christian pilgrimage circuit. The monolithic churches at Lalibela, hewn out of a cliff, are counted among the splendid attractions of Ethiopia. Notable among them is the Church of St. George, named after Ethiopia's patron saint.
Harar
World Heritage–listed site Harar is home to as many as 82 mosques within its 16th-century crumbling walls. Among the diminutive 368 alleyways are animated markets, coffee shops and more than a hundred shrines. Harar is also a convenient base to explore the Somaliland.
Bahir Dar comes lauded as one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful cities. A model for urban planners, Bahir dar is an appealing, well-functioning clean city featuring wide avenues shaded by palm trees. The main reason to visit the city is to take a boat excursion ride in the Lake Tana to explore its monasteries, and to discover the source of the Blue Nile at Lake Tana.
Dire Dawa
Dire Dawa ranks fourth among the Ethiopian cites in terms of population. It is distinctively divided into New and old town.
Travel to Ethiopia
The attractions of Ethiopia have certainly been shrouded by the turbulent history. However, whether you come to appreciate the verdant peaks of the Simien Mountains, marvel at the sulphur fumaroles of the Danakil Depression, explore the ancient religious sites or release your adventure pursuits, Ethiopia will definitely impress you.
Omo River, which tumbles its way through a steep valley before merging into Lake Turkana, is excellent for white-water rafting.
Danakil Depression
Located in the Afar Region of north-east Ethiopia near the border with Eritrea, Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on the planet.
Receiving only 100 to 200mm of rainfall per year, it also omes lauded as one of the lowest places in the world, at 125m below sea level.
Simien Mountains
Located in the northern Ethiopia, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park is wild and beautiful. A place of scenic grandeur and premier wilderness, the park is home to engendered gelada monkeys, Ethiopian wolf and walia ibex. |