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History
The history of Ethiopia, known to many as Abyssinia, is rich, ancient, and still in part unknown. Anthropologists believe that
East Africa's Great Rift Valley is the site of the origin of humankind. The first recorded account of the region dates back to
almost 5,000 years ago during the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, when the ancient Egyptians sent expeditions down the
Red Sea in quest of gold, ivory, incense, and slaves.It is in the Afar region of Ethiopia where scientists discovered the
remains of "Lucy" or Dinkenesh, meaning "thou art wonderful," as she is known to the Ethiopians. "Lucy" lived more than
three million years ago, and her bones now rest in the Ethiopian National Museum.
The country's rich history is woven with legends of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba; the Ark of the Covenant that is said
to rest in Axum; the great Axumite kingdom and the birth of Christianity; the rise of Islam; and the story of King Lalibela, who
is believed to have had constructed eleven rock-hewn churches, still standing today and considered the eighth wonder of
the world.
Ethiopia is the only African country which was not colonized by European colonial forces. It was briefly occupied by the
Italians between 1936 and 1941.In recent history, between 1889 and 1913 Emperor Menelik II reigned, fending off the
encroachments of European powers. Italy posed the greatest threat, having begun to colonize part of what would become
its future colony of Eritrea in the mid 1880s. In 1896, Ethiopia defeated Italy at The Battle of Adwa, which was considered the
first victory of any African nation over a European colonial power.
Menelik's successor, Haile Selassie I (reigned 1930-74) was left with the task of dealing Italy's resurgent expansionism. In
the early years of World War II, Ethiopia was liberated from the Italians by the joint forces of the Resistance Movement and
British army.After being restored to power, Emperor Haile Selassie attempted to implement reforms and modernize the
state. However, increasing internal pressures, including conflict with Eritrea and severe famine placed strains on Ethiopian
society that contributed in a large part to the 1974 military rebellion that ended the Haile Selassie regime.
The biggest impact of the coup d'etat was the emergence of Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam as head of state,
and the reorientation of the government and national economy from capitalism to Marxism. During the 17 years of the
military control, the economy deeply worsened, while civil unrest grew beyond the control of the military.
Growing civil unrest and a unified force of the Ethiopian people, led by the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary democratic
Front (EPRDF) against their communist dictators finally led to the demise of the Mengistu regime in 1991. Between 1991
and 1995 the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, a coalition of 27 political and liberation organizations embarked on its
path to transform Ethiopia from a centralized, military-controlled country to a free and democratic federation.In 1994, a new
constitution was written, setting up a bicameral legislative branch and a judicial system, and guaranteeing equal right and
freedom of expression to all citizens of Ethiopia. In May 1995 people's representatives to the Parliament were elected and in
May 2000, a second multi-party election was held and a new President, Girma Wolde-Giorgis was elected.
The history of Ethiopia, known to many as Abyssinia, is rich, ancient, and still in part unknown. Anthropologists believe that
East Africa's Great Rift Valley is the site of the origin of humankind. The first recorded account of the region dates back to
almost 5,000 years ago during the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, when the ancient Egyptians sent expeditions down the
Red Sea in quest of gold, ivory, incense, and slaves.It is in the Afar region of Ethiopia where scientists discovered the
remains of "Lucy" or Dinkenesh, meaning "thou art wonderful," as she is known to the Ethiopians. "Lucy" lived more than
three million years ago, and her bones now rest in the Ethiopian National Museum.
The country's rich history is woven with legends of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba; the Ark of the Covenant that is said
to rest in Axum; the great Axumite kingdom and the birth of Christianity; the rise of Islam; and the story of King Lalibela, who
is believed to have had constructed eleven rock-hewn churches, still standing today and considered the eighth wonder of
the world.
Ethiopia is the only African country which was not colonized by European colonial forces. It was briefly occupied by the
Italians between 1936 and 1941.In recent history, between 1889 and 1913 Emperor Menelik II reigned, fending off the
encroachments of European powers. Italy posed the greatest threat, having begun to colonize part of what would become
its future colony of Eritrea in the mid 1880s. In 1896, Ethiopia defeated Italy at The Battle of Adwa, which was considered the
first victory of any African nation over a European colonial power.
Menelik's successor, Haile Selassie I (reigned 1930-74) was left with the task of dealing Italy's resurgent expansionism. In
the early years of World War II, Ethiopia was liberated from the Italians by the joint forces of the Resistance Movement and
British army.After being restored to power, Emperor Haile Selassie attempted to implement reforms and modernize the
state. However, increasing internal pressures, including conflict with Eritrea and severe famine placed strains on Ethiopian
society that contributed in a large part to the 1974 military rebellion that ended the Haile Selassie regime.
The biggest impact of the coup d'etat was the emergence of Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam as head of state,
and the reorientation of the government and national economy from capitalism to Marxism. During the 17 years of the
military control, the economy deeply worsened, while civil unrest grew beyond the control of the military.
Growing civil unrest and a unified force of the Ethiopian people, led by the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary democratic
Front (EPRDF) against their communist dictators finally led to the demise of the Mengistu regime in 1991. Between 1991
and 1995 the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, a coalition of 27 political and liberation organizations embarked on its
path to transform Ethiopia from a centralized, military-controlled country to a free and democratic federation.In 1994, a new
constitution was written, setting up a bicameral legislative branch and a judicial system, and guaranteeing equal right and
freedom of expression to all citizens of Ethiopia. In May 1995 people's representatives to the Parliament were elected and in
May 2000, a second multi-party election was held and a new President, Girma Wolde-Giorgis was elected.
National Flag
The national flag is composed of three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
yellow and red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from
the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands
The national flag is composed of three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
yellow and red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from
the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands
GOVERNMENT
Federal Democratic republic
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
The new Ethiopian constitution, introduced in 1994 created a federal government structure. The federal structure is
composed of nine regional states and two city administration.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Parliamentary
THE FEDERAL HOUSES
The FDRE has two houses
· The House of People Representatives (the highest governing body of the land , with 547 seats , whose member are
elected every five years through direct and free election).
· The House of Federation (composed of representatives of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples who are elected by
people directly or through the state councils).
HEAD OF STATE
President Girma Wolde Giorgis (since 2001)
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
P.O. BOX 23698 CODE 1000
Tel: ( 251011) 5518186
Fax: (251) 5518656
President: H.E. Lieutenat Girma Wolde- Giorgis
Climate and Topography
Ethiopia is strategically located in Northeast Africa, approximately between latitude 430N and 150 N and longitude 330 N
and 480E. The territory of Ethiopia covers about 1,133,700 (1.14millions) square kilometers. Five East African countries
border Ethiopia. It shares a long borderline in the West and Northwest with the Sudan, in the North with the Eritrea and in
the South with Kenya, in the East and Southeast with Somalia and in the East with Djibouti.
Ethiopia is a country enjoying great geographical features ranging from highest peak at Ras Dashen (4,550 meters above
sea level), to the Afar Depression (110m below sea level). More than half of the country lies above 1,500 meters. There are
broadly three climatic zones; the ‘kola’ or hot lowlands (below approximately 1,500 meters), ‘weyna Dega’ (1,500-2,400
meters) mean annual temperatures range from 10-160c in the ‘Dega’,16-290c in the ‘Weyna Dega’ and 29-330c in the
‘Kolla’. In general, the highlands receive more rain than the lowlands and irregularity of rainfall is a characteristic feature.
The capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa (meaning New Flower), is located at 900030 latitude and 380420E longitude,
situated roughly in the center of the country. It was founded in 1886. Toward the end of 1905 Addis Ababa was recognized
as the unofficial capital of Africa, and thus was made the head quarter of United Nations Economic Commission for the
Africa (ECA) in 1958 and later 1963, chosen to be the seat of the organization of African Unity, now officially transformed into
African Union (AU). This was made possible partly due to Ethiopia’s position as a symbol of independence and freedom in
the African continent and partly due to the efforts of the country exerted over the years to bring about the desired unity among
Africans.
Today, Addis Ababa keeping its ancient rich African traditions and adopting to the ever-changing world has become Africa’s
unchallenged diplomatic capital with more than 100 embassies and consular representatives clustered in the mountain
city.
Population and Ethnic composition
According to the population projection of the Central Statistical Authority (CSA) based on the 1994 Population and Housing
Census, the total population of Ethiopia was estimated at 72.4 million in 2004 making it the second largest populous
country in Sub-Saharan Africa next to Nigeria. Of the total, 49.8% and 50.2% are females and males respectively. The
average household size is 4.8. The overwhelming majority (about 85%) of the total population are living in the rural area.
There are nine urban centers having population size of over 100,000 and Addis Ababa is among the few urban centers with
a population size of over one million. At an annual growth rate of 2.9%, the population is expected to reach 106 million by
the year 2020.
The average population density is 52.2 per square km, with great variation among regions. Population densities are
highest in the highland regions and lowest in the eastern and southern lowlands.
In Ethiopia the age structure of the population is typical of many developing countries, with 43.5% of the population under
the age of 15 years, 51.9% between the ages of 15 and 59 years and only 4.6% of the whole population are aged 60 years
and above. The largest proportion of women (24%) is in the reproductive age (15-49 years). The main characteristic of the
Ethiopian population, therefore, is youthfulness, with children (0-14 years) and youth (15-24) together accounting for almost
64% of the total.
The country’s population includes Semitic, Cushitic (Hamitic), Omotic and Niotic peoples, and a veritable melting pot of
ancient Middle Eastern and African cultures. The population comprises more than 80 nationalities speaking about 83
languages and several dialects. The ethnic groups of Oromo, Amhara, Tigre and Sidama are the largest in that order.
Amharic is the official language of the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia. English is the medium of instruction in
secondary schools, colleges and universities and is widely used in business, particularly in banking and insurance.
Arabic, French and Italian are also widely spoken.
POPULATION
72 million (72.4 million), 85% rural and 15% urban
Federal Democratic republic
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
The new Ethiopian constitution, introduced in 1994 created a federal government structure. The federal structure is
composed of nine regional states and two city administration.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Parliamentary
THE FEDERAL HOUSES
The FDRE has two houses
· The House of People Representatives (the highest governing body of the land , with 547 seats , whose member are
elected every five years through direct and free election).
· The House of Federation (composed of representatives of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples who are elected by
people directly or through the state councils).
HEAD OF STATE
President Girma Wolde Giorgis (since 2001)
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
P.O. BOX 23698 CODE 1000
Tel: ( 251011) 5518186
Fax: (251) 5518656
President: H.E. Lieutenat Girma Wolde- Giorgis
Climate and Topography
Ethiopia is strategically located in Northeast Africa, approximately between latitude 430N and 150 N and longitude 330 N
and 480E. The territory of Ethiopia covers about 1,133,700 (1.14millions) square kilometers. Five East African countries
border Ethiopia. It shares a long borderline in the West and Northwest with the Sudan, in the North with the Eritrea and in
the South with Kenya, in the East and Southeast with Somalia and in the East with Djibouti.
Ethiopia is a country enjoying great geographical features ranging from highest peak at Ras Dashen (4,550 meters above
sea level), to the Afar Depression (110m below sea level). More than half of the country lies above 1,500 meters. There are
broadly three climatic zones; the ‘kola’ or hot lowlands (below approximately 1,500 meters), ‘weyna Dega’ (1,500-2,400
meters) mean annual temperatures range from 10-160c in the ‘Dega’,16-290c in the ‘Weyna Dega’ and 29-330c in the
‘Kolla’. In general, the highlands receive more rain than the lowlands and irregularity of rainfall is a characteristic feature.
The capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa (meaning New Flower), is located at 900030 latitude and 380420E longitude,
situated roughly in the center of the country. It was founded in 1886. Toward the end of 1905 Addis Ababa was recognized
as the unofficial capital of Africa, and thus was made the head quarter of United Nations Economic Commission for the
Africa (ECA) in 1958 and later 1963, chosen to be the seat of the organization of African Unity, now officially transformed into
African Union (AU). This was made possible partly due to Ethiopia’s position as a symbol of independence and freedom in
the African continent and partly due to the efforts of the country exerted over the years to bring about the desired unity among
Africans.
Today, Addis Ababa keeping its ancient rich African traditions and adopting to the ever-changing world has become Africa’s
unchallenged diplomatic capital with more than 100 embassies and consular representatives clustered in the mountain
city.
Population and Ethnic composition
According to the population projection of the Central Statistical Authority (CSA) based on the 1994 Population and Housing
Census, the total population of Ethiopia was estimated at 72.4 million in 2004 making it the second largest populous
country in Sub-Saharan Africa next to Nigeria. Of the total, 49.8% and 50.2% are females and males respectively. The
average household size is 4.8. The overwhelming majority (about 85%) of the total population are living in the rural area.
There are nine urban centers having population size of over 100,000 and Addis Ababa is among the few urban centers with
a population size of over one million. At an annual growth rate of 2.9%, the population is expected to reach 106 million by
the year 2020.
The average population density is 52.2 per square km, with great variation among regions. Population densities are
highest in the highland regions and lowest in the eastern and southern lowlands.
In Ethiopia the age structure of the population is typical of many developing countries, with 43.5% of the population under
the age of 15 years, 51.9% between the ages of 15 and 59 years and only 4.6% of the whole population are aged 60 years
and above. The largest proportion of women (24%) is in the reproductive age (15-49 years). The main characteristic of the
Ethiopian population, therefore, is youthfulness, with children (0-14 years) and youth (15-24) together accounting for almost
64% of the total.
The country’s population includes Semitic, Cushitic (Hamitic), Omotic and Niotic peoples, and a veritable melting pot of
ancient Middle Eastern and African cultures. The population comprises more than 80 nationalities speaking about 83
languages and several dialects. The ethnic groups of Oromo, Amhara, Tigre and Sidama are the largest in that order.
Amharic is the official language of the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia. English is the medium of instruction in
secondary schools, colleges and universities and is widely used in business, particularly in banking and insurance.
Arabic, French and Italian are also widely spoken.
POPULATION
72 million (72.4 million), 85% rural and 15% urban
| States of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is composed of States, which are delimited on the basis of the settlement patterns, language, identity and consent of the people concerned. The following are the nine member States of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Addis Ababa City Council and Dire - Dawa Administrative Council. |
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