ETHIOPIA

(Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia)

General information

Geographical position. Ethiopia is a country in East Africa. It borders on Eritrea and Djibouti in the northeast, Somalia in the east and southeast, Kenya in the southwest, and Sudan in the west and northwest.

Square. The territory of Ethiopia covers 1,133,882 square meters. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa. The largest cities: Addis Ababa (2,209 thousand people), Diredawa (127 thousand people), Gonder (95 thousand people), Nazret (91 thousand people). Administrative division of the country: 14 provinces.

Political system

Ethiopia is a republic. Executive power belongs to the Transitional Government, legislative power to the Transitional Government and the Council of Representatives. The head of state is the President of the Council of Representatives.

Relief. In the center of the country is the Ethiopian Highlands, which occupies more than half of the territory. The East African Rift crosses the highlands diagonally from northeast to southwest. The average height of the plateau is about 1,675 m above sea level, but the rivers crossing it flow at an altitude of only 610 m. The highest peak is Mount Ras Dashan (4,620 m).

Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains small reserves of gold, platinum, and copper.

Climate. Ethiopia's climate is largely dependent on altitude. In the tropical zone, located below 1,830 m above sea level, the average annual temperature is about +27 ° C, and the average annual precipitation is about 610 mm. In the subtropical zone (1,830 - 2,440 m above sea level), the average annual temperature is about +22°C, and the precipitation rate is from 510 to 1,530 mm. Above 2,440 m above sea level lies a temperate climate zone with an average annual temperature of about +16°C and an average precipitation of 1,270 to 1,780 mm. The rainy season usually lasts from mid-June to September, with an occasional short rainy season in February or March.

Inland waters. In northern Ethiopia there is the picturesque Lake Tana, from which the Blue Nile originates. In the northeast, the highlands give way to the coastal plain and Denakil Desert. In the west it turns into the Sudanese desert. In the south and southwest the highlands gradually descend to Lake Turkana (Rudolph). The main rivers of the country: Webi-Sheveli, Waib, Dawa, Abbay (Blue Nile). In addition to Lake Tana, in the south of the country there are small lakes, the largest of which is Lake Abaya.

Soils and vegetation. The country's vegetation also depends on the altitude above sea level, and therefore the country contains both desert and tropical as well as alpine vegetation.

Animal world. Among the representatives of the animal world of Ethiopia are giraffe, leopard, hippopotamus, lion, elephant, antelope, rhinoceros, lynx, jackal, hyena, and several species of monkeys. A large number of birds: eagle, falcon, vulture, heron, partridge, teal and others. Among the many insects, locusts and tsetse flies in the south of the country stand out.

Population and language

The population of Ethiopia is about 58.39 million people, the average population density is about 52 people per 1 sq. km. Ethnic groups: Oromo - 40%, Amhara - 25%, Tigre - 12%, Shangalla - 6%, Somalia, Denakil, Yemenis, Indians, Armenians, Greeks. Languages: Amharic (official), Tigre, Galla, English, Arabic, about 70 different local languages.

Religion

Ethiopian Orthodox Church - 45-50%, Islam - 35-40%, paganism - 12%.

Brief historical sketch

In the 1st millennium BC e. The Sheba kingdom subjugated the territories that later became the Ethiopian Empire. By the end of the 2nd century. n. e. The kingdom of Aksum was founded, ruled by the Solomonid dynasty, who considered themselves descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. In the 7th century the kingdom began to weaken in the 10th century. The Muslim Zagwe dynasty took power. In the 13th century The Christian (Coptic) dynasty returned to the throne. In the XVI-XVII centuries. Ethiopian emperors often turned to European powers for help against Muslim conquerors.

With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the Red Sea coast began to attract Europeans. Italy focused its attention on Ethiopia, capturing the port of Assab in 1872, and Massawa in 1885. In 1889, an agreement was signed between Italy and Ethiopia, but the Italian version differed from the Amharic one and, according to it, Ethiopia became a protectorate of Italy. In 1895, war broke out between Italy and Ethiopia, but less than a year later the Italian army suffered a crushing defeat, and Italy was forced to recognize the independence of Ethiopia. But 40 years later, during the reign of Benito Mussolini, Italy occupied Ethiopia. In 1941, with the help of British troops, the country was liberated.

In the early 70s, Ethiopia experienced a series of droughts. On September 12, 1974, a military coup was carried out. In March 1975, the country was declared a republic. In 1977, an internal coup took place, as a result of which Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam came to power. In September 1984, the country became known as Socialist Ethiopia, and in 1987, the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In the early 1990s, Soviet aid to the regime was sharply reduced, ultimately leading to its downfall. In May 1991, Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe, and a provisional government was created in the country. In May 1993, Eritrea separated from Ethiopia, having fought a war of independence for more than 30 years.

Brief Economic Sketch

Ethiopia is an agricultural country. The main branch of agriculture is crop production. Crops of grains, legumes, oilseeds; The main export crop is coffee. Cattle, sheep and goats are raised. Fishing. Light, food, oil refining, metalworking industries. Craft production is developed: weaving, processing of leather, bone, wood. Mining of platinum and gold.

The monetary unit is birr.

Brief sketch of culture

Art and architecture. Addis Ababa. Palace of Emperor Menelik II; Coptic Church of St. George (1896); Palace of Africa with magnificent stained glass windows; Archaeological Museum; Art Museum. Gonder. A complex of monasteries from the 13th to 15th centuries, which contain several shrines of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, including a miraculous pool, bathing in which cures women of infertility. Harara. Governor's Palace, Coptic Church and several mosques.

Hot Ethiopia (in the recent past Abyssinia) is the last country where ancient Christianity has survived. Mysterious and completely different from others. Different nature, different people, different religion. And there wasn't even slavery there.

Where is Ethiopia located, on what continent. Statehood

The country of Ethiopia is located in Despite this location, the territory is landlocked. It borders Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. It is the most mountainous. It occupies a significant area, but plains and slopes are also present on its territory.

As for statehood, this country is a federal democratic republic headed by a president. The most common religion is Christianity.

Country Ethiopia: history, language, seas

Amharic is spoken in Ethiopia. You can also hear Arabic, Somali and English spoken here. The national currency is birr. The capital of Ethiopia is the picturesque city of Addis Ababa, the symbol of the city is the image of a lion.

There are many monuments to this majestic beast in the capital, and images of the lion can also be found on local currency and various emblems.

Until 1993, it had access to the Red Sea. But after the separation of Eritrea, she lost this privilege.

The territory where Ethiopia is located is historically ancient and unique. And even now, in our enlightened age, it is strikingly different from the rest of the world. There is no industry here, people plow with oxen, just like 2000 years ago, there is no light or water in the villages.

Climate of Ethiopia

The climate of Ethiopia is formed by two factors: the subequatorial and equatorial climate zones, as well as its location on the Ethiopian Highlands. It is this combination that has given the area where Ethiopia is located a favorable mild climate, with sufficient rainfall and an average air temperature of +25...+30 °C.

Sudden temperature changes are unusual for this area, but the difference between day and night temperatures can be 15 degrees. Favorable weather conditions are not present throughout sunny Ethiopia. Its eastern regions are characterized by a hot and desert climate.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of Ethiopia is diverse. On its territory there are plants and animals that are characteristic of desert regions and tropical forests. Giraffes, hippos, lions, and elephants live here.

Rhinoceroses, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and various species of primates are found in large numbers. Many of these animals were subjected to total extermination, but at the moment the state policy is aimed at combating crimes against wildlife.

Sights of the country

Ethiopia is a picturesque, colorful country with a deep history. The most magnificent sights of this African land are the Rock Churches of Lalibela and the Dallol Volcano.

In the town of Lalibela, in northern Ethiopia, there are 11 rock-cut structures. This is a temple complex of the 12th-13th centuries, decorated with columns. The construction of the churches is solid, their roof is located at ground level, and the entrance is in a deep cave.

Unlike other African countries, Ethiopia has never been a colony, so foreign influence is kept to a minimum. Infrastructure and tourism here are poorly developed. The territory where Ethiopia is located does not use the Gregorian calendar, but the Coptic calendar. The time difference between these two time counting systems is 7 years 9 months and 5 days.

In addition, the Coptic calendar has 13 months, 12 of which last 30 days, and the last 5 days. This feature is adopted by travel companies, having come up with the slogan “Ethiopia - vacation of 13 sunny months.”

The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is in the same time zone as Moscow, but sunrise occurs at 0 o'clock. Many people who live where the country of Ethiopia is located do not know how to use a clock.

Note to tourists

The most convenient currency for traveling to Ethiopia is the dollar. They can easily pay in hotels, shopping centers, shops, restaurants, clubs and other places. Euros are not so popular in this country; they only need to be exchanged for the national currency in banks. You don’t have to rely on a visa-free regime; to cross the border you will need to obtain a visa in advance.

Unfortunately, street crime is rampant in Ethiopia. Sometimes whole gangs work. It is not safe to explore the outskirts of cities on your own and travel without a guide.

You should treat food with caution, and drink water only from sealed bottles; you should not even brush your teeth with tap water.

general information

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is a state in the east of the African continent. Ethnographic diversity, rich history and - this is what makes its popularity constantly growing. The Ethiopian government invests enough money in tourism development, and the industry is growing quite quickly.

general information

It is quite simple to understand where Ethiopia is located on the world map: it is located in the east of the mainland, next to the Somali peninsula. It borders on countries such as:

  • Djibouti;
  • Somalia;
  • Eritrea;
  • Sudan;
  • South Sudan;

The area of ​​Ethiopia is 1,104,300 square meters. km, it ranks 10th among African countries, but in terms of the number of inhabitants it is 2nd, second only to Nigeria (the population of Ethiopia is more than 90 million people).





How to get to Ethiopia?

You will have to fly to Ethiopia with a transfer. This can be done by Turkish Airlines or Emirates (with a connection, respectively, in Istanbul or). A less convenient and more expensive option is to use Lufthansa (the connection is made in Frankfurt).

It is also possible to fly to Paris, London, Rome and from there go to the country with Ethiopian Airlines. This option is especially good for those who have chosen a place other than Addis Ababa for their holiday: the national carrier operates flights to many cities in Ethiopia.

Located in Bol, a suburb of the capital. It serves more than 3 million passengers a year and receives flights from Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

For Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians it is necessary. It can be obtained at the consular office or directly upon arrival, but only at Bole airport.


Ethiopia- a landlocked state in East Africa. It borders Eritrea in the north, Djibouti in the northeast, Somalia and unrecognized Somaliland in the east, Kenya in the south and Sudan in the west.

Ethiopia is the highest mountainous country on the African continent. A significant part of its territory is occupied by the Ethiopian Highlands, stretching from north to south of Ethiopia. The highest part of the highlands is the northern one. The highest points of the country are located here - Ras Dashen (4620 m) and Talo (4413 m). In the east, the highlands drop sharply into the Afar depression, one of the lowest points in Africa.

The western part of the Ethiopian Highlands has a flatter topography and descends to the Sudanese border in small steps. The plains also occupy a significant part of Ethiopia's territory. The largest is located in the east of the country. In some places it becomes a plateau with a height of more than 1000 m. This is one of the driest parts of Ethiopia. Also, small plains sandwiched between mountain ranges are located in the north and west of the country.

Most of the rivers in western Ethiopia belong to the Nile basin. The largest among them is Abbay, or the Blue Nile. The largest lake in Ethiopia, Tana, is also located here.

In the east, the rivers are less deep, which is associated with a drier climate. The largest river is Jubba. Ethiopia is characterized by the presence of small lakes in the Great Rift Zone.

Climate in Ethiopia

The entire territory of Ethiopia is located in the subequatorial and equatorial climate zones. But the fact that most of the country is located on the Ethiopian Highlands explains Ethiopia's milder and wetter climate. The temperature here is +25…+30 all year round and there is sufficient rainfall.

The eastern regions of Ethiopia are the complete opposite - they have a hot and dry desert climate. In general, Ethiopia is not characterized by temperature changes throughout the year. The only difference is the night and day temperatures: here the difference is about 15 degrees.

Ethiopia's climate allows you to travel around the country all year round. The travel time depends on which area you want to visit and what the purpose of your trip is.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Population

The population is about 88 million people. (2010). Average life expectancy is 53 years for men, 58 years for women. Urban population - 17%.

Ethnic composition: Oromo - 32.1%, Amhara - 30.1%, Tigrayan - 6.2%, Somalia - 5.9%, Gurage - 4.3%, Sidamo - 3.5%, Uolaita - 2.4 %, other nationalities - 15.4%.

Ethiopia is the only traditionally Christian African country. One of its main religions is Eastern Christianity (Ethiopian Church), and the position of Islam is also strong in all peripheral regions. The Ethiopian Church adheres to Monophysitism. Lutheranism has been actively spreading among the Oromo people in recent decades, as a result of which the Ethiopian Mekane Yesus Church is the fastest growing Lutheran denomination in the world.

According to the 1994 census: Christians - 60.8% (Monophysites - 50.6%, Protestants - 10.2%), Muslims - 32.8%, African cults - 4.6%, others - 1.8%.

Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia. It is one of the Ethio-Semitic languages ​​belonging to the Semitic family, although it has a number of differences and has been largely Cushiticized.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Currency

Ethiopian birr (ETB)- monetary unit in Ethiopia. 1 birr = 100 centimes.

Currency (dollars, euros and British pounds) can be exchanged at the airport or in banks. Currency is also exchanged openly on the streets and in small shops (which is not legal), but at an exchange rate that is about 10% higher than the official one, and they do not provide certificates, which means that problems will arise at customs if you want to leave the country exchange the remaining Ethiopian birr for cash foreign currency.

Credit cards (Visa) and traveler's checks are generally accepted only in banks in Addis Ababa; in small towns their use may be difficult.

In order to easily change the remaining Ethiopian birr upon departure, you need to keep certificates of currency exchange, as well as have documents confirming the person’s intention to leave the country. This document can be an airline ticket or a passport with a valid exit visa.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Communications

Calling code: 251

Internet domain: .et

How to call

To call from Russia to Ethiopia, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 251 - area code - subscriber number.

To call from Ethiopia to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 area code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

You can make international calls in Ethiopia from hotels or telephone company offices.

mobile connection

Communication standard is GSM 900. Local operators cannot yet provide reliable reception throughout the country: currently reliable reception is provided mainly in large cities and their environs

Internet

In recent years, the Internet has developed in the largest cities of the country. There are several dozen internet cafes in Addis Ababa that use modem connections. Most often these are small rooms with old computers and crowded with young people communicating with the outside world both through e-mail and icq, and simply by playing computer games. The connection is slow, but sufficient for checking email.

In other cities the situation is worse, communications are often interrupted, connections are slow, and computers often freeze.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Shopping

Popular souvenirs from Ethiopia: Ethiopian coffee, wicker boxes, woolen carpets, leather and fur items, precious ivory and silver jewelry.

The most famous souvenirs of Addis Ababa are color paintings on leather, the plots of which have been repeated since ancient times and are historical sources akin to archaeological ones.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Sea and beaches

Ethiopia is landlocked.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

History of Ethiopia

The Ethiopian highlands have been a habitat for people since ancient times, as evidenced by the remains of australopithecines in the Omo River valley and sites of the Olduvai culture in southern Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Highlands is the supposed center of the formation of the Ethiopian anthropological type, Cushitic languages ​​and one of the most ancient centers of agriculture.

Ancient history

In the VI - V centuries BC. e. People from various regions of Southern Arabia, including the Sabaean kingdom, settled on the Tigre plateau. They brought with them writing, the Semitic language, dry stone construction techniques and other achievements of civilization. Having mixed with the local population, they formed the ancient Ethiopian ethnic group.

In the 5th century BC. e. An independent kingdom formed on the Tigre plateau, which disintegrated in the 4th century BC. e.

In the first centuries A.D. e. The early feudal kingdom of Aksum arose in the north of modern Ethiopia. Its main port, Adulis, became the most important trading center on the way from Egypt to India, as well as to the shores of East Africa.

During the heyday of the Aksumite kingdom, in the 4th - 6th centuries, its hegemony extended to Nubia, southern Arabia, as well as vast areas of eastern Sudan, the Ethiopian Highlands and the northern Horn of Africa.

From the 4th century, Monophysite Christianity began to spread in the kingdom of Aksum.

The rise of the Arab Caliphate in the 7th century led to the decline of the Aksumite kingdom in the 8th - 9th centuries.

Middle Ages

Since the 9th century, Islam began to spread on the northern outskirts of the Ethiopian Highlands. The Muslim principalities that emerged there monopolized foreign trade.

In the first half of the 11th century, the Aksumite kingdom collapsed. On the territory of present-day Ethiopia, many principalities arose - Muslim, Christian, Judaic, pagan.

In the 12th century, the Christian principalities united under the rule of Lasta. This kingdom established ties with Egypt and Yemen, and economic and cultural growth began. In 1268 (or 1270), the Solomon dynasty came to power, claiming descent from the biblical king of Ancient Israel, Solomon. Its founder was Yikuno-Amlak (1268-1285). Emperor Amde-Tsyyon (1314-1344) subjugated the Christian, Judaic, pagan and Muslim principalities of the Ethiopian Highlands and created a vast empire.

Emperor Yishak (1414-1429) imposed tribute not only on Muslim states, but also on pagan kingdoms in the south of the Ethiopian Highlands. Emperor Zera-Yakob (1434-1468) spent his entire reign fighting to strengthen central power; he removed all the vassal princes and instead installed his daughters and sons as imperial governors, and then replaced them with his own officials. In 1445, Zera Yayakob defeated the Yifat Sultanate and several other Muslim principalities, and established hegemony in this part of Northeast Africa. Ties with Egypt and Yemen were strengthened, and contacts with Western Europe were established.

At the beginning of the 16th century. eastern neighbor and old enemy, the Adal Sultanate, began a fierce war against the Ethiopian Empire. Imam Ahmed ibn Ibrahim (Ahmed Lefty) proclaimed jihad and between 1529-1540. conquered almost the entire territory of the Ethiopian Empire. Emperor Galaudehuos (1540-1559) managed to expel the Muslims with the help of the Portuguese. In 1557, the Turks captured Massawa and other ports on the Red Sea coast. During the same period, the Oromo black tribes began attacking weakened Ethiopia.

During the same period, the Jesuits appeared in Ethiopia; their penetration, together with the desire of the emperors to create an absolute monarchy on the European model, led to several wars on religious grounds, especially when Emperor Susnyjos (1607-1632) converted to Catholicism. These wars ended with the accession of Emperor Fasiledes (1632-1667), who expelled the Jesuits from Ethiopia and ended relations with the Portuguese.

Emperor Iyasu I the Great (1682-1706) again subjugated the rebellious vassal princes, tried to carry out a government reform, and streamlined the system of customs and duties to develop trade.

However, from the end of the 18th century, feudal fragmentation intensified again in Ethiopia. Each large (and even medium-sized) feudal lord had his own army. The feudal lords took taxes from the peasants who lived in a communal way of life. Craftsmen were considered a lower caste, and the merchants (mainly Arabs, Turks, Armenians) were connected with the higher feudal strata through clientele relations. The middle strata included military settlers, parish clergy, and wealthy townspeople. The nobility had slave servants, and slavery was also common in nomadic communities.

In the mid-19th century, the petty feudal lord Kasa from Kuara began the struggle to unite Ethiopia into a centralized state. Relying on small-scale feudal lords, in 1853 he defeated the ruler of the central regions, the Ali race, and then, after stubborn battles, defeated the ruler of the Tigre region, the Uybe race. In 1855, Casa proclaimed himself emperor under the name Tewodros II.

Tewodros led a decisive struggle against feudal separatism. A regular army was created, the tax system was reorganized, the slave trade was banned, part of the lands were taken away from the church, and the remaining possessions were taxed. The number of internal customs offices was reduced, the construction of military-strategic roads began, and European specialists were invited to Ethiopia.

However, the introduction of taxes on the clergy led to a conflict with the church, which raised the feudal lords to fight against the emperor. By 1867, Tewodros's power extended over only a small part of the country. In the same year, a conflict occurred with Great Britain, caused by the arrest of several subjects of the British crown in Ethiopia. In October 1867, a corps of British troops (numbering more than 30 thousand people, including Indian support personnel) landed in Ethiopia. By this time, the army of Emperor Tewodros numbered no more than 15 thousand people.

The only battle between the Ethiopians and the British in an open field took place on April 10, 1868: 2 thousand British defeated 5 thousand Ethiopians due to superior discipline and weapons. After this, Tewodros tried to make peace by releasing those arrested and sending a lot of cattle as a gift to the British. However, the British rejected peace and began an assault on the Mekdala fortress, where the emperor was located. Unwilling to surrender, Tewodros committed suicide. The British took Makdela, destroyed all Ethiopian artillery, took the imperial crown as a trophy, and left Ethiopian territory in June 1868.

After the death of Tewodros II, a war for the throne began. Tekle-Giyorgis II (1868-1871) was defeated by Emperor Yohannis IV (1872-1889). He had to repel the Egyptian troops who invaded Ethiopia in 1875. In November 1875, the Ethiopians managed to defeat the main group of Egyptian troops at the Battle of Gundet. However, in December 1875, Egypt landed a new expeditionary force in Massawa. In March 1876, the Ethiopians managed to defeat him at the Battle of Gura. Peace between Ethiopia and Egypt was concluded in June 1884, with Ethiopia receiving the right to use the port of Massawa.

In 1885, Emperor Yohannis IV himself began a war against the Mahdist Sudan. In 1885-1886 Ethiopian troops defeated the Sudanese, but at the same time the Italian occupation of the northern regions of Ethiopia began. The fighting between the Ethiopians and Italians proceeded with varying degrees of success.

In 1888, Emperor Yohannis offered peace to Sudan. However, the Caliph of Sudan Abdallah put forward an unacceptable condition - Johannes's acceptance of Islam. In early 1889, Yohannis personally led an army of 150,000 men into Sudan, and in March 1889 he was mortally wounded in a battle on the border.

The new Emperor Menelik II (1889-1913) suppressed separatism in Gojam and Tigray and recreated a unified Ethiopian state. In 1889, the Ucchial Treaty was concluded between Italy and Ethiopia, according to which Menelik recognized the transfer of the coastal regions to the Italians.

In 1890, Italy united all its possessions on the Red Sea into the colony of Eritrea and announced that, by the treaty of 1889, Ethiopia recognized Italy's protectorate over itself. This led to the resumption of hostilities between Ethiopia and Italy in 1894.

At the end of 1894, Italian troops occupied the cities of Addi Ugri, Addi Grat and Adua. By October 1895, the Italians occupied the entire Tigre region. Emperor Menelik sent 112 thousand troops against the Italians. an army formed from detachments of the rulers of the regions of Ethiopia. On December 7, 1895, at the Battle of Amba Alaga, Ethiopian troops under the command of Ras Makonnin (father of the future Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie) inflicted a major defeat on Italian troops. Emperor Menelik offered peace to Italy, but after refusal, hostilities resumed, and on March 1, 1896, the Battle of Adua took place, in which the Italians were completely defeated.

In 1893-98. Menelik II conquered a number of areas to the south and southwest of Addis Ababa - Walamo, Sidamo, Kafa, Gimira, etc. He issued a decree allowing only prisoners of war to be turned into slaves for a period of no more than 7 years. Menelik intensified the construction of roads, telegraph and telephone lines, and developed domestic and foreign trade. During Menelik's reign, the first hospital was opened in Ethiopia and the first newspaper began to be published. In 1897, Emperor Menelik ordered the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Russia.

First half of the 20th century

After the death of Menelik II in 1913, his 17-year-old grandson Lij Iyasu V became emperor. Ethiopia did not formally participate in the First World War, but Emperor Iyasu actively pursued a rapprochement with Germany, counting on it as an ally in the fight against the British, French and Italians.

In September 1916, Emperor Iyasu was overthrown. Menelik's 40-year-old daughter Zauditu (aunt of the deposed emperor) was declared empress, and 24-year-old Tefari Makonnin was declared regent, that is, the actual ruler. Before that, he (one of the youngest sons of Ras Makonnin) from the age of 16 was the governor of the Sidamo region, then the Harare region. After the 1916 coup, Tefari Makonnin received the title of Ras (roughly equivalent to a prince), and is now revered by fans as the “God of Rastafari.”

After the death of Empress Zauditu Ras Tafari in November 1930, he was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie (1930 - 1974).

In 1931, the first constitution in Ethiopian history was proclaimed. The absolute power of the emperor was asserted, and a bicameral parliament was created (with a chamber of deputies and a senate). It was announced that slavery would be completely abolished within the next 15-20 years.

In 1934-35 Armed clashes occurred on the border of Ethiopia with Italian possessions. In October 1935, Italian troops invaded Ethiopia. For several months, Ethiopian troops put up fierce resistance, sometimes achieving isolated successes. However, on March 31, 1936, the main forces of the Ethiopian army were defeated in the battle of Mai Chow. On May 5, 1936, Italian troops under the command of Marshal Badoglio occupied the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, and on June 1, 1936, Italy announced the inclusion of Ethiopia in the colony of Italian East Africa (together with Eritrea and Somalia).

The Italian occupation of the country continued until the spring of 1941, when the British army, supported by auxiliary forces recruited from the African colonies, liberated Ethiopia and occupied other Italian possessions in the Horn of Africa.

Second half of the 20th century

After the war, Emperor Haile Selassie continued to rule as an absolute monarch. Slavery was abolished in Ethiopia in 1951, mainly due to international pressure. Many of the privileges of the traditional nobility were retained, the press was strictly controlled by the monarch, and political parties were banned.

In 1953, Ethiopia entered into a treaty of friendship and economic cooperation with the United States. Over the next 20 years, the United States provided Ethiopia with financial subsidies amounting to almost half a billion dollars, loans, and free weapons worth $140 million.

By the beginning of the 1970s. the regime became completely odious: the emperor was criticized from all sides of the political space, and the catalyst for further events was the famine of 1972-1974, which led to great loss of life.

In 1974, measures to improve the economy resulted in a sharp increase in prices and led to mass protest demonstrations; The situation was exploited by a group of military men with Marxist political views, which organized themselves into a committee called “Derg” in the summer of that year. He led the process of dismantling the monarchy, also known as the “creeping coup.” By mid-autumn, “Derg” had almost completely subjugated all administrative structures and proclaimed a course towards building a socialist society.

Deposed Emperor Haile Selassie I died on August 27, 1975 under suspicious circumstances - officially due to ill health. In 1976-1977, the Derg strengthened its position by reprisals against opponents, both royalists and separatists, and “leftists”; this campaign is also known as the "Red Terror". Mengistu Haile Mariam became the leader of the Derg at this stage. As a result of a change in foreign policy guidelines, from 1975 to 1991, the USSR and Eastern European countries provided comprehensive assistance to Ethiopia.

Taking advantage of the country's difficult situation during this period, the Somali army intensively supported the separatist movement of ethnic Somalis in the country's southeastern Ogaden region, and in 1977-1978 attempted to annex the Ogaden by force. These events are known as the Ogaden War. Cuba, the USSR and South Yemen provided great assistance in the fight against the enemy of Ethiopia.

He was never able to accomplish the task of bringing Ethiopia out of a feudal society into a communist regime. Attempts to collectivize agriculture only led to its further degradation. In 1984, a famine broke out in the country, far surpassing in scope and number of victims the pandemic of the early 70s. Mengistu's government also failed to resolve the Eritrean issue; Eritrean rebels continued the armed struggle for independence that began in 1961, and government troops were never able to suppress their resistance.

In the late 80s, amid the growing crisis in the USSR, Mengistu's government found itself in a critical situation, and was eventually overthrown in May 1991 as a result of the activities of an alliance of rebel movements, in which Eritrean groups played the main role.

A group of rebel leaders came to power in the country, with the convictions of extreme left-wing Marxists, who began as supporters of Enver Hoxha, then changed their ideological orientation to a more liberal one. Since then, the country has been permanently led by a representative of this group, Meles Zenawi, first as president, then, after the introduction of a parliamentary republic, as prime minister.

Among the internal political events of recent history, those surrounding the 2005 parliamentary elections stand out, when the opposition accused the authorities of rigging the results and brought tens of thousands of their supporters into the streets; as a result of the clashes, several dozen people died, thousands were arrested.

In the field of foreign policy, the Zenawi government allowed Eritrea to secede in 1993, but then there came a period of cooling of relations with the former allies who came to power in the new state. The nadir in relations between neighbors was reached in 1998-2000, when the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict broke out in the border zone, ending with a slight margin in favor of Ethiopia. The issue of the border between the countries still remains unresolved.

In 1997, 2000 and 2006, Ethiopia also took an active part in the fate of Somalia. In the latter case, the Ethiopian army defeated the formations of local Islamists and installed a transitional government loyal to Ethiopia, led by Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, in Mogadishu.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Despite the fact that Ethiopia is officially recognized as a secular state, the population is extremely religious. The dominant religions (Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Sunni Islam) have a strong influence on daily life. Many laws and regulations are based on religious norms, and this may also apply to tourists. For example, manifestations of homosexuality are unacceptable in Ethiopia; you should not publicly show tenderness of feelings even in heterosexual couples.

It is recommended to exercise maximum caution in your diet. Concepts about food storage may differ significantly from those accepted in Europe, which leads to poisoning and illness. It is not recommended to drink tap water, but rather use bottled mineral water even for brushing your teeth.

The country is very poor. Most of the 80 million population live in rural areas and are illiterate. They love to beg.

Officially, upon departure, you can reconvert the amount for which you have certificates of the original exchange, minus $30 for each day spent in this country. But in practice, Addis Ababa airport officials refuse to convert more than a hundred birr.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

How to get to Ethiopia

By plane

There are no direct flights between Russia and Ethiopia. The best fares are offered by Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), EgyptAir (via Cairo) and Emirates Airline (via Dubai). Ticket price 600-1000 USD (round trip).

National carrier Ethiopian Airlines flies to Ethiopia from some European cities (London, Paris).

By train

The only 782-kilometer railway line connecting Ethiopia with the outside world runs from Addis Ababa to the neighboring state of Djibouti. For a long time, passenger traffic was not carried out due to inconsistency in the implementation of border formalities between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The message has now been restored.

Trains depart several times a week and arrive at their destination after 24 hours of travel. Trains are usually crowded, so it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance.

In fact, the trip between Addis Ababa and Djibouti consists of two parts - from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa (450 kilometers) and Dire Dawa - Djibouti by another train. Tickets for both trains can be purchased at the Addis Ababa train station. The fare depends on the class and ranges from $10 to $40.

It is important for train travelers to remember that visas are not processed at land border crossings, in which case you should arrange your Ethiopian and Djiboutian visas in advance.

Ferry

After Eritrea gained independence, Ethiopia lost access to the sea, and all communication with the outside world is carried out through the seaport of the neighboring state of Djibouti.

By bus

There is no regular bus service between Ethiopia and neighboring countries. Tourists traveling through the countries of the region usually get to the desired border crossing, cross it on foot and continue on local transport. Buses provide access to border crossings with Djibouti, Kenya and Sudan. The border with Somalia and Eritrea is currently closed.

By car

The following border crossings open to vehicles operate between Ethiopia and neighboring countries:

Djibouti: Ferate/Dewele checkpoint, main road from Addis Ababa to Djibouti and Lofefle/Balho checkpoint on a minor road in northern Djibouti;

Ethiopia - Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a state in Northeast Africa. In the past, the country was often called Abyssinia. Ethiopia consists of several former semi-independent region-states, the largest of which were Amhara, Gojam, Shoa and Tigre, as well as areas with populations speaking the Oromo, Gurage, Sidamo, Somali, Afar and Tigrinya languages. After Eritrea declared independence in May 1993, Ethiopia found itself cut off from the sea. In the north, the country borders with Eritrea, in the west with Sudan, in the south with Kenya, and in the east with Djibouti and Somalia. The border with Somalia has not yet been completely demarcated.

Language
Amharic (Amarinya) - state, Tigre, Galla, English, Arabic, about 70 different local languages ​​are used. The entire population is divided into two main linguistic groups - the Semites, living in the northern and central regions of the country, and the Cushites, living mostly in southern and eastern Ethiopia.

Religion
Ethiopian Orthodox Church - 45-50%, Islam - 35-40%, paganism - 12%.

Time: Moscow.

Climate
In Ethiopia, it is highly dependent on altitude. In the tropical zone, located below 1830 m above sea level, a dry tropical climate prevails - the average annual temperature in these areas is about +27 ° C. In the subtropical zone (1830 m - 2440 m above sea level), the average annual temperature is +22 °C. Above 2440 m above sea level there is a temperate climate zone with an average annual temperature of about +16 °C. On the territory of Ethiopia there is one of the hottest places on earth - the Danakil Depression (the temperature in the hot season here reaches +60 ° C). The rainy season usually lasts from mid-June to September, with an occasional short rainy season in February or March.

Population
58.6 million people. Mainly Oromo people - 40%, Amhara - 25%, Tigre - 12%, Shangalla - 6%, Somalia, Yemenis, Indians, Armenians, Greeks and others (more than 100 peoples).

Territory: 1 million 140 thousand km².

Currency
1 Birr = 100 cents. The Burr is a fairly stable currency. Officially, changing cash hard currency and traveler's checks, the use of which is practically impossible in the country, is allowed in banks and some hotels. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted in a few places in Ethiopia: mainly at foreign airline offices. Currency is also exchanged openly on the streets and in small shops, but at an exchange rate that is 10% higher than the official one, and certificates are not given, which means problems will arise at customs. Government-owned hotels charge foreigners not in birr, but in dollars (receipts for these payments should be kept!). You can exchange Ethiopian birr for cash foreign currency only if you have a document confirming the person’s intention to leave the country. This document can be an airline ticket or a passport with a valid exit visa. Tipping is 5-10% in large and hotel restaurants, in small and private establishments - at the discretion of the guest.

Geography
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is located in Northeast Africa. It borders on Eritrea and Djibouti in the northeast, Somalia in the east and southeast, Kenya in the southwest, and Sudan in the west and northwest. In the northeast it is washed by the Red Sea. Most of the territory of Ethiopia is elevated and mountainous, occupied by the Ethiopian Highlands (altitude up to 4623 m, the highest point of the country is Ras Dasheng). The East African Rift crosses the highlands diagonally from northeast to southwest. In the northeast is the Afar depression, in the southeast is the Ethiopian-Somali plateau. Almost the entire territory of Ethiopia is a zone of high seismicity. Total area 1.13 million square meters. km.

Nature
Agriculture is the main sector of the Ethiopian economy, providing 85% of jobs. It provides about 45% of GDP and 62% of the country's exports. Coffee accounted for 39.4% of exports in 2001-2002. Coffee is Ethiopia's gift to the world. This country is the main producer of Arabica coffee in Africa. Tea is another important crop. Endowed with vast agro-climatic zones and diverse resources, Ethiopia processes all types of grains, fibers, groundnuts, coffee, tea, flowers as well as fruits and vegetables. More than 140 varieties are currently processed in Ethiopia. Potential rainfed land is estimated at 10 million hectares. Livestock farming in Ethiopia is one of the most developed and numerous in Africa. Fishing and forestry are also significant industries. There is great potential for investment in these industries. Horticulture: Ethiopia's varied agro-climatic conditions support the cultivation of a wide range of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Vegetable growing and flowers are the most dynamically developing sectors of the economy. In 2002, more than 29,000 tons of fruit products and 10 tons of flowers were exported. Without exaggeration, it can be said that the floriculture sector is the most attractive for investment in the entire Ethiopian economy.

Animal world
Ethiopia is the largest country in Africa in terms of livestock numbers and is also among the top 10 largest in the world for this indicator. There are 35 million cattle, 12 million sheep and 10 million goats in Ethiopia. In some places there are still lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants; Jackals, hyenas and foxes live everywhere. Hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, monkeys, incl., are preserved in small quantities in Ethiopia. baboons, and crocodiles. The remote northwestern and northeastern mountainous regions are home to some rare animal species, such as the Ethiopian ibex and nyala antelope.


Kitchen
Food in Ethiopia is a special matter. You don’t get hooked right away, but at some point you begin to unstoppably lust after the combination called “injera-votte.” The first element is a light gray spongy cake, soft as velvet, about half a meter in diameter. It is spread out on an even-sized tin dish and the second element is placed on top - a hot sauce made from Burberry pepper, in which almost everything edible can be cooked: meat, poultry, vegetables, fish. But always separately. You should only eat with your hands - please, no forks and knives!

If you are visiting, the hostess can put the most delicious piece in your mouth with her own fingers. This is "gursha". You can't refuse! After this (or before, or immediately) they will bring “tybs” - in a special way, in braids, chopped pieces of meat, fried with green pepper. Ground red pepper is always nearby, as is its antipode in Ethiopian cuisine, homemade cottage cheese, designed to extinguish the rampant fiery spiciness. And those who are afraid of this anti-stomach-viral pepper component, natural to Ethiopia, can try “allicha”. This is a stew where the spices, although they do not give themselves away and are not amenable to European analysis, but force you to clean this plate too.

The most desperate, equating themselves with the harsh Ethiopian warriors, will prefer raw meat. You can cut it in pieces from a large part of a calf raised specifically for this “dish”. A crooked, somewhat imperfect, but very sharply sharpened knife always lies nearby. And if raw meat is served in the form of minced meat, then it is “kytfo”. And this is better than any French "stack tartare".

We wash everything down with Tej. In principle, this is honey mash, but it’s somehow very poor here. The color is either milky amber (if homemade), or transparent like a tear if in a “European” Ethiopian restaurant. And if you want to get closer to the earth, then “tella”, barley beer.

Finally - the coffee ceremony. The word “coffee” itself, understood throughout the planet, comes from the name of the Ethiopian province of Kaffa. The legend about the origin of coffee is as follows: goats ate some berries from large bushes and began to frolic uncontrollably. Observant monks brewed from these grains