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In the minds of many, Ethiopia is restricted to the images of the devastating famine of the 1980’s, marathon athletes, and the last monarch – Emperor Haile Sellassie (also know as Ras Tafari). However, behind these images lies a long, rich and utterly complicated history that dates back to biblical times. Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. We have set out in this section to provide a brief history of the evolution of modern Ethiopia. MORE |
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Historical Places
Axum Once the centre of a far-reaching empire, Axum is known for its extraordinary stelae and for the Mariamtsion Church, said to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Bahir Dar On the shores of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar is the gateway to the Blue Nile Falls and the Zeghe Peninsula
Bale Mountains National Park The 2400 sq. km Bale Mountains National Park , 400 km south of Addis Ababa, is the largest area of Afro-alpine habitat in the whole of Africa. It is the best place to see Ethiopia's endemic mammals and birds and offers unbeatable mountain walking.
Gondar The former capital of Ethiopia, Gondar is noteworthy for its medieval castles, Timkat celebrations and the unique church of Debre Berhane Selassie.
Harar Harar, 500 kilometres east of Addis Ababa, is the fourth holiest city in Islam and the scene of the nightly hyena-feeding ritual.
Money: Official Currency: 1 birr=100 cents Traveler’s cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and cash is best taken in US Dollars. Some major credit cards are accepted at major hotels.
Banks: Monday to Thursday 08:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00 Friday 08:30-11:30 and 1:00-5:00
Population: With a population of 60 million (mid-1999 estimate), Ethiopia represents a melting pot of ancient Middle Eastern and African cultures evident in the religious, ethnic, and language composition of its Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic, and Nilotic peoples. The annual population growth rate is about 2.2% (mid-1999 estimate) and 85% of the population is rural.
Designed by Dagmawi tel 571 276 1181