Ethiopia is landlocked country located in Eastern Africa. It borders Kenya, South Sudan, Somali, Djibouti and Sudan. Here are interesting facts about this African nation:
- Addis Ababa, the capital city, is the highest capital city in Africa, at 2,400 metres.
- Ethiopia is the second most-populous country in Africa, with a population of over 90 million people by 2015. It is second to Nigeria, which had a population of over 174 million people by 2013.
- Over 80 languages are spoken in this country. English is the language of instruction in institutions of higher learning. The most widely spoken local languages are Oromo, Amharic, Somali and Tigrinya.
- Allegedly, the Ark of the Covenant that holds the 10 Commandments is in a church in this country. However, only one man knows how true this is, and he is the only one who guards it.
- Ethiopia fought against the Scramble for Africa, and it is one of the few countries that were not colonized, though Italians occupied it for at least five years.
- Coffee was discovered in this country, in Kaffa region. A shepherd discovered this famous beverage when his goats ate the leaves and became restless.
- Ethiopia has a distinct alphabet.
- The oldest fossil of Early man was discovered here.
- Abebe Bikila, an Ethiopian, won Africa’s first Olympic gold medal, in 1960.
- About 70% of the mountains of Africa are in this country.
- Lake Tana in this country, supplies the Blue Nile River, which feeds the White Nile River before joining the Great Nile River.
- This country has been mentioned severally in the Bible and the Quran.
- Ethiopia has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa. The nine sites are Aksum, Fasil Ghebbi, Harar, Konso Cultural Landscape, Lower Valley of the Awash, Lower Valley of the Omo, Rock-Hewn Churches, Simien National Park and Tiya.
- The Ethiopian Calendar has 13 months and it is 7 ½ years behind the Gregorian calendar. New Year in Ethiopia starts on 11th September and a day later in a leap year.
- Ethiopia is the diplomatic capital of the continent, since it hosts the headquarters of Kenya African and international organisations such as the African Union, UN Economic Commission for Africa, UNESCO and UNDP.
Ethiopia is one of the main destinations for tourists exploring the Horn of Africa. It has a beautiful blend of cultures and delicious exotic dishes. It has numerous airports to get you to any destination within the country. Among these key points of entry is Addis Ababa Airport, also known as Bole International Airport.
Source: Jovago.com
