Here are 25 facts that you know about Ethiopia
- Ethiopia is located in the northeastern part of Africa, in the Horn of Africa region.
- It is the second-most populous country in Africa, with a population of over 115 million people.
- The capital city is Addis Ababa, which means "New Flower" in Amharic, the country's official language.
- Ethiopia has its own calendar, which is based on the Coptic calendar, and is seven years and eight months behind the Gregorian calendar.
- The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from highlands to deserts, and is home to several endemic species of plants and animals.
- Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and it is still an important part of the country's economy and culture.
- Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, with Christianity being the main religion.
- The country is also home to one of the oldest Muslim communities in Africa.
- Ethiopia has its own unique script, called the Ge'ez script, which is still used today for liturgical purposes.
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, dating back to the 4th century.
- Ethiopia was never colonized by a European power, making it the only country in Africa that was never colonized.
- The country is home to several ancient ruins and archaeological sites, including the city of Aksum, which was once the capital of the Aksumite Kingdom.
- Ethiopia is the only country in Africa with its own alphabet.
- Ethiopian cuisine is known for its distinctive spices and flavors, including berbere, a blend of spices that is a staple in many dishes.
- The country has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Aksum and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
- Ethiopia is home to the largest number of UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage sites in Africa.
- Ethiopia has a long history of athletic excellence, particularly in long-distance running.
- The country is home to several traditional music styles, including Amharic, Oromo, and Tigrigna.
- The Blue Nile, one of the main tributaries of the Nile River, begins in Ethiopia.
- The country is the origin of the Rastafari movement, which developed in the 1930s and is based on the belief that the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie was a messianic figure.
- The Ethiopian Highlands are home to several endangered species, including the Ethiopian wolf and the Gelada baboon.
- Ethiopia is one of the world's largest producers of teff, a type of grain that is used to make injera, a staple in Ethiopian cuisine.
- The country has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, with an average life expectancy of just over 66 years.
- Ethiopia is the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, with over 900,000 refugees as of 2021.
- Despite its many challenges, Ethiopia has made significant progress in recent years in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development.