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Ethiopia (pronounced /ˌiːθiˈoʊpiə/) (Ge'ez: ኢትዮጵያ ʾĪtyōṗṗyā), a landlocked state in the Horn of Africa, is one of the most ancient countries in the world. Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is the second most populous nation in Africa with over 79.2 million people and the tenth largest by area. The capital is Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is bordered by Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, Eritrea to the north and Sudan to the west.
Land Ethiopia is as large as France and Spain combined. Has an area of 1,235,000 square kilometers. Climate There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through may; the wet season runs from June to September Topography Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2000 and 3000 meters. In the North and Center of the country there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 meters. The most famous Ethiopian river is the Blue Nile which runs a distance of 1,450 kilometers from the source in Lake tana, join the white Nile at Khartoum. Language Ethiopia is a multi – ethnic state with great Variety of Language spoken in the country, of which there are 83 with 200 dialects. The main three Language are Amharic, Oromigna, and Tigrigna. English is widely spoken. Time Ethiopia is in the GMT +3 hours time zone. Ethiopia follows the Julian Calendar, which consists of twelve months of 30 days each and a thirteenth month of five or six days. Population The population is estimated at about 60 million. Visa and Immigration Requirements Visa applications may be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas. However, national of 33 countries are allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia.The list includes Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Newzealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States. Currency The Local Currency is the Ethiopia Birr made up of 100 cents. Foreign currency may be changed at banks & Hotels. Air Transport Ethiopian Airlines, a government owned corporation began operational in 1946; provides domestic and international Air service. The newly constructed International Air port providing services for several Airlines. The Ethiopian Airlines has a good and safety record and is one of the few profitable African Airlines. The Airlines is highly reknown for its training and maintenance provision for many Africa and Middle East Airlines. Health Requirements Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required. |
