Ethiopia’s facts: spectacular in both its beauty and history. Travel through these interesting Ethiopian facts, history, and populations. The capital is Addis Ababa.

Political climate

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has a federal parliamentary republic form of government.

Geography

Ethiopia is located in Eastern Africa, west of Somalia and is slightly less than twice the size of Texas. The border countries include Djibouti (342 km), Eritrea (1,033 km), Kenya (867 km), Somalia (1,640 km), South Sudan (1,299 km), and Sudan (744 km).

Landlocked:

The entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on May 24, 1993. Ethiopia is, therefore, the most populous landlocked country in the world. The Blue Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in T’ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia. There are three major crops without doubt believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and castor bean.

Capital: Addis Ababa

Languages.

Oromo (official working language in the State of Oromiya) 33.8%.  Amharic (the official national language) is 29.3%, and Somali (the official working language of the State of Sumale) is 6.2%. Tigrigna (Tigrinya) (the official working language of the State of Tigray) 5.9%; Sidamo: 4%; Wolaytta: 2.2%; and Gurage 2%. Afar (the official working language of the State of Afar) is 1.7%,  Hadiyya 1.7%,  Gamo 1.5%,  Gedeo 1.3%,  Opuuo 1.2%, and Kafa 1.1%. Others: 8.1%, English (major foreign language taught in schools); Arabic (2007 est.)

Currency, Banks & ATMs

The Ethiopian Birr is the national currency of Ethiopia. The National Bank of Ethiopia was established by Imperial Proclamation 207 of July 27, 1963. It began operation on January 1, 1964. The National Bank of Ethiopia took over note production in 1966 and currently issues 1, 5, 10, 10, and 100 Notes. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The availability of ATMs is limited to larger cities such as Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gonder and Mekele. The ATMs accept international Visa cards but they don’t work with Cirrus Plus systems and may not always accept MasterCard. Some ATMs in Addis Ababa dispense cash in both US dollars and birr.

Credit cards can be used in some places like hotels, airline offices or travel agencies in the capital Addis Ababa, but, with some exceptions, not outside of the city. Some banks will give you a cash advance on a credit card. Most accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard, and typically merchants add 3-5% to the bill when using them. American Express and Diners Club may also be accepted.

Traveller’s checks can be cashed in banks but are difficult to exchange outside of Addis Ababa. The best rates are offered for checks in US dollars or pounds sterling.

Usual banking hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Fridays, and 8:30 am to 11:00 am on Saturdays.

Time

Time: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

People and Population.

Population: 99,465,819

The country’s population is highly diverse, containing over 80 different ethnic groups. Most people in Ethiopia speak Afro-Asiatic languages, mainly of the Semitic or Cushitic branches. The latter include the Oromo, Amhara, Tigray and Somali, which together make up three-quarters of the population. Nilo-Saharan-speaking Nilotic ethnic communities also inhabit the southern regions of the country, particularly in areas bordering South Sudan. Among these are the Mursi and Anuak.

Entry requirements.

For US citizens, a passport is valid for at least six months beyond an extended stay. Visas should be acquired before arrival, as they are not available at border crossings. For U.S. Citizens flying into Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, a traveller’s visa can be obtained.

All travellers over one (1) year of age coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission are required to show proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as a yellow card.)

Health

The CDC recommends that all travellers to Ethiopia be fully vaccinated against polio. In addition, adults who have been fully vaccinated should receive a single lifetime booster dose of the polio vaccine. As of May 5, 2014, people of all ages staying in Ethiopia for longer than 4 weeks may be required to show proof of polio vaccination when departing Ethiopia. Polio vaccine must be received between 4 weeks and 12 months before the date of departure from Ethiopia and should be officially documented on a yellow vaccination card (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis). Travellers should talk to their doctor about making sure they are properly prepared for any requirements they may face when exiting Ethiopia.

Malaria is prevalent in Ethiopia outside of the highland areas, excluding Addis Ababa. Extremely high malaria transmission occurs throughout the year below 2,000 m (6,600 ft). Altitudes between 2,000 m and 2,500 m in that case are subject to infrequent epidemics. Travellers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while travelling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and report their travel history and anti-malarial medication taken.

Communication

The international country code is 251; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations: 3 Intelsat (1 the Atlantic Ocean and 2 the Pacific Ocean) (2011). However, there is an inadequate telephone system, with Ethio Telecom maintaining a monopoly over telecommunication services; open-wire, microwave radio relay; radio communication in the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; and two domestic satellites providing the national trunk service

Electricity.

In Ethiopia, the standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets in use are of types C, E, F, and L. (Converter required)

Other Information.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/ethiopia.html