ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia-is a country situated in the Northeastern part of Africa. The country with more than 65 Million people is unique among African Countries by maintaining it freedom from colonial rule. With a total area of 1,127,127 sq. Km. it is slightly less than twice the size of Texas or as large as France and Spain combined.
The country is old beyond imagination, dating back to the very beginnings of mankind. It is also the land of Queen of Sheba, a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdoms and ancient mysteries.With more than 80 languages and 200 dialects, each ethnic group preserves its own unique customs, traditions and values. You will find all major religions of the world and Ethiopia is the best example to see how people of different religion live together. This directly is also the sign of how hospitable the and friendly the people are.
POPULATION AND POPULATION CHARACTERSTICS
The population of Ethiopia (2004 estimate) is 70,891,874, yielding an overall density of 58 persons per sq km (151 per sq mi). The Amhara, who founded the original nation, and the related Tigreans, both of which are highland peoples of partly Semitic origin, constitute about 32 percent of the total population. They occupy the northwestern Ethiopian highlands and the area north of Addis Ababa. The Oromo, a pastoral and agricultural people who live mainly in central and southwestern Ethiopia, constitute about 40 percent of the population. The Nilotic,a people in the western part of the country from the border of Eritrea to Lake Turkana, constitute about 6 percent of the population. The Somali, who live in the east and southeast, notably in the Ogaden region, are about equal in number to the Nilotic people. The Denakil inhabit the semi desert plains east of the highlands.
CURRECY
The monetary units of Ethiopian currency is "Birr" with a par value of around 9.6 to US$1, but know it is subject to change every day. Currency notes are printed in denomination Birr of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Copper coins are circulated in value of 1, 5,10,25 and 50.
BANKING
Currently the Ethiopian Banking system comprises a Central Bank, Nine Commercial Banks (state owned and recently established private banks) and eight Insurance Companies. The state owned Commercial bank of Ethiopia offers foreign exchange facilities and has branches in the major towns through out the country except that of Lalibela. More and more private Banks are opening in the capital; these normally keep longer hours and give quicker services. Traveler's Cheques and all major currencies are accepted. All major currencies can be exchanged in the capital; sometimes only US dollars can be exchanged out side of Addis Ababa. Banks charge a commission of 1.3-1.5%.
VISA AND IMMIGRATION
Visas are required for all visitors, however; nationals of 33 countries are given visa on arrival.
Argentina |
Finland |
Rep.Korea |
Portugal |
Australia |
France |
kuwait |
Russia |
Austria |
Germany |
Luxemberg |
South Africa |
Belgium |
Greece |
Mexico |
Spain |
Brazil |
Ireland |
Netherlands |
Sweden |
Canada |
Israel |
Newzealand |
Switzerland |
China |
Italy |
Norway |
Taiwan |
Denmark |
Japan |
Poland |
UnitedKingdom |
United States of America |
CALENDER & TIME
Using Julian Calendar by Ethiopians should be amazing for Europeans who had experience it before 400 year. This Julian calendar of the Ethiopians divides the year in to 12 months of 30 days each with uniquely exceptional 13th month of "Pagume" meaning, inserted in Greek having five or six (in a leap year) days. The Ethiopian New Year commences on the 10th or 11th of September.
Ethiopia is in the GMT+3 time zone.
Normal government and most other office hours are-8: 30 A.M-12: 30A.M and 1:30P.M- 5:30P.M from Monday-Thursday. Working hours on Friday are- 8:30A.M-11: 00A.M and 1:30P.M -5.30 P.M and some offices open Saturday 8:30A.M-12: 00A.M.
RELIGION
faith is an extremely important part of almost all Ethiopian's life. Christian Ethiopians bring God in to everyday conversation and as do the Muslims. Although the population is split fairly evenly between Muslims and Christians , it is Orthodox Christianity that has traditionally dominated the country's past. It is the first Sub-Saharan country to Accept Christianity as a state religion in the 4th Century AD and it was only Armenia, even from the European country to accept Christianity.
Even for the Muslims it is a land that has preserved their religion in being a safe guard for the founder of the religion, Prophet Mohammed and his followers in their time of persecution. It has got also a city named, Harar, which,as legend has it, is the 4th Islamic center after Mecca, Medina and Palestine
TRAVELER CHEQUES
Most major banks across the country exchange
Travelers cheques.
In the capital, a few major hotels and travel agencies also accept them.
Like cash, travelers cheques are best carried in US dollar.
TRANSPORT
Roads-the road transport system is the most important means of transportation in Ethiopia. Both asphalt and graveled roads go out of Addis to all major cities and towns. International highways go or link to neighboring countries, Djibouti, Kenya, Eritrea and Sudan.
Railway and Port- the port of Djibouti, which has a rail and a road link to Addis Ababa, serves Ethiopia for its import and export activity. Other ports in the region including Berbera, Port Sudan and Mombassa are also under consideration to be used as an out let. There is a 778 Km. of railway, which links Ethiopia to the Neighboring country of Djibouti.
Air- excellent Passenger and Cargo air transport services are operated by Ethiopian Air lines, which one of Africa's best-known carriers. The Ethiopian Airlines has an extensive network flying to 44 cities in 4 continents: 26 in Africa, 11 in Asia, 5 in Europe and 2 in North America. Its Domestic network serves 43 airfields and additional 21 landing strips.
CUSTOMS
Duty free items are allowed for visitors. How ever, the amount is limited. Items amounting to
1-500cc (1/2 litter) of perfume
2- 2 littres of alcoholic liquors
3- 250grams of tobacco
4- 100 cigarettes and
5- 50 cigar are allowed duty free. Please note all these items should be declared.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Travel in Ethiopia is most recommended from mid October- mid June, which is by most the dry season and has an advantage for admiring one of those major colorful celebrations.
HEALTH REQUREMENT
Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a Cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.
