Andres Perez Cromo  · Follow  

· 19 Facts You May Not Know About Ethiopia:

1. Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. It is widely believed to be the origin of humankind.

2. Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world, with over 128 million people.

3. Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia, but there are over 80 different languages spoken throughout the country.

4. Ethiopia follows its own unique calendar, known as the Ethiopian calendar, which is about 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world.

5. The country has a diverse landscape, including highlands, plateaus, and lowland areas. It is home to Africa’s largest continuous mountain range, the Ethiopian Highlands.

6. Ethiopia is known for its coffee, and coffee ceremonies are an important cultural tradition that symbolizes hospitality and community.

7. Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century.

8. Ethiopia is the origin of the Blue Nile, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River, which flows into Egypt.

9. The Great Rift Valley runs through Ethiopia, and it is believed to be the location of the earliest humans, including the famous fossil “Lucy.

“10. Ethiopia has its own alphabet, called Ge’ez (or Ethiopic), which is used in religious texts and manuscripts.

11. Addis Ababa, the capital city, is the highest capital in Africa and serves as the headquarters for the African Union (AU) and many international organizations.

12. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world and has a unique blend of ancient Judaic and Christian traditions.

13. Ethiopia has a rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, languages, and customs.

14. Injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, is a staple food in Ethiopian cuisine and is typically served with various stews and dishes.

15. Ethiopia has a unique system of timekeeping, where the day starts at dawn (6:00 AM) and ends at dusk (6:00 PM), resulting in a 12-hour day.

16. The Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia is known for its cultural diversity and is home to several indigenous tribes with distinct languages and traditions.

17. Ethiopia is known for its long-distance runners and has produced many world-renowned athletes who have excelled in marathons and track events.

18. The Simien Mountains National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its dramatic landscapes, including deep valleys and jagged peaks.

19. Ethiopia has made significant progress in improving access to education and healthcare in recent years, although challenges remain in rural and remote areas.