QUICK FACTS
| Government: | Federal Democratic Republic |
| Head of State: | H.E. Girma Wolde Giorgis |
| Head of Government: | H.E. Meles Zenawi- Prime Minister |
| Land Area: | 1.1 million square kilometers |
| Population: | 74 million (as of 2004csa) with annual growth rate of 2.73%. The population size is now estimated to have reached 88,013,491. |
| Location: | Ethiopia is strategically located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by the Sudan on the west, Somalia and Djibouti on the East, Eritrea on the North and Kenya on the South. Its proximity to the Middle East and Europe, together with its easy access to the major ports of the region, enhances its international trade. |
| Capital: | Addis Ababa also the head quarters of the African Union |
| Topography: | The country has a topography varying from as much as 116 m below sea level in the Danakil depression to more than 4,600 m above sea level in the mountainous regions. Ras Dashen, with an altitude of 4,620 m (15,158 ft), is the fourth-highest peak in Africa. The Capital City, Addis Ababa lies at 2400 meters above sea level. |
| Climate: | The country enjoys moderate temperature and pleasant climate, with average temperature rarely exceeding 20°c (68°F). The lowlands typically have sub–tropical and tropical climates. The average annual rainfall for the whole country is 850mm. In most of the high lands, rainfall occurs in two distinct seasons: the “small rains” during February and March and the “big rains” from June to September. |
| Rain Fall: | 500-1,000 mm (40 inches) |
| Languages: | Amharic, Oromigna, Tigrigna, Sidama, Afar, Somali, other local languages. English , Arabic, French & Italian are also widely spoken |
| Infrastructure: | Road: Satisfactory Rail: Djibouti -Addis Ababa and under great expansion in other parts of the country Air: Addis Ababa (international), regional capitals and business towns are also served by domestic flights. Telecommunications: High quality telephone, telex, fax, internet and data communication services. |
| Currency Exchange Rate: | 16.55Birr =1 US$ (January 2010) |
| GDP Makeup: | Agriculture 41% Industry 13% Services 46.9% |
| Major export items include: | Coffee, Hides & Skins, Oil Seeds and Pulses, natural gum, live animals, tea etc |
| Major Trading Partners: | China, Germany, USA, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia |