Introduction to Ethiopia
Ethiopia is truly the land of contrast and extremes. Ethiopia is old. ABYSSINIA was its former name. It is a land of remote and wild places. Some of the highest, and most stunning places on the Africa continent are found here, Such as the ruggedly-carved steeples and spires of the Simien Mountains, one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Some of the lowest, such as the hot but fascinating Danikal Depression, with its Sulphur fumaroles and lunar like landscape.
Visa and immigration requirement
Visa are required for all foreign visitors to Ethiopia. These can be secured from Ethiopian Diplomatic and consular missions abroad. In addition .Visitors from the countries listed below can obtain visa on arrival at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa): Argentina, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Rep.Korea, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Rep.Korea, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United
Currency
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr made up of 100 cents. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, providing declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. The currency declaration form must be retained, as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors, however, will be able to change any excess Ethiopian Birr to foreign currency at the bank in the airport (Or anywhere else they choose in other banks) before departure. (All this is the official line…)
Topography
Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and in the center of the country, there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 meters. The highest one is 4543m above sea level and 116 below sea level(Dankal depression)
Population
The population is estimated over 120 million, over 50 per cent are under 20 years old. The average number of inhabitants per square kilometer is 49.
Language
Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state with a great variety of languages spoken in the country, of which there are 83 with 200 dialects. The main three languages are Amharic (the national language of the country), Tigrigna and Oromigna. English is also widely spoken.
