Ethiopia


 * Ethiopia**


 * History of Ethiopia**- Ethiopia is one of very few African countries that has always had its independace. It is also one of the oldest nations in Africa, and ledgend has it that Ethiopian leaders are decendants from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Italy attempted to invade Ethiopia in 1885, however the Ethiopians bought guns and were taught how to use them by Europeans, and they defeated the Italians at Adwa. Later on, in 1935 the Italians occupied Ethiopia for six years, but the British helped the Ethiopians regain control. In 1961, a civil war broke out in Ethiopia that lasted until the 1990s.


 * Location of Ethiopia**- Ethiopia is located on the eastern coast of Africa. The capitol city is Addis Ababa. Its neighboring countries are Sudan, Djiouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Kenya. Ethiopia is a mountainous continent which covers 435,184 square miles, which is the combined size of California and Texas combined.


 * Climate of Ethiopia-** The climate of Ethipoia is very hot with temeratures in the western lowlands ranging from 95-120degreesF. And temperatures in the highlands average between 60-74degreesF. Ethiopia faces natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and frequent droughts.


 * Population of Ethiopia-** The population of Ethiopia is 82.5 million and growing by 3.2 million each year. The ethinic groups that make up Ethiopia are the Amhara, Tigreans, Oromo, and the Somali. The are at least 65 other small groups that make up the country. The infant morality rate is 109 deaths for every 1000 births. The life expectancy is 51 years for males and 53 years for females. There is only 291,000 internet users in Ethiopia. The net migration rate of Ethiopia is -0.02 migrants per 1000 population.


 * Government of Ethiopia-** Ethiopia's government is a Federal Republic. The current prime minister is Meles Zenawi. The GDP per capita is $1055. The currency of Ethiopia is Birr. The national language is Amharic. Ethiopia's military expenditures are 3% of GDP.


 * Economy of Ethiopia-** Almost all Ethiopians are subsistence farmers. Rural wealth is based on the size of the farmers herd. The main cash crop is coffee, accumulating for more than half of all export earnings. Also Ethiopia exports many animal skins. The unemployment rate is N/A. The industries of Ethiopia are, food beverages, beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals, metal processing, cement. Some Ethiopian imports are, food and live animals, petroleum, chemicals, and machinery. The most illicit drug in Ethiopia is heroin.


 * Education of Ethiopia-** Ethiopian education is not compulsory, less than half of school aged-children are enrolled. The literacy rate is 42.7%.


 * Religion of Ethiopia-** The Ethiopian Orthodox Churh dominates the religions in Ethiopia, at 45%. It has been the chief religion of Ethiopia since AD 322. Another 35 percent of the population is Muslim.

If you are considering visiting Ethiopia, you may want to reconsider. Ethiopia is a very HIV/AIDS infested place, and has the 12th highest ammount of living AIDs infected people. Also, you have a high risk of contracting malaria, hepatitis A and E, typhoid fever, and rabies. However, if you don't mind taking the chance, Ethiopia is a very beautiful place. It is full of interesting natural wonders such as, the Simien Mountains, and the Danakil Depression. It is home to some amazing wildlife such as, Oryx, Hamadryas baboons, leopards, hippotamous, gazelles, cheetas, and lions.
 * Tourist Information:**

The Simien Mountains

Current Event “Is it possible to have a fair and free election in a police state?” That is the inescapable question one must answer after reading former Ethiopian President Dr. Negasso Gidada’s recent reportage on his visit to Dembi Dollo in Qelem Wallaga Zone of Oromia Region.# In his recent widely read analysis, Dr. Negasso flatly declared that there is “no level playing field” in Dembi Dollo, and by implication anywhere else in Ethiopia, to have a free and fair election in 2010. Three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red, with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands; Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the three main colors of her flag were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the pan-African colors.
 * Free and Fair Elections in a Police State**

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