Hot Ethiopia (in the recent past Abyssinia) is the last country where ancient Christianity has survived. Mysterious and completely different from other African countries. Another nature, other people, another religion. And there was not even slavery.
Where is Ethiopia, on which mainland. Statehood
Ethiopia is located in East Africa. Despite this placement, the territory has no access to the sea. It borders on Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. It is the most mountainous country in Africa. Much of its area is occupied by the Ethiopian highlands. But plains and slopes are also present in its territory.
As for statehood, this country is a federal democratic republic headed by a president. The most common religion is Christianity.
Country Ethiopia: history, language, seas
They speak Amharic in Ethiopia. Also here you can hear Arabic, Somali and English speech. The national currency is the birr. The capital of Ethiopia is a picturesque cityAddis Ababa, the symbol of the city is the image of a lion.
There are many monuments to this majestic beast in the capital, and images of a lion can also be found on local currency and various emblems.
The country is landlocked. Until 1993, she had access to the Red Sea. But after the secession of Eritrea, she lost this privilege.
The territory where Ethiopia is located is historically ancient and unique. And even now, in our enlightened age, it is strikingly different from the rest of the world. There is no industry here, people plow with oxen, just like 2000 years ago, there is no electricity and water in the villages.
Ethiopian climate
The climate of Ethiopia is formed by two factors: the subequatorial and equatorial climatic zones, as well as its location on the Ethiopian highlands. It was this combination that gave the area where Ethiopia is located a fertile mild climate, with sufficient rainfall and an average air temperature of + 25 … + 30 ° С.
Sudden temperature changes are unusual for this area, but the difference between day and night temperatures can be 15 degrees. Favorable weather conditions are not present throughout sunny Ethiopia. Its eastern regions are characterized by a hot and desert climate.
Plant and animal life
The flora and fauna of Ethiopia is diverse. On its territory there are plants and animals that are typical for desert regions and tropical forests. Giraffes, hippos, lions, elephants live here.
Found in abundancerhinos, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and various types of primates. Many of these animals were subjected to total extermination, but at the moment the state policy is aimed at combating crimes against the animal world.
Sights of the country
Ethiopia is a picturesque, colorful country with a deep history. The most magnificent sights of this African land are Lake Tana, the Rock Churches in Lalibela and the Dallol Volcano.
In the town of Lalibela, in northern Ethiopia, there are 11 rock-cut structures. This is a temple complex of the XII-XIII centuries, decorated with columns. The construction of the churches is one-piece, their roof is located at ground level, and the entrance is in a deep cave.
Interesting facts about Ethiopia
Unlike other African countries, Ethiopia has never been a colony, so foreign influence is kept to a minimum. Infrastructure and tourism are poorly developed here. The territory where Ethiopia is located does not use the Gregorian, but the Coptic calendar. The time difference between these two timing systems is 7 years 9 months and 5 days.
In addition, the Coptic calendar has 13 months, 12 of which last 30 days, and the last 5 days. This feature is taken on board by travel companies, having come up with the slogan “Ethiopia is a vacation of 13 solar months.”
The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is in the same time zone as Moscow, but sunrise occurs at 0 o'clock. Many people who live where the country of Ethiopia is located do not know howuse the clock.
Note to tourists
The most convenient currency for traveling to Ethiopia is the dollar. You can easily pay with them in hotels, shopping centers, shops, restaurants, clubs and other places. Euros on the territory of this country are not so popular, they only need to be changed to the national currency in banks. You won’t have to hope for a visa-free regime, you will need to apply for a visa in advance to cross the border.
Unfortunately, street crime is thriving in Ethiopia. Sometimes whole gangs work. It is not safe to explore the surroundings of cities on your own and travel without a guide.
Tourists are not recommended to have discussions with locals about their religion and way of life. The population that lives where Ethiopia is located takes criticism very aggressively.
Food should be treated with care, water should only be drunk from sealed bottles, you should not even brush your teeth with tap water.
