intriguing insights about Ethiopia

Ethiopia, a country with roots tracing back to around 980 B.C., stands as one of the oldest nations on the planet.

The country’s extensive history and incredible variety of people and cultures have led many to refer to it as a “museum of peoples.” Ethiopia boasts a vibrant mix of languages and ethnic groups, creating a rich and complex cultural landscape.

Ethiopia, often referred to as the “Land of 13 Sunshine’s”, is truly one of the most captivating and magical destinations on the planet – and certainly in Africa.

Ethiopia might not be the first destination that comes to mind for travelers when organizing their next getaway, but it could very well become a top choice soon. Ethiopia, an African country, proudly highlights its peace over the past 15 years or more, contributing to its status as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

With the added bonus of an astounding diversity of landscapes, a mixture of cultures, and a history that traces back to the dawn of humanity, a traveler may find themselves anticipating an unexpected and awe-inspiring travel destination.

But when it comes to planning and holiday dates, you might be surprised to learn that this extraordinary nation has its very own calendar!

This is just one of countless intriguing details about the country, many of which are explored in this article. Exploring the rich tapestry of the country’s ancient and statutory history, its vibrant religion, diverse culture, welcoming people, and stunning natural phenomena, here are at least 44 intriguing facts that will spark your curiosity as you prepare for an exciting visit to this eastern African destination in the near future:

Chronicles of the past

Fact number 1 – This place is likely home to the oldest people in the world.
Some of the oldest people in the world, in fact the earliest hominid populations, appear to have thrived in Ethiopia. In this remarkable region, it is believed that Homo erectus emerged and embarked on a journey from Africa to inhabit Eurasia over 1.8 million years ago.

Numerous archaeological discoveries in the Afar region of Ethiopia have bolstered theories that this land might be the cradle of humanity as we know it. The first evidence of our ancestors crafting tools has been discovered in Ethiopia, where a remarkable 3.2-million-year-old hominid skeleton was unearthed by paleoanthropologists Donald Johanson and Tim D. White in 1972.

Fact number 2 – Ethiopia stands as the oldest independent country in Africa, uniquely managing to evade the grasp of colonial rule.
Ethiopia stands out as the sole nation in Africa that evaded formal colonial domination – a point of immense pride for the locals, who eagerly share this remarkable story with visitors.

Ethiopia bravely resisted the Scramble for Africa, standing out as one of the rare nations that was never colonized, despite a brief five-year occupation by the Italians.

The Scramble for Africa, often referred to as the Partition of Africa or the Conquest of Africa, was a time of intense exploration and competition among European powers for the invasion, occupation, division, and colonisation of African territories from 1881 to 1914, a fascinating era that historians label as the New Imperialism.

Ethiopia was the pioneering African nation to become a member of the League of Nations. The league, known as LON, was founded in 1920 as the inaugural global intergovernmental organization dedicated to the pursuit of world peace.

In response to Ethiopian appeals, the League of Nations condemned the Italian invasion in 1935, yet the economic sanctions imposed on the invaders proved largely ineffective due to a general lack of support.

Fact number 3 – Ethiopia was among the pioneering African forces to secure a remarkable triumph against a European colonial power.
Ethiopia triumphed over two Italian attempts to colonize the nation, securing its independence.

The First Italo-Ethiopian War unfolded between 1895 and 1896, sparked by the Italians’ assertion that the Treaty of Wuchale had transformed Ethiopia into an Italian protectorate. In a dramatic turn of events, Italian troops from Italian Eritrea experienced early victories, but soon faced a fierce counterattack from Ethiopian forces. The Ethiopian troops laid siege to the Italian fort of Mekele, ultimately compelling the Italians to surrender.

In the Battle of Adwa, the Ethiopian army delivered a decisive blow to the Italian troupes, compelling them to retreat back into Eritrea. The conclusion of this war marked the signing of the Treaty of Addis Ababa, emerging as a significant emblem of pan-Africanism.

It ensured Ethiopia’s independence until 1936 when the Italians made their second attempt and successfully occupied the nation for the next six years (from 1936 – 1941). Ethiopian forces fiercely resisted, and the Italians were unable to conquer the entire nation.

Today, many of the locals proudly claim that they simply bided their time until the Italians constructed railways and beautiful buildings, before they chose to send them packing.

Several African nations, such as Ghana, have embraced flags that mirror the vibrant colors of Ethiopia—green, red, and yellow—symbolizing their admiration for a country that triumphed over a European power.

Fact number 4 – Ethiopia boasts a captivating history of rulers, featuring a remarkable array of emperors and queens.
Ethiopian Queen Zewditu, who ruled Ethiopia from 1916 to 1930, was the first female African head of state to gain global recognition. Ethiopia once experienced the reign of a remarkable Jewish queen, Queen Gudit (Judith), who governed regions of the country during the 10th century. She is famously recalled for setting ablaze numerous churches.

In ancient Ethiopia, the queens were all known by the name Candace, pronounced “kan-dah-ke”.

Every emperor who ruled Ethiopia until 1974 asserted their lineage from King Solomon of the Bible and Makeda, the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba. Haile Selassie I was the final emperor of Ethiopia.

Latest happenings

Fact number 5 – Ethiopia is seen as the diplomatic heart of the African continent.
Ethiopia is home to the headquarters of various African and international organizations, including the African Union, UN Economic Commission for Africa, UNESCO, and UNDP. Who would have imagined that the often dusty and crowded city of Addis Ababa, much like many other African cities, could serve as the host for the headquarters of such esteemed and significant global players?

Ethiopia was indeed the birthplace of Pan-Africanism – a global movement dedicated to fostering and enhancing connections of solidarity among all indigenous and diaspora ethnic groups of African descent. Emperor Haile Selassie I embraced it, and it is seen as the catalyst that ultimately gave rise to the present-day African Union.

Ethiopia boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa. The nine sites include Aksum, Fasil Ghebbi, Harar, Konso Cultural Landscape, Lower Valley of the Awash, Lower Valley of the Omo, Rock-Hewn Churches, Simien National Park, and Tiya.

Fact number 6 – Ethiopia boasts the second largest population in Africa, accounting for nearly 1.5% of the global population.
As of August 2020, the population of Ethiopia is estimated to be around 115,184,700, according to Worldometer’s analysis of the most recent United Nations data. This represents a small fraction of the entire global population. Ethiopia holds the 12th position in the global ranking of countries by population.

The sole nation in Africa boasting a greater population is Nigeria, which had already surpassed 200 million residents in 2019. The estimated population of the metro area in the country’s capital, Addis Ababa, stands at 4,794,000.

Ethiopia boasts a population density of 115 per Km2 across a vast land area of 1,000,000 Km2, with 21.3% of its inhabitants residing in urban locales.

Fact number 7 – Ethiopians experience one of the shortest life expectancies globally.

Current figures estimate that the life expectancy for Ethiopia is 66.71 years, a journey filled with experiences and stories waiting to unfold. The low figures likely stem from inadequate sanitation in the country, compounded by the severely lacking health care system. The median age in Ethiopia is 19.5 years, yet the country has remarkably given rise to numerous “firsts” and notable individuals.

Fact number 8 – Ethiopia is home to the highest number of orphans globally.
Among the over 145 million orphans across the globe, Ethiopia stands out as the country with the highest number. Approximately thirteen percent of children in Ethiopia are without one or both parents. Nearly a quarter of these parents have tragically lost their lives due to the AIDS epidemic.

Fact number 9 – Ethiopia was once considered one of the poorest countries in the world, yet it has experienced remarkable growth in recent years.

In 2006, Ethiopia was positioned at 170 out of 177 on the Human Development Index, with half of its population experiencing poverty and 80% living on the brink of survival.

In 2000, it was the third-poorest country in the world, yet IMF estimates reveal that Ethiopia emerged as the third-fastest growing nation among those with populations of 10 million or more, from 2000 to 2016, based on GDP per capita. The nation’s poverty rate decreased to 31% by 2011, and it was anticipated that Ethiopian GDP per capita would grow at an annual rate of 6.2% leading up to 2024.

Did you know? Addis Ababa holds the title of the highest capital city in Africa!
Perched at an impressive altitude of 2,450 metres, Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, stands as the highest capital city in Africa and ranks fourth highest globally.

The city rests beneath the towering presence of Mount Entoto, the highest summit of the Entoto Mountains, standing at approximately 3,200 meters above sea level.

Fact number 11 – The country is home to over 200 dialects spoken by its diverse peoples.
Ethiopia’s national language is Amharic, yet a remarkable diversity of over 82 languages is spoken by various tribes. Moreover, there are an astonishing 200 variations, or dialects, of these languages spoken by the 110 million people in the country.

In all the country’s institutions of higher learning, English serves as the primary language of instruction, while the local languages that resonate most widely include Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya.

Amharic stands as the official language of the country. The capital, Addis Ababa, derives its name from the Amharic language. Some say that it signifies ‘new flower’ while others interpret it as ‘white flower’.

The name Ethiopia originates from the Greek term “Αιθιoψ” or “aithiops,” derived from “aitho” and “ops,” which translates to “charred or burnt face.” This is how the ancient Greeks described the individuals with darker skin from the eastern regions of Africa. The land we now call Ethiopia was once known as Abyssinia in ancient times, a term that broadly described the territory located south of Egypt.

Did you know? Ethiopia’s national animal is the magnificent Abyssinian lion.
The Abyssinia lions, or Panthera Leo Abyssinica, are smaller than their east African cousins, with males sporting distinctive black manes that set them apart. Experts estimate that fewer than 1,000 Abyssinian lions roam the wilds of Ethiopia.

The final remnants of their lineage are said to reside in the Addis Ababa zoo, established in 1949 during the era of Emperor Haile Selassie, famously referred to as the “Lion of Judah.” The zoo was designed to nurture the animals for display as emblems of his reign.

Fact number 13 – Ethiopia became the pioneer in Africa by owning and operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
In 2012, Ethiopia and its national carrier Ethiopian Airlines took a remarkable step, becoming the first country in Africa and only the second in the world to own and operate a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft bore the name “Africa One” and was designated with the tail number ET-AOQ.

Ethiopian Airlines stands out as one of Africa’s largest carriers and is known for its commendable safety record. When they acquired 10 of Boeing’s premier aircraft, crafted from lightweight materials instead of aluminum, it was a strategic move to enhance fuel efficiency.

Faith

Fact number 14 – This country has captured the imagination of many, appearing in the pages of the Bible, the Quran, Homer’s Odyssey, and various other ancient texts.
The term ‘Ethiopia’ is mentioned 45 times in the King James version of the Bible. Whenever the term appears in the Bible, it frequently denotes the territory located south of Egypt.

In the tale of the Queen of Sheba’s journey to meet King Solomon, it is thought that Sheba hailed from Ethiopia. She was the key through which Ethiopian rulers asserted their royal lineage.

Ethiopia finds a place in the Quran as well. Upon witnessing the trials faced by his followers in Mecca, Mohammed reportedly encouraged them to seek refuge in Abyssinia, located in northern Ethiopia, assuring them they would encounter a king who treats all with fairness.

In an intriguing turn of events, some traditionalists assert that Ethiopia’s Oromo religion, with its deity known as Waka, stands as the oldest monotheistic faith in existence, claiming that Moses drew inspiration for the Ten Commandments from their teachings.

Fact number 15 – Ethiopia is home to one of the most ancient expressions of Christianity in the world.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, known as Tewahedo, stands as one of the most ancient expressions of Christianity globally, having journeyed to Ethiopia from Egypt, where the faithful were part of the Coptic Church.

Around A.D. In 330, Frumentius, the Apostle of Ethiopia, embarked on a remarkable journey to convert the Axumite king Ezana, leading to the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the empire. King Ezana is celebrated as the visionary who established the first church in the country, constructed in the 4th century. Today, the vibrant tapestry of Ethiopia is woven with a rich diversity of faiths, where Christianity is embraced by 61% of the population, including 43% Ethiopian Orthodox and 18% Protestant, while Muslims make up about 34% of the community.

Fact number 16– Ethiopia is home to some of the oldest Christian relics.
Aksum, a city in northern Ethiopia, boasts impressive tall, carved obelisks, remnants of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. The centuries-old St. Mary of Zion Christian church and pilgrimage site is thought to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, which held the 10 commandments given by God to Moses. The nearby Chapel of the Tablet is rumored to contain the Ark in the present day.

The Garima Gospels, the oldest illustrated Christian book, can be found in Ethiopia, a place rich with stories waiting to be discovered. Legend has it that this work was penned by Abba Garima, a monk who journeyed to Ethiopia from the vibrant city of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. According to legend, he penned the entire book in just a single day, sometime around A.D. 494.

That is just one of many captivating Christian legends found throughout the country. Another legend speaks of a relic, said to be from the true cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, that is preserved in this very place.

Legend has it that St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, the Roman Emperor who embraced Christianity, discovered the cross in the 4th century. It was subsequently bestowed upon the king of Ethiopia for safeguarding Coptic Christians within his realm. The town of Meskel has been commemorating the ‘Arrival of the True Cross in Ethiopia’ for over 1,600 years.

Fact number 17 – In Ethiopia, ancient laws restrict even female animals from entering certain sacred areas.
In certain monasteries and sacred locations in Ethiopia, age-old regulations continue to prevent women from entering the revered spaces. Additionally, this law applies not just to humans, but also encompasses all female creatures, such as donkeys, hens, and nanny goats.

Fact number 18 – Ethiopia is the true origin of the Rastafarian movement.
While the Rastafari movement largely developed in Jamaica, its true spiritual homeland lies in Ethiopia. In the 1930s, a group of Jamaicans embraced the idea that Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I embodied the essence of a messiah from Biblical teachings: a black leader representing an independent African nation.

Before adopting his imperial name, Selassie was known as Tafari Makonnen, a name that signifies “the power of the trinity.” Before ascending to the throne as emperor, he held the position of a regional governor, known as Ras. In 1930, Ras Tafari took on the name Haile Selassie, which later became synonymous with the religion of Rastafarianism. This belief system holds that Jesus was black and that the emperor was his earthly incarnation.

It is also said that “Ras Tafari” translates to “Prince Tafari” in the Amharic language. In Amharic, ‘ras’ is a title akin to chief, and ‘tafari’ was, as noted, the first name of Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Among the followers of the Jamaican Rastafarianism religion movement, Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I is revered as a divine incarnation. Selassie is regarded as “the son of God,” and the resemblance of the colors on the Ethiopian flag to the movement is certainly not a mere coincidence.

Did you know that Ethiopia holds the distinction of being the first country to embrace Islam as a religion?
Ethiopia was the first foreign country to embrace Islam when it was still a mystery in many regions of the globe. Ethiopia embraced its growth and the introduction of Islam in the region since the era of Muhammad (571 to 632).

The land is known to have provided refuge for the Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his followers during times of persecution and danger from pagan Arabians. Today, approximately 35% of Ethiopia’s population embraces Islam.

The inaugural Muslim call to prayer was made by an Ethiopian named Bilal Ibn Rabah, and the Al Nejashi mosque in northern Ethiopia holds the distinction of being the first mosque constructed beyond the borders of Arabia.

Individuals

Did you know? The first Olympic gold medal for Africa was claimed by an Ethiopian athlete.
Ethiopian Abebe Bikila triumphed as the first African to secure an Olympic gold medal during the 1960 Games in Rome. Bikila joined the team at the very last moment, stepping in after another athlete suffered a broken foot. Bikila decided to take on the marathon without shoes, ultimately speeding past the favored Moroccan, Rhadi Ben Abdesselam, by a remarkable 25 seconds.

Newspapers remarked that it required a whole Italian army to subdue Ethiopia, yet just one Ethiopian managed to triumph over Rome. Four years later, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first person to win the Olympic marathon twice, triumphing at the Tokyo Olympics and setting a world record in the process.

Fact number 21 – An Ethiopian athlete has once again amazed the world with a remarkable display of talent, securing a collection of world records and an Olympic gold in the marathon.

Long distance track and road runner Haile Gebrselassie triumphed with two Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2000 in the 10,000 meters, along with four World Championship titles in the same event.

He achieved an incredible feat by winning the Berlin Marathon four times in a row and also triumphed with three consecutive victories at the Dubai Marathon. His running skills blossomed as he journeyed 6 miles (10 km) to school and back each day during his childhood.

Fact number 22 – Ethiopian emperor Menelik II was the first African to take the wheel of a car.
Menelik II served as the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until his passing in 1913. He brought about significant changes and championed various remarkable reforms in Ethiopia, such as constructing bridges and contemporary roads, setting up a postal system, and installing telegraph lines. A railroad was initiated that ultimately connected Addis Ababa to the port of Djibouti, while electricity and modern plumbing were brought to Addis Ababa.

By 1907, motor cars were cruising the roads of Europe, and as he fortified Ethiopia’s diplomatic ties with European powers, Menelik developed a fascination for automobiles. Before long, an eighteen-horsepower vehicle was dispatched to Djibouti and navigated through the rugged mountains and vast desert to reach Addis Ababa for his use.

Fact number 23 – The first African woman to soar through the skies as an airplane pilot hailed from Ethiopia.
Asegedech Assefa, a trailblazing female pilot, became the first African woman to be employed by an airline.

Weizero (MS) Asegedech Assefa hailed from a privileged family in Ethiopia, and by becoming the first female pilot, she shattered numerous barriers in a predominantly male domain.

She expressed her excitement about pursuing a career as a pilot after discovering that the new flight school at Ethiopian Airlines welcomed anyone willing to cover the necessary fees. She swiftly chose to enroll in the course and, as the sole woman in a group of men, tackled the classes and successfully passed the exams.

Fact number 24 – An Ethiopian made history as the first female pilot to take down an enemy fighter jet in combat.
Captain Aster Tolossa, a pioneering female pilot from Ethiopia, has made history by becoming the first woman to shoot down an enemy fighter jet in aerial warfare. This took place in the year 2000, close to Asmara, within the skies of Eritrea.

Fact number 25 – An Ethiopian entrepreneur launched the first African consumer brand to unveil its own standalone retail store in the United States.
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu established soleRebels, a footwear brand that combines recycled car tyres for soles with traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship and contemporary design.

In 2011, she earned recognition as one of the 20 youngest power women in Africa, and by 2014, soleRebels made history as the first African consumer brand to establish its own standalone retail store in California, United States.

Did you know? The Ethiopian Prime Minister was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019!
The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his remarkable achievement in establishing peace with Eritrea, a long-standing adversary, thus bringing an end to a 20-year military deadlock that followed their border conflict from 1998 to 2000.

He received the prestigious 100th Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless endeavors to foster peace and promote international collaboration in Oslo this past December. The prize amounts to approximately nine million Swedish crowns, which is around £730,000 or $900,000.

Fact number 27 – Ethiopia is the origin of the Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”.
Lucy stands out as one of the most renowned figures among Ethiopia’s inhabitants.

This refers to a fossilised skeleton of a female from the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis, unearthed in 1974 by paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History at Hadar, located in the Awash Valley of the Afar Triangle in Ethiopia.

The assembled part of the skeleton is referred to by its Amharic name Dinkinesh, which translates to “you are marvellous” in that language. The skeleton received the name Lucy, inspired by the song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by the Beatles, which echoed through the expedition camp all evening following the excavation team’s first day of work at the recovery site.

The Lucy specimen, dating back approximately 3.2 million years, showcases a small skull reminiscent of non-hominin apes, along with evidence of a bipedal and upright walking gait, similar to that of humans, reinforcing the narrative of human evolution.

Lucy gained international fame, and the tale of her discovery and reconstruction was chronicled by Johanson in his subsequent book.

Heritage

Fact number 28 – Ethiopia boasts a unique calendar and alphabet that stand apart from the Gregorian calendar.
While many cultures have their own calendars that they choose to follow instead of the Western Gregorian one, most still adhere to a 12-month year, but Ethiopia stands apart. The Ethiopian calendar consists of 13 months.

Their 13th month consists of just five days, or six in a leap year, which means their calendar lags behind the Western, or Gregorian calendar, by about 7 to 8 years. Their calendar is shaped by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and as of 2020, they are still experiencing the year 2012, having entered it on 11 September 2019.

Their year kicks off on 11 September of the Gregorian calendar, which is the international calendar embraced by the rest of the world, and on this day, they joyfully celebrate their “New Year.”

While this might puzzle many, they can proudly assert they enjoy “13 months of sunshine.”

Aside from the Arabs, the Ethiopians stand out as the only group in Africa that employs their own unique written alphabet.

Fact number 29 – In Ethiopia, the concept of time unfolds in a unique way compared to the rest of the world.
Ethiopians believe that the clock should begin when the day does, leading them to measure the hours of a day on a unique schedule. For them, the dawn breaks at one o’clock, while dusk arrives at twelve, leading into a night that stretches for twelve hours.

For visitors, it is essential to verify whether a scheduled departure or arrival time is set in Ethiopian or Western time.

Fact number 30 – In certain regions of Ethiopia, lip discs and scars are seen as symbols of beauty.
This practice is observed among certain groups of the Surma and Mursi communities in the lower Omo River valley of Ethiopia, drawing significant interest from tourists.

Approximately 6 to 12 months prior to the wedding, typically between the ages of 15 and 18, a young woman undergoes the ritual of having her lip pierced, performed by her mother or a female relative. The first step involves creating a small incision, measuring 1 to 2 cm, in the lower lip, where a simple wooden peg is then placed into the opening.

After the wound has healed, typically within two to three weeks, the peg is exchanged for a slightly larger one, and at a diameter of approximately 4 cm, the initial lip plate (crafted from clay) is placed in position. Every woman creates her own plate, frequently adorned with elaborate designs.

The final diameter can vary from approximately 8 cm to over 20 cm, with the largest recorded in Ethiopia (in 2014) measuring 59.5 cm in circumference and 19.5 cm wide.

Typically, this type of lower lip plate is paired with the removal of the two lower front teeth, and at times, all four are extracted.

In the lower Omo Valley, scarification marks the valor of brave warriors, while women find the raised texture of scarred skin to be particularly appealing and alluring.

Fact number 31 – Traditional Ethiopians greet one another with the unique “fighters’ salute”.
When Ethiopians greet each other, they shake hands and gently bump their shoulders together, a gesture known as the “fighters’ salute.” This tradition harks back to a time when it was a common greeting among those who battled in the Derg, a warrior group that rose to power after the coup of Haile Selassie.

Fact number 32 – Stick fighting can be a way for an Ethiopian man to seek a partner.
Stick fighting captivates the Surma people of southwest Ethiopia, showcasing their vibrant culture and spirited competition. It challenges individuals’ resilience, agility, and spirit of competition, and can act as a gathering place where champions might encounter future partners. The battle season unfolds over three thrilling months, pitting men from various villages in exhilarating contests against one another. The goal is to take down your opponent while ensuring your own survival in the ring.

Fact number 33 – Jumping a Bull reveals the true spirit of courage in Ethiopia.
The Ukuli Bula, or Jumping of the Bulls, ceremony is a significant rite of passage for the boys of Ethiopia’s Hamer and Banna tribes. A group of bulls, ranging from 15 to 30, stands in a row, and the boys, unadorned, must jump along the backs of these magnificent creatures, moving from one to the next.

If they stumble, the women mock and chastise them; if they prevail, they must pivot and tackle the challenge three additional times.

Fact number 34 – Ethiopians have their own unique celebration reminiscent of Halloween.
Buhe is a vibrant celebration in Ethiopia, akin to Halloween, taking place on 19 August each year. Clusters of boys roam from one home to another on that night, belting out melodies until they are rewarded with generous handfuls of bread to savor. In the cities, they might receive payment upon completing their performances.

Gebeta is an ancient Ethiopian game that invites players into a world of strategic challenges. It involves seeds or pebbles and a board adorned with rows of cups.

Fact number 35 – Owning cattle brings significant social prestige.
Owning cattle holds significant social prestige for Oromo men. Tradition grants a herdsman with over 1,000 head of cattle the privilege of donning a distinctive crown.

Fact number 36 – Ethiopia is a land bursting with lively and colorful celebrations.
The country’s most significant celebration, Timket, unfolds over three exhilarating days, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan. Priests carry the ‘Tabots’ (replicas of the Ark of Covenant) from each church and journey to a nearby water source for a communal baptism. Countless locals adorned in stunning white traditional attire join the priests, who are clad in ceremonial robes and carry shimmering velvet umbrellas.

Culinary delights

Fact number 37 – Ethiopians are among the most slender people on the planet.
Ethiopians typically consume just 1,850 calories each day, positioning the country among the lowest in calorie intake and its people as some of the leanest, with an average daily fat consumption of 21 grams.

Fact number 38 – Ethiopia offers a delightful experience for vegetarians

Ethiopian cuisine stands out as one of the most delicious, nutritious, and varied on the continent – a true paradise for vegetarians, as many Ethiopians adhere to a specific branch of Orthodox Christianity that forbids the consumption of animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A delightful outcome of this is that restaurants often feature a selection of mouthwatering spicy vegan stews on their menu, and they generally understand when someone mentions they don’t consume meat.

Fact number 39 – Ethiopia is a land where coffee thrives.
Coffee’s origins trace back to the goat herder Kaldi in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia, likely giving rise to the word “coffee.”

Today, Ethiopia stands as the 5th largest producer of coffee globally and leads Africa in production. Coffee stands as the leading agricultural export for 12 countries, supporting the livelihoods of over 100 million people who rely on its production. It frequently holds the position of the second most valuable commodity globally, following petroleum.

Ethiopians crafted various ritualistic and ceremonial methods to prepare and enjoy coffee.

Ethiopia is recognized as the birthplace of honey wine, known locally as t’ej, which the global community refers to as mead.

Fact number 40 – Ethiopians have a passion for raw meat.
In Ethiopia, raw meat is celebrated as a delicacy, even as some traditional Christian beliefs discourage the consumption of animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays. Generous servings of raw meat are enjoyed, particularly during weddings, festivals, and various special celebrations.

Wilderness

Fact number 41 – The longest river in the world begins its journey in Ethiopia.
Lake Tana in Ethiopia is the source of the Blue Nile River, which flows into the White Nile River, ultimately creating the Great Nile River, the longest river in the world.

The Great Rift Valley stretches across Ethiopia from the northeast to the southern part of the country, standing out as the only physical feature of Africa that can be seen from space.

Fact number 42 – The most intriguing point on Earth is also in Ethiopia.
Dallol, a lava lake resting 116 meters beneath sea level, stands as the lowest point on Earth, nestled within the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia. It stands out as one of the rare lava lakes globally and is recognized as the hottest location on Earth.

Fact number 43 – Ethiopia truly embodies the essence of being the “Roof of Africa”.
Ethiopia is often referred to as “the Roof of Africa” due to the fact that over 70% of the continent’s mountains are found within its borders.

The country boasts an array of mountain groups across its central and western plateaus, likely stemming from ancient volcanic activity. The Simien Mountains stand out prominently, featuring Ras Dejen (or Dashen) as its highest peak, soaring to an impressive height of 4,533 metres.

Fact number 44 – Ethiopia’s “bleeding heart” holds surprises beyond its appearance.
Ethiopia’s renowned gelada baboon is actually a monkey, representing the last surviving species of ancient grazing primates. The nickname “Bleeding Heart” baboon is derived from the vibrant patch of skin on a female’s chest that turns bright red during her peak fertility.