Country Name: Ethiopia
Country Flag:
Historical background
Kingdoms and Empires: The rise of the Kingdom of Aksum, which lasted from the first to the seventh century AD, is one of the most significant moments in Ethiopian history. Known for its highly developed civilization, Aksum was a significant trading centre and a strong empire that ruled over a substantial portion of the Red Sea region. Rugged ruins and soaring obelisks are among the striking artefacts that the Aksumites left behind; both are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Christianity and Islamic Influences: Ethiopia is home to one of the oldest Christian nations in the world, having established its Christian heritage as early as the fourth century AD. Many of the old Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s monasteries and churches still survive today, and the church was essential in forming the nation’s religious and cultural identity. Early mediaeval Ethiopia saw the growth of Islam in addition to Christianity, which added to the religious variety of the nation.
European Contact and Colonialism: As European colonial powers sought to extend their empires throughout Africa in the 19th century, Ethiopia came under growing pressure. Ethiopia, however, managed to repel colonisation and preserve its independence, making it one of the few nations in Africa never to have experienced colonisation. Ethiopian forces beat the Italian army in the Battle of Adwa in 1896, and the victory is remembered as a symbol of African resistance to colonialism.
Modern Era and Recent History: Ethiopia saw tremendous political and social transformation in the 20th century, culminating in the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 and the installation of a socialist government. A period of civil conflict and instability throughout the nation resulted in the establishment of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1991. Ethiopia has since set out on a course of political and economic transformation in an effort to create a society that is both affluent and inclusive.
Addis Ababa
East Africa Time (UCT+3)
Position in the world: 27th
Area: 1.104 million square kilometres (426,372 square miles)
Arable Land: 14.46%
Addis Ababa: The capital city, located in the middle highlands, has a moderate climate with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It experiences a distinct rainy season from June to September, peaking in July and August.
Dire Dawa: This city is generally hot, especially from March to May, with daytime highs exceeding 30°C (86°F), sometimes reaching the mid- to upper-30s (90s to 100s°F). Winters (October to February) are milder, averaging about 25°C (77°F).
Tigray Region: The climate varies from semi-arid to cool highland. Lowland areas, like the Danakil Depression, often see temperatures above 40°C (104°F), while highland cities like Mekele enjoy milder days and cooler nights.
Amhara Region: Characterised by diverse climates, the highlands (e.g., Simien Mountains) benefit from heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures, making them suitable for agriculture. Lower areas, such as Bahir Dar, have a warmer, tropical climate.
Oromia Region: This region’s climate is influenced by geography and altitude. Western areas like Jimma and Nekemte have a pleasant climate with high rainfall, ideal for coffee cultivation, while eastern regions, including Bale Mountains National Park, are colder.
SNNPR (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region): Known for diverse climates, the Omo Valley experiences hot and humid conditions, while highland areas like Hawassa enjoy substantial rainfall and moderate temperatures, supporting agriculture.
Afar Region: Characterised by extremely high temperatures, particularly in summer, often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Winters see highs between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F).
Benishangul-Gumuz: This region experiences warm to hot weather year-round, with summer highs at least 30°C (86°F) and milder winters averaging 25°C (77°F). Temperature varies due to altitude and proximity to water.
Gambella Region: Typical of tropical climates, it has hot temperatures year-round, with daytime highs averaging between 30°C and 35°C (86°F and 95°F). Nights remain warm despite slight drops in temperature.
Somali Region: Enduring high temperatures, often surpassing 40°C (104°F) in summer, and mild winters with highs between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F). It is among the driest regions in Ethiopia with minimal annual precipitation.
Sidama Region: Enjoys pleasant to warm weather, with summer highs of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F) and winter highs between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Nights can be significantly cooler, especially at higher altitudes
Ethiopia is divided into several regions and city administrations, which serve as its primary administrative divisions. As of now, Ethiopia has the following provinces (regions):
Flooding Fury: Heavy seasonal rains, especially during the June to September rainy season, can lead to significant flooding in low-lying areas, affecting communities and infrastructure.
Drought’s Grip: Many regions, particularly in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the country, are prone to recurrent droughts. This poses serious challenges for agriculture and water supply, impacting food security.
Landslide Peril: The mountainous terrains, particularly in the highland regions, are vulnerable to landslides, especially during intense rainfall, which can cause property damage and loss of life.
Desertification Threat: Regions like the Afar and Somali face ongoing desertification due to overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change, further exacerbating water scarcity and agricultural challenges.
Earthquake Risk: Ethiopia is situated in the East African Rift Valley, making it susceptible to earthquakes. While major earthquakes are infrequent, the potential for seismic activity poses a risk to communities in affected areas.
Ethiopia is a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa and does not have any maritime claims, as it lacks direct access to the sea. However, Ethiopia relies on neighbouring countries for access to maritime trade routes.
Power Structure: Ethiopia operates as a federal parliamentary republic, where power is divided between the central government and regional states. The Prime Minister serves as both head of government and head of state, wielding considerable authority. The Prime Minister is appointed by the ruling party and is responsible for the executive branch, while the President has a largely ceremonial role.
Ethnic Federalism: Ethiopia’s political system is characterised by ethnic federalism, where regions are primarily organised along ethnic lines. This structure aims to grant various ethnic groups autonomy and self-governance. However, it has also led to tensions and conflicts among different ethnic groups vying for power and resources.
Multi-Party Dynamics: Ethiopia features a multi-party political system, although the ruling party, the Prosperity Party, dominates the political landscape. The political environment has been marked by restrictions on opposition parties, leading to limited political pluralism. Despite this, various parties exist, representing a range of ethnic and ideological interests.
Reform Movements: In recent years, there have been efforts for political reforms aimed at enhancing democracy and addressing grievances from various ethnic groups. The government has made moves to open up the political space, but the effectiveness and sustainability of these reforms remain a topic of debate amid ongoing tensions
Strategic Location: Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia shares borders with Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. This location makes it a critical player in regional politics and trade, serving as a land bridge between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Regional Influence: Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world and has a significant military presence in the region. It plays a vital role in regional stability and security, often leading peacekeeping missions and mediating conflicts in neighbouring countries.
Ethnic Diversity: Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic makeup has both enriched its culture and posed challenges for national unity. The federal system grants autonomy to various ethnic groups, but tensions among them can lead to internal conflicts and affect Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations.
Water Resources and Disputes: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), built on the Blue Nile, has sparked tensions with downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan. Ethiopia views the dam as crucial for its development, while Egypt fears it will diminish its water supply from the Nile.
Relations with Neighboring Countries: Ethiopia’s relationships with its neighbours are complex. While it maintains strong ties with Djibouti for access to ports, its relationship with Eritrea has been historically fraught due to a long-standing conflict that only recently normalised. Relations with Somalia are also significant, particularly in the context of combating terrorism from groups like Al-Shabaab.
United States: The U.S. has been a significant partner for Ethiopia, particularly in areas like security, development aid, and counterterrorism. Ethiopia has been a key ally in U.S. efforts to combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa, especially against groups like Al-Shabaab.
China: China has become one of Ethiopia’s most important economic partners, investing heavily in infrastructure projects, including railways, roads, and industrial parks. Ethiopia is a key participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
European Union: The EU has been a critical ally in providing development assistance and supporting democratic governance and human rights initiatives in Ethiopia. The EU also collaborates with Ethiopia on regional security and migration issues.
African Union: As the host country for the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia plays a central role in continental politics. The AU often supports Ethiopia’s peacekeeping efforts and diplomatic initiatives in the region.
United Nations: Ethiopia is an active member of the United Nations and collaborates with various UN agencies on development, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping efforts. It has contributed troops to UN peacekeeping missions in different regions.
Turkey: Turkey has strengthened its ties with Ethiopia in recent years, focusing on trade, investment, and military cooperation. Turkey has been involved in various infrastructure projects in Ethiopia and has expressed support for its development goals.
India: India and Ethiopia share a long-standing relationship, with India investing in various sectors in Ethiopia, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. The two countries also collaborate on regional security issues.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE has shown interest in Ethiopia, particularly in areas like trade, investment, and agriculture. The two countries have engaged in economic cooperation and have discussed initiatives to enhance trade relations.
Federal Republic/Democracy
President
Sahle – Work Zewde
(25 October 2018 – current)
Prosperity Party (PP) – Center-left
Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – Left-wing
Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – Regionalist
Prime Minister:
Abiy Ahmed
(2 April 2018 – current)
Topic 3 political parties and their ideology influence
Prosperity Party (PP) – Center-left
Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – Left-wing
Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – Regionalist
Election: Every 6 years
Upcoming elections: 2025
Regional Stability and Security: Ethiopia prioritises maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa, where it has historically been involved in peacekeeping missions and mediation efforts. The country seeks to play a leading role in addressing regional conflicts, such as those in South Sudan and Somalia, often contributing troops to African Union peacekeeping operations.
Ethnic Federalism and Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic composition influences its foreign relations, as it seeks to maintain good ties with neighbouring countries that have significant ethnic populations within Ethiopia. This diplomatic approach aims to manage ethnic tensions while promoting regional cooperation.
Economic Development and Partnerships: The Ethiopian government emphasises economic growth and development through international partnerships. It has actively sought foreign investments, particularly from countries like China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on infrastructure development and industrialization
Water Resource Management: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile is central to Ethiopia’s foreign policy. While Ethiopia views the dam as crucial for its economic development, it has led to tensions with downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan. Ethiopia has advocated for its right to utilise the Nile’s resources while engaging in negotiations to address concerns from its neighbours.
Multilateral Engagement: Ethiopia actively participates in regional and international organisations, including the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Its role as the host of the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa enhances its diplomatic influence on the continent.
Strategic Alliances: Ethiopia maintains strategic relationships with various countries, balancing its ties with Western powers, such as the United States and the EU, alongside growing partnerships with countries like China and Turkey. These alliances are crucial for economic support, military cooperation, and technology transfer.
Size in world: 64th
GDP: $130 billion
GDP per capita: $1,156
Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ብር)
Dominant Economic Sector: Agriculture
Market Type: Mixed
Social Landscape
Population: 133,185,864 million
Position: Class distribution
Upper: 5%
Middle: 25%
Lower: 70%
Gini Coefficient
33 (where 0 = perfect inequality and 100 = perfect equality)
Language
Official Language: Amharic
Other Languages Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali, Afar, Sidamo,Hadiyya, Gurage, Wolaytta, English
Religion
Dominant religion: Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
Other religion: Islam, Protestant Christianity, Traditional Beliefs