Ethiopia voted sixth in Frommer’s Top Travel Destinations for 2007
Frommer’s, best known for their travel guides, have been a source of travel expertise for 50 years. After surveying their authors and travel experts, Ethiopia emerged as one of the top places not to be missed in 2007.
Frommer’s said of Ethiopia: “Improved infrastructure has made traveling there increasingly popular, especially among independent-minded travelers and those seeking adventure.”
Ethiopia is the cradle of an ancient civilization that adopted Christianity in the 4th century. Located in northeast Africa it has a population of over 70 million and covers an area of almost 429 square miles.
Ethiopia is mountainous with desert lowlands to the northeast and southeast and has been landlocked since Eritrea, bordering the Red Sea, gained its independence in 1993.
Government
Ethiopia is an independent Federal Democratic Republic with a President as head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The constitution was established in 1994, following the over-throw of the Mengistu military dictatorship in 1991.
A federation comprising nine-states with considerable autonomy were established and the first multiparty elections were held in 1995. The distinct regional states are – Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nations (SNNPS), Gambella and Harari.
Addis Ababa
The capital, whose name means “New Flower”, was settled in 1886 and given its name by Empress Taytu, consort of Menelik II. The population of Addis Ababa is approximately 4 million.
Addis Ababa is situated at over 2,500 metres above sea level and adjusting to the altitude can take some visitors a little time, so don’t be surprised if you find things tiring.
Depending on your level of fitness you might also experience a shortness of breath, headaches and possibly nausea until you are acclimatized.
At high altitude your breathing may become more rapid and shallow causing increased dehydration, so you should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
Cities and Towns
The second largest city in Ethiopia is Dire Dawa, with an estimated population of 330,000. Gondar is the third largest town, with a population of some 150,000 people.
Ethiopian Facts
Land Mass: 1,119,683 sq km
Covered by Water: 7,444 sq km
Lowest point: Denakil Depression -125 m
Highest point: Ras Dejen 4,620 m
Location
Crossed by deep breathtaking gorges, crowned by magnificent mountains, studded with beautiful lakes and majestic rivers, surrounded by sweltering deserts, Ethiopia is a land of indescribable beauty.
From the northern vastness of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile River to Axum, seat of the Queen of Sheba’s empire, it spans the scorching Danakil Depression. It then sours high amid the spectacle of the Bale and Simien Mountains to the unspoilt, natural wildernesses of the game-rich remoteness of the southern grasslands.
