Hot Ethiopia (in the recent past, Abyssinia) is the last country where ancient Christianity was preserved. Mysterious and completely unlike other African countries. Another nature, other people, another religion. And even slavery was not there.
Where is Ethiopia, on what continent. Statehood
Ethiopia is located in East Africa. Despite such placement, the territory has no access to the sea. It borders Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. This is the most mountainous country in Africa. Its significant area is occupied by the Ethiopian Highlands. But plains and slopes are also present on its territory.
As for statehood, this country is a federal democratic republic led by the president. The most common religion is Christianity.
Ethiopia: history, language, seas
They speak Amharic in Ethiopia. You can also hear Arabic, Somali and English speech here. The national currency is birr. The capital of Ethiopia is the picturesque city of Addis Ababa, the symbol of the city is the image of a lion.
The capital has many monuments to this majestic beast, as well as images of a lion can be found on the local currency and various emblems.
The country is landlocked. Until 1993, she had access to the Red Sea. But after the separation 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 whole world. There is no industry, people plow on oxen, as 2000 years ago, in villages there is no light and water.
Climate of ethiopia
The climate of Ethiopia is formed by two factors: 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 ° .
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.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna of Ethiopia is diverse. On its territory there are plants and animals that are characteristic of desert regions and tropical forests. Giraffes, hippos, lions, elephants live here.
Rhinos, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and various types of primates are found in large numbers. Many of these animals were subjected to total extermination, but at the moment, state policy is aimed at combating crimes against the animal world.
Landmarks of the country
Ethiopia is a picturesque, colorful country with a deep history. The most magnificent sights of this African land are Lake Tana, Rock Churches in Lalibela and Dallol Volcano.
In the town of Lalibela, in the north of Ethiopia, there are 11 rock-cut structures. This is a temple complex of the XII-XIII centuries, decorated with columns. The design of the churches is solid, 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, therefore foreign influence is minimized. Infrastructure and tourism are poorly developed here. The territory where Ethiopia is located does not use the Gregorian calendar, but the Coptic calendar. The time difference between the two time 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 adopted by travel companies, having come up with the slogan "Ethiopia - Rest 13 sunny 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 how to use the dial clock.
To tourists
The most convenient currency for traveling to Ethiopia is the dollar. They can easily pay 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 don’t have to hope for a visa-free regime; to cross the border you will need a preliminary visa.
Unfortunately, street crime is rampant in Ethiopia. Sometimes whole gangs work. It’s not safe to independently examine the surroundings of cities and travel without a guide.
Tourists are not advised to conduct discussions with local residents about their religion and lifestyle. The population that lives where Ethiopia is located takes critical comments very aggressively.
Food should be treated with caution, and drink water only from sealed bottles; you should not even brush your teeth with tap water.