Ethiopia
is the only country on the world with the longest archaeological records and findings.
The 4.4 millions years old hominid remain bones named as Australopithecus ramidus
were found in 1994 in Ethiopia’s Afar region and the 3.4 million years of
LUCY (Australopithecus afarensis) or DINKNESH (where the Ethiopians have called
which simply means wonderful) were found in 1974 in Ethiopia’s Afar region
too. These findings made Ethiopia to be the original place of mankind.
Ethiopia is the first country after Armenia, to adopt Christianity
in the 4th century A.D. It is the only country in Africa not colonized and that
retains its own language and script, calendar and clock and its own food and drink.
Ethiopia is a land of natural contrasts, from the peaks of Mount Ras Dashen
(at 4543 meters the highest peak in Ethiopia, and the 4th highest from Africa)
to the depths of the Danakil Depression (at 116 meters below sea level, one of
the lowest dry land points on earth). The cornucopia of natural beauty that blesses
Ethiopia offers an astonishing variety of landscapes. The land features fall into
three main categories, the highlands, the lowlands and the rift valley. The highlands
that accounts for 40% of the country are with moderate climate, the lowlands are
hot and dry while the rift valley is with moderate to hot temperature.
These land features provide enormous natural beauty. The Tiss Issat Falls, situated near the beautiful town of Bahar Dar, are spectacular and no visitor should fail to view the magnificent mountain scenery of the Simien Mountains. The National Parks offer opportunities for travel adventure unparallel in Africa. The rift valley region with the associated natural hot springs and Lakes are the nation's various attractions for tours, safaris, water sport and birding.
Adding
further variety to the landscapes are the Ethiopian major rivers, including the
Blue Nile, Tekeze, Awash, Omo, Angereb, Baro and Lakes. Hence people name Ethiopia
the “water tower” of eastern Africa.
Ethiopia is with wide
range of ecosystem. Providing different habitat for a variety of plant and animal
species and helped to be a place of endemism. About 28 are endemic form 242 mammal
species in the country. Form 850 bird species 16 are endemic.
The people
of Ethiopia are a unique blend of Arab and African; they are very friendly and
possess enormous dignity. Spending time with them is one of the great delights
of traveling in Ethiopia. Their dress and jewelry is colorful and sophisticated.
Ethiopia, like many other African countries is a multi ethnic state. The people
have many diverse and colorful ethnic backgrounds but are united in their friend
ness and pride. It is a country where recently many changes have taken place,
but were many ancient customs and tradition remaining intact. The differences
may be observed in the number of languages spoken. An astonishing 83, different
ethnic groups and languages (falling in to four main language groups:
Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic and Nilo Saharan) are encountered. The official language
is Amharic but English, French and Arabic are spoken by a variety of people.
Ethiopia
has a population of about 70 million; some 35 percent of the population is Muslim.
Nearly half of the population is Christian, belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church, whose 4th Century beginnings came long before Europe accepted Christianity.
A further small percentage of the population adheres to traditional and other
beliefs, including Judaism.
Religion is a constant and central feature
of Ethiopians society. The traditions and festivals that take place thought out
the country are deeply rooted and all are the more poignant.
Ethiopia also
has rich tradition of secular and religions music, singing and dancing, and these
together constitute an important part of Ethiopian natural life.
Ethiopia
is the continents best kept secret. The diverse and fascinating attractions make
Ethiopia a truly land of discovery brilliant, mysterious and extraordinary. Above
all things it is a country of great antiquity, with colorful culture and unique
traditions.