ETHIOPIA People & Culture
Climate & Topography  Ethiopian climate varies according to the different geographical regions. The central plateau has a moderate climate with minimum seasonal temperature variation. Temperature variations in the lowlands are much greater, and the heat in the desert and Red Sea Coastal areas is extreme. Heavy rainfall occurs in most of the country from June to September. It also experiences a second, though much milder, rainy season between December and February. Average annual rainfall in the Ogaden, is however less than 4 inches. The western most regions of Ethiopia receives an annual rainfall of nearly 80 inches.Topographically, the landscape of Ethiopia is subject to volcanically formed Ethiopian Highlands. The central flat-terrain is an average of 2,000m which includes more than 16 climaxes of 4,000m. The massive mountains on the highlands are the Simiens that comprise Ras Dashen, the fourth highest peak in Africa. Nature and Wildlife Sites Capital of Ethiopia – Addis Ababa Addis Ababa is a safe city. But take the same precautions as you would anywhere else in the world. Be extra careful if you are entering a crowded minibus or bus. In case something does happen, contact your embassy for further action. It is an offence to overstay your visa in Ethiopia. You can always extend your stay legally. It can be obtained in most countries where there is consular representation. A passport valid for six months, two pictures, a completed form as well an aprox. 70 USD are required. A visa is also available upon arrival for foreign nationals coming from countries that your stay legally. Yellow Fever immunization is recommended and proof is sometimes requested upon arrival in Ethiopia. If you are travelling out of Addis, especially to the South, take precautions against malaria. Addis has some basic health care service and Hospitals. In need of medical attention, be prepared to pay fully in Birr for treatment. Visit www.whatsupaddis.com for more comprehensive listing Clinics, Hospitals, and Pharmacy. Enjoy the New Flower Communication and travel within Addis Telephone: If you just need to make a quick phone call, most of the ‘souks’ (small shops) on any street will let you use their telephone. Expect to pay 50 cents (per 3 minutes, for land lines) to 1.50 Birr (per minute for mobile). Alternatively, payphones are located on major streets (look for blue boxes). You can use either coins or cards (available at Ethiopian Telecommunication offices). Satellite phones are also available. SIM cards are not readily available. Ask a shop in the area you are staying if they know of any available. Expect to pay a minimum of 50 Birr for one month’s rent. Postal services: The main Post Office is located on Churchill Road if you need to use courier service. DHL: Have offices in the city. Blue and Yellow Taxi: On a contract basis. Bargain you rate before getting in. Expect to pay from 15 Birr to 50 Birr depending on distance and time of day. Minibuses: Fixed rates and routes. Expect to pay from 70 cents to 2:00 Birr depending on distance. Ethiopia is three hours ahead of GMT. |
With population of around 74 million, Ethiopia is the third highest people concentration in Africa, next to Nigeria and Egypt. Ethiopians are one of the few people on the earth that have rather distinct cultural, historical and linguistic identity. There are 80 languages and about 200 dialects. Amharic is the widely spoken language so is also the working language of the country. The main religions are Christianity and Islam.
'A land of natural contrasts', as many deem, Ethiopia encompass the highest points of the Simien Mountains to the lowest solid ground points of Danakil Desert. And evenly, the variety of endemic wildlife is one of the many aspects the country enjoys. From mammals Gelada, Mountain Nyala and Waliya Ibex, which count without say, to the birds where more than 20 species are believed to be confined in Ethiopia such to mention are, Ankober serin and Abyssinian catbird. 