Country Profile: Ethiopia

Brief Description:

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa. It is 267667 square kilometer. Its language is French . Its population is about 8,4700,000. Both Muslims and Christians live in Ethiopia. The literacy rate is 37.4% Ethiopia gained independence in 1945. Its capital city is Addis Ababa.

Brief History:

Muslims attacked Ethiopia and was defeated in 1543. During the reign of Lyasus , 17^th century .Ethiopia experienced an artistic renaissance and the country saw most beautiful arcleitecture and re-establishment of authority over several provinces in the south .After the death of Lyasus in 1706,the country fractural into separate regions . Emperor Theodore 11in 1855 controlled various parts of the country . He started to modernize and centralize the legal and administrative systems . In 1870 the main external enemy was Egypt . the opening of Sucz canal in 1869 the Red sea cost had become increasingly attractive to the European powers as an object for colonization .

Italy was focusing its desvres on particularly Ethiopia. In 1889 Menelik and the Italians signed the Treaty of wichale. But the Amharic and Italian versions of it differed and the Italians claimed that it was the protectorate of Ethiopia .so by 1895 Ethiopia and Italy were  at war .

In 1955 a revised constitution was issued by Haile Selassie which was a half – hearted attempt to move the country into the 20^th century . Then members of the imperial guard attempted to overthrow Haile Selassie in 1960.After that He increased government efforts toward economic development and social reform. In 1963 Selassie played a leading role in the formation of African Unity. In the following an armed warfare began between Ethiopia and Somali republic for long standing border dispute . In the early 1970s Selassie was still playing a major role in International affairs.

Students , workers and soldiers began a series of strikes .Selassie was deposited by a crop of army and Major Mengistu Haile Marium. The monarchy was abolished and Ethiopia became a republic in 1975.As a result there was a political openers in Ethiopia. That Mengistu intended to consolidate his hold on power was clear 1975.There was criticism against him . Though it was reorganized , the Mengistu government continued to be viewed by many as illegitimate .There were series of droughts in the late 1970s . In the late 1980s Soviet Union became lissatisfied with Ethiopia and Ethiopia lost its support from Soviet Union .In 1994, Ethiopean voters elected representative to a constituent Assembly . Ethric groups got special reghts in 1995with a new constitution .In 1995 Meles was elected as the prime minister of country and reelected in 2000. Some ethnic groups , including segonents of the Oromo and Amharic people, remain displeased with Ethiopian government Ethiopia and Eritrea signed, under the auspices of the UN, a peace agreement and established a commission to demarcate the border between the countries.
Ethiopia at a glance:

Population:

The total population is about 84550000.

Currency :

The name of Ethiopian Currency is Birr ( EBT).

Official Languages:

Amharic.

Capital City: Addis Ababa

Largest City: Addis  Ababa

Demonym : Ethiopian

Anthem: " Wodefit Gesgshi, widd innat Ityoppya"

Government : Federal Parliamentary  republic

Calling Code : +251

Time Zone:
                EAT ( UTC+3)