Ethiopia
Ethiopia Profile:
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Early History:
Hominid bones discovered in eastern Ethiopia dating back 4.4 million years make Ethiopia one of the earliest known locations of human ancestors. Greek historian, Herodotus - fifth century B.C. - describes ancient Ethiopia in his writings. The Bible’s Old Testament records Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem. Legend has it, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, founded the Ethiopian Empire. This ancient Ethiopian monarchy is the oldest independent country in Africa - maintaining its freedom from colonial rule with the exception of the 1936-41 Italian occupation during World War II - and one of the oldest in the world. Brief History of Religions in Ethiopia: Egyptian and Syrian missionaries introduced Christianity in the fourth century A.D., and after the rise of Islam in the seventh century, Ethiopia gradually cut itself off from European Christendom. In 1493, the Portuguese established contact with Ethiopia, strengthening their influence over the Indian Ocean while promoting conversion to Roman Catholicism. Century-old conflicts between pro- and anti-Catholic factions ensued; all foreign missionaries were expelled in the 1630s. Bitter religious conflict and hostility toward foreign Christians and Europeans persisted into the 20th century contributing to Ethiopia's isolation until the mid-19th century. Recent History: Though largely free from the coups that plagued other African countries, Ethiopia's turmoil has been no less devastating. Drought, famine, war and ill-conceived policies brought millions to the brink of starvation in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1974 this helped topple Haile Selassie, giving way to self-proclaimed Marxist Mengistu Haile Mariam who led the Derg (military committee) and junta, purging and killing thousands of opponents, confiscating property, defense spending spiraling, all further exacerbating droughts, famine and insurrections during Ethiopia’s Civil War. The overthrow of the junta by the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1991 saw political and economic conditions in Ethiopia begin to stabilize. The Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) assumed control of Eritrea, establishing a provisional |
government and gaining independence in 1993 following a referendum. Yet, poor border demarcation developed into military conflict and full-scale war between the two countries in the late 1990's. A fragile truce has held since then, but ongoing border disputes threaten peace. Even so, Ethiopia is regarded as one of Africa's most stable countries.
With a multi-party democracy formed, and adoption of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, elections for Ethiopia's first popularly chosen national parliament and regional legislatures were held in 1995, closely followed by the installation of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Secessionist groups maintain a low-level armed struggle while Ethiopia continues its advancement for democracy. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi won a fourth term in May 2010 but died on 20 August 2012 in Brussels, where he was being treated for an unspecified illness. Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was appointed as a new prime minister and remained in that position until he abruptly resigned on February 15, 2018. On April 2, 2018 Abiy Ahmed Ali became the 15th Prime Minister.
With a multi-party democracy formed, and adoption of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, elections for Ethiopia's first popularly chosen national parliament and regional legislatures were held in 1995, closely followed by the installation of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Secessionist groups maintain a low-level armed struggle while Ethiopia continues its advancement for democracy. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi won a fourth term in May 2010 but died on 20 August 2012 in Brussels, where he was being treated for an unspecified illness. Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was appointed as a new prime minister and remained in that position until he abruptly resigned on February 15, 2018. On April 2, 2018 Abiy Ahmed Ali became the 15th Prime Minister.
Along the Baro River in SW Ethiopia
Economy:
One of fastest growing non-oil economies in Africa, Ethiopia relies heavily on agriculture, which is often affected by drought. The country is one of Africa's leading coffee producers with potential of becoming a leading exporter to the world. Still, many Ethiopians depend on food aid from abroad. As the second-most populous country in Africa with close to 90 million people, Ethiopia is also one of the poorest countries - fifteenth - in the world. At US $410, its real per capita annual income is markedly lower than the Sub-Saharan African average.
Languages:
A highly diverse population, the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigreans make up more than three-
fourths of Ethiopia’s population, which includes over 77 different ethnic groups each with their own distinct languages. English is the most widely spoken foreign language, and it is taught in all secondary schools. Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and was the language of primary school instruction but has been replaced in many areas by local languages.
One of fastest growing non-oil economies in Africa, Ethiopia relies heavily on agriculture, which is often affected by drought. The country is one of Africa's leading coffee producers with potential of becoming a leading exporter to the world. Still, many Ethiopians depend on food aid from abroad. As the second-most populous country in Africa with close to 90 million people, Ethiopia is also one of the poorest countries - fifteenth - in the world. At US $410, its real per capita annual income is markedly lower than the Sub-Saharan African average.
Languages:
A highly diverse population, the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigreans make up more than three-
fourths of Ethiopia’s population, which includes over 77 different ethnic groups each with their own distinct languages. English is the most widely spoken foreign language, and it is taught in all secondary schools. Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and was the language of primary school instruction but has been replaced in many areas by local languages.
SOURCE: BBC, UNITED NATIONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE WORLD BANK (2008-10), REUTERS