On the roof of Africa, where the Blue Nile has its source, lies an ancient country once ruled by the powerful kingdom of Aksum, whose conversion to Christianity in the 4th century BC created one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa (Eastern Africa), with the Great Rift Valley at its centre with stunning scenery and one of the oldest sites of human existence in the world.

Ethiopia boasts more UNSECO world heritage sites than any other African nation, many of them dotted across the dramatic northern highlands, including the remarkable rock hewn churches of Lalibela, a sight as impressive as the monolithic obelisks, tombs and palaces of royal Aksum.As a country, Ethiopia offers travellers an unparalleled historical and religious legacy like no other country in Africa. Travel the Historic North of the country with its famed Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela and religious sites of Axum including the St. Mary of Zion Church that hosts the “Ark of the Covenant”. The north-west in addition also offers up the scenic Ethiopian Highlands and the Simien Mountains. The cultural south of the country is where one comes across many of the famous tribes of Ethiopia including the Mursi, Hamer, Tsemai, Ari, Karo, Dassenech people.Highlights in this region include the Omo Valley, Great Rift Valley and Lakes, Bale Mountains. The south also has some of the finest birding in Africa for those interested in our feathered friends. For those that seek the extremes in life, there is the “Danakil Depression” in the far North-East. This is one of lowest place in our planet and is home to Dallol Depression that holds the record for the highest average annual temperature ever recorded a whopping 34.6 degrees Celsius. The “Danakil Depression” is also home to just over 40% of Africa’s volcanoes and this, of course, is the place where one can find those amazing sulphurous springs with their colorful crystalline formations. Ethiopia is ‘3 in One Destination’, a country where you will get Historical, Cultural and Natural Attractions in one place including several events and colorful ceremonies. They call it the “Land of Origins”.Ethiopia is an intriguing country where every answer leads to more questions.It is an ancient land of endless stories that will pique your curiosity.Legends merge with facts, sights defy belief and at times blind faith trumps scientific proof.Hand on heart, this country, her people, history and scenery will take your breath away.

HISTORY
Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa which boasts one of the oldest and most colorful histories of any African kingdom. In Prehistory, it was the home of the earliest hominids on this earth. Thanks to the discovery of the hominid fossil Lucy, Ethiopia is much touted as the cradle of humanity. Its traditional history stretches back to the time of King Solomon. With the majority of its political history being monarchical, it has existed for over 2,000 years, dating back to the first century B.C. during its rule under the Aksumite Kingdom. Few know much of this mighty Aksumite Empire that grew up in the north of the country after the birth of Christ and which was a major trading centre for some seven hundred years.

Neither has many people heard of the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches that were constructed during the Middle Ages in Lalibela high on the Ethiopian plateau. Ethiopia can lay claim to be the only country in Africa to have never been fully colonized, despite the best efforts of the Italians, who suffered a series of devastating defeats at the hands of the Ethiopians in the late 19th-century and made a successful (but short-lived) occupation between 1936 and 1941. It was the Emperor Tewodros who was to make real progress with his vision of a united Ethiopia in the 19th century until his unfortunate demise following the arrival of British troops under Robert Napier in 1868.Ethiopia’s history in the 20th century is really fascinating, with great leaders such as Emperor Menelik and Haile Selassie.

GEOGRAPHY
Ethiopia is situated in northeast Africa, in the area known as ‘The Horn of Africa’. It is bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, the self-proclaimed separatist territory of Somaliland, and Djibouti. Encompassing an area of 1,104,300 sq km (426,372 sq miles), it is roughly twice the size of France and is completely landlocked.The central area is a vast highland region of volcanic rock forming a watered, temperate zone surrounded by hot, arid, inhospitable desert.

The Great Rift Valley (which starts in Palestine, runs down the Red Sea and diagonally southwest through Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi) slices through the central mountain ranges. The escarpments on either side of the country are steepest in the north where the terrain is very rugged.Within the country there is a huge diversity in altitude. The highest point is at Ras Dashen in the Simien Mountains, which at 4,550m (14,930 ft) is Africa’s 10th tallest mountain. The lowest point is inside the Danakil Depression which reaches 125m (410ft) below sea level. To the south, the landscape is generally flatter and much of the east and southeast is taken over by semi-arid scrubland. The lowlands are still noted for their verdant evergreen forests. Ethiopia is home to four major river systems, the most important being the Blue Nile which begins at Lake Tana.

CULTURE
Ethiopia is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country. There are more than 80 ethnic tribes in this country. Religion is a major influence in Ethiopian life. Nearly half the population belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church but there is a also large Muslim population. Others adhere to an ancient form of Judaism.The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is proud of its origins. The country embraced Christianity in the 4th century, long before Europe. The feast of the Epiphany (“Timkat”) is the largest festival of the year. The Orthodox Church dominates the political, cultural, and social life of the population.

It was the official religion of the imperial court and of the establishment until Haile Selassie was deposed in 1974.Muslims are important in the business community. They tend to live in the eastern, southern, and western lowlands, although there are considerable numbers in Addis Ababa.The extended family remains the focus of the social system. It includes relatives on both sides of the family as well as close friends. Quite often the husband’s parents will live with the nuclear family when they get older and can no longer care for themselves. When people marry, they join their families, thus ensuring that there will always be a group to turn to in times of need. Individuals achieve recognition or social standing through their extended family. A family’s honor is influenced by the actions of its members. Family needs are put before all other obligations, including business.