ABOUT ETHIOPIA

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) is located in the north-eastern part of Africa commonly known as the Horn of Africa. Neighbouring countries include Djibouti and Somalia in the east, Kenya in the south, Sudan in the west and south-west and Eritrea in the north and north-east. The country covers 1,112,000 square kilometres (472,000 sq. miles) making it roughly five times the size of the UK.

The word' Ethiopia' which is derived from the Greek word, meaning the land of the people of sun burnt face, it is found Northeast horn of Africa as a land locked country. However, the Book of Aksum , a Ge'ez chronicle compiled in the 15th century, states that the name is derived from "' Ityopp'is " — a son (unmentioned in the Bible) of Cush, son of Ham who according to legend founded the city of Axum. A third etymology, suggested by the late Ethiopian scholar and poet laureate Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin , traces the name to the "old black Egyptian [sic]" words Et (Truth or Peace) Op (high or upper) and Bia (land, country), or "land of higher peace". Located in the horn of Africa west of Somalia 8 00 N, 38 00 E, with a population about 78 million. Elevation and geographic location produce three climatic zones: the cool zone above 2,400 meters (7,900 ft) where temperatures range from near freezing to 16 °C (32 °–61 °F); the temperate zone at elevations of 1,500 to 2,400 meters (4,900–7,900 ft) with temperatures from 16 to 30 °C (61–86 ° F ); and the hot zone below 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) with both tropical and arid conditions and daytime temperatures ranging from 27 to 50 °C (81–122 °F).

Many people visit Ethiopia or hope to do so one day because of the remarkable manner in which ancient historical traditions have been preserved. And, indeed, the ceremonies and rituals of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, open a window on the authentic world of the Old Testament. In no other country, it is possible to find yourself so dramatically transported back in time or to participate with such freedom in the sacred rituals of an archaic faith.