Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country in East Africa with a rich history that dates back thousands of years, often regarded as one of the cradles of human civilization. Known for its unique cultural heritage, Ethiopia is home to diverse ethnic groups and languages, with Amharic as its official language. It is the only African country that successfully resisted European colonization, maintaining its sovereignty during the Scramble for Africa. Ethiopia’s geography is equally diverse, with the dramatic Simien Mountains, the Great Rift Valley, and the hot, arid Danakil Depression. Its capital, Addis Ababa, is a major political hub, hosting the headquarters of the African Union.

  • Ethiopia is one of only two African countries never colonized by Europeans, successfully defending its independence against Italy in the Battle of Adwa in 1896.

  • It is considered the birthplace of coffee, with the legend of its discovery tracing back to an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi in the 9th century.

  • Ethiopia uses its own Ethiopian calendar, which is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning the country celebrated the millennium in 2007.

Anthem