ETHIOPIA
As one of Africa’s most fascinating countries‚ Ethiopia offers a unique culture‚ a long history and astounding sceneries‚ rock hewn churches and ancient obelisks. Ethiopians are proud of their culture and civilization‚ which predate those of Europe.
HISTORICAL ETHIOPIA.
Ethiopia‚ the oldest independent nation in Africa‚ has a heritage dating back to the fist century AD. The world’s earliest known hominid ‘lucy’ ‘Dinkenesh’ lived more than three million years and her bones now lie at rest in the Ethiopian National Museum. The country’s rich tapestry of history is woven with fascinating facts and legends. The often-told tale of king Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; the journey of the Ark of the covenant‚ which is now said to rest in Axum; the growth of the ancient Axumite Kingdom and the birth of Christianity; the later rise of Islam; the story of king Lalibela who is reputed to have founded eleven rock hewn churches‚ still in existence to this day and considered among the wonders of the world; the fabled castles of Gondar. This ancient history blends with the modern to make Ethiopia the unique country it is.
NATURAL ETHIOPIA
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes‚ because it is a land unique and remarkable‚ the rift valley‚ a rare collection of birdlife‚ great escarpements and stunning vistas. There are 14 major wildlife reserves. The Blue Nile falls (Tis Islat Falls)‚ ranks as one of the greatest natural spectacles in Africa‚ today. Its misty deluge produces rainbows shimmering across the gorge. The river Nile stretches over‚ 800km in length within Ethiopia and it is the longest river in Africa. From its source; Lake Tana‚ it flows to meet the white Nile in Khartoum‚ to form the great river that gives life to Egypt and the Sudan.
WILD ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia has one of the most capturing natural environments in the whole of Africa. Little wonder‚ it is the epitome of the entire sub-Saharan ecosystem. From the high peaks of the siemen mountains to the deserts of arid lowlands. The country supports an amazing wealth of flora and fauna. Lions‚ giraffes‚ Zebras and many other rare indigenous animals roam the wilds. The rare walia ibex and the shy wild ass are among the 105 species of mammals‚ which have been recorded there.
CULTURAL ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia is a nation comprised of about 84 ethnic groups (a population of 67 million). From its earliest known inhabitants‚ Ethiopia has through the centuries attracted diverse peoples from all corners of Africa and the Middle East. Which has produced one of the most colorful populations to be found anywhere in the world. Each ethnic group preserves its own unique customs and traditions. The fine-featured Hararis women dressed in brightly colored trousers. Amharas‚ wearing the Ethiopian National dres he handsome Oromos‚ the Tigreans with their hair tied into thousands of tiny head-hugging plaits and many others. Ethiopia has about 70 languages and some 200 dialects. Traditions are proudly maintained‚ visible in the host of festivals and ceremonies. But for all their exotic variety‚ the people of Ethiopia are as one in their hospitality and friendliness.
