Currently Ethiopia is the only African country for which Australia has an adoption program. However, there are a number of children adopted into Australian families whose heritage is from other African countries. I am aware of children adopted into Australian families who have Sudanese and Kenyan heritages. I would be very happy to develop additional webpages for other African countries if there are children who have heritages from those African countries. If their parents have information and/or photos for these countries please forward them to me: Web Editor.

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Country Name

Conventional long form: "Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia".

Short form: "Ethiopia".

Local long form: "Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik".

Nationality - noun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Ethiopian Flag

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the colours of her flag were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the pan-African colours.

The Ethiopian Flag has three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow and red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points on a light blue disk centred on the three bands.

If you want an electronic image of the flag, this website is legal for anyone to copy images from.

History

References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

A basic overview of history important to Ethiopia is given below. Please note that many dates are disputed by historians, and the dates given should often be considered as only approximate.

Languages

Reference

The main languages are...

• Amharic,
• Tigrinya,
• Oromigna,
• Guaragigna,
• Somali,
• Arabic,
• other local languages,
• English (major foreign language taught in schools)

Literacy

Reference

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

(2003 est.)

Geography

Reference

Border countries

Land use

Irrigated land

• 1,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards

• geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts

Natural resources

• small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas, hydropower

Current environment issues

• deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor management

Environment

• international agreements - party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
  
• signed, but not ratified - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Geography note

• landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993;
  
• the Blue Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia;
  
• three major crops are believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and castor bean

Elevation extremes

web links - Maps

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor.

Addis Ababa Map

Website

Ethiopian Map

Recommend for people looking for hard to find villages. You can either use the list of towns or just click through the world map to zoom onto Ethiopia. Website.

Click here for an on-line map of Ethiopia with information about many individual towns and cities.

Regions & their area

Reference

Ethiopia has been divided into 9 ethnically-based administrative regions (called kililoch; singular: kilil), and subdivided into 68 zones. The two chartered cities (astedader akababiwoch, singular: astedader akababi) have the status of each being both a city and a state.

The regions are:

Notice the following comparisons between Ethiopia and Australia…

• The population of Ethiopia is almost 4 times that of the whole of Australia.
  
• Comparing the size of Ethiopia to Australian States/Territories, Ethiopia is: slightly smaller than the NT, much smaller than Qld, less than 1/2 the size of WA, nearly 1.5 times the size of NSW, almost 5 times the size of Vic, nearly 500 times the size of the ACT, bigger than SA, 17 times bigger than Tas.
  
• Addis Ababa and Harari are smaller than a 1/4 and 1/6 the size of the ACT, although Addis Ababa has a population almost equal to all of Queensland
  
• Amhara, a region smaller than Victoria, has a population size that is almost equal to the whole of Australia

Medical

Reference

HIV/AIDS

• adult prevalence rate - 4.4% (2003 est.)
• people living with HIV/AIDS - 1.5 million (2003 est.)
• HIV/AIDS – deaths - 120,000 (2003 est.)

Major infectious diseases

• degree of risk: very high
• food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and hepatitis E
• vectorborne diseases: malaria and cutaneous leishmaniasis are high risks in some locations
• respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
• animal contact disease: rabies
• water contact disease: schistosomiasis

(2005)

Ethnic groups

Reference

Population

Reference

Ethiopian population

• 74,777,981

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2006 est.)

Compare this to these population statistics (Reference)

Age structure

0-14 years: 43.7% (male 16,373,718 female 16,280,766)
15-64 years: 53.6% (male 19,999,482 female 20,077,014)
65 years and over: 2.7% (male 929,349 female 1,117,652)

(2006 est.)

Median age

total: 17.8 years male: 17.7 years female: 17.9 years

(2006 est.)

Population growth rate

2.31% (2006 est.)

Birth rate

37.98 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate

14.86 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: repatriation of Ethiopian refugees residing in Sudan is expected to continue for several years; some Sudanese, Somali, and Eritrean refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from the fighting or famine in their own countries, continue to return to their homes (2006 est.)

Sex ratio

• at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
• under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
• 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
• 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
• total population: 1 male(s)/female

(2006 est.)

Infant mortality rate

• total: 93.62 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 103.43 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 83.51 deaths/1,000 live births

(2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

• total population: 49.03 years
• male: 47.86 years
• female: 50.24 years

(2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

5.22 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Religions

Reference

• Muslim 45%-50%,
• Ethiopian Orthodox 35%-40%,
• Animist 12%,
• other 3%-8%

Time Zones

The World Clock will allow you to set up your Personal selection of times around the world.

For example select:

- Addis Ababa.

- you capital city (e.g. if you live in Sydney, select Sydney).

- other cities... if you have relatives/friends in London, Brisbane and Darwin, you might also select these.

Any time that you go to the World Clock you will have the current time for each of your Personal selections.

The following is a guide only for time differences between Australian capital cities and Ethiopia (these are NOT for Day Light Saving times)...

World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia

• Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (1978)
• Simien National Park (1978)
• Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region (1979)
• Aksum (1980)
• Lower Valley of the Awash (1980)
• Lower Valley of the Omo (1980)
• Tiya (1980)
• Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town (2006)

Websites - general info on Africa

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor.

Wonders of the African World

For over 3,000 years Ethiopia has been a land of mystery and fascination. The Greek poet Homer thought that the Ethiopians had been blessed by the gods, while the historians and dramatists who came after him described a people of immense piety who lived beside the fountain of the sun - http://www.pbs.org/wonders/fr_e4.htm

All Africa

A multi-media content service provider, systems technology developer and the largest electronic distributor of African news and information worldwide. Registered in Mauritius, with offices in Johannesburg, Dakar, Lagos and Washington, D.C., AllAfrica is one of a family of companies that aggregate, produce and distribute news from across Africa to tens of millions of end users - http://allafrica.com/ethiopia/

Websites - general info on Ethiopia

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor.

About Addis Ababa

Information on Tourist attractions, accommodations, includes a map of Addis Ababa, places to visit, monuments, exhibitions etc. Website.

All things Ethiopian

For anyone who loves browsing all things Ethiopian on the net, try this web site - www.EthiopianOrthodoxChurch.org
There is so much there to entertain you! Send Ethiopian e-cards, set the Ethiopian calendar as your background, learn the Amharic alphabet, and so much more!

Ethiopian Flavour

This web page, about Ethiopia, is made by people who love Ethiopia, for people who likewise love Ethiopia.
In the following page you will find all kinds of information, history, facts, places to go, etc, obviously this is not a complete guide, it is not our intention, but we hope that it may be helpful to anyone who intends to visit Ethiopia and even for people who already know the country - http://www.ethiopia.htmlplanet.com/

Our Ethiopia

A collection of films made by students in Ethiopia - http://www.cafesociety.org/imagegallery/categories.php?cat_id=111&sessionid=a092270dc2a3504b32705c96c53f05a2

Gondar

Gondar was formerly the capital of Ethiopia - http://www.galenfrysinger.com/gondar_ethiopia.htm

Land of Faith

Photos and information on Ethiopia. http://www.peace-on-earth.org/Ethiopia/

The Ethiopian American

Reports and analyses news, social and historical issues as well as literary works - http://www.theethiopianamerican.com/index1.php

Websites - images & stories of individuals

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor.

The Ethiopian Issue

A website of personal experiences, poetry and accounts of Ethiopians - website.

Ethiopian Lives

Nineteen Ethiopians turn their cameras onto their own lives and invite you to share their very personal perspectives. From diverse backgrounds and different parts of the country, their photographs give a rare insight into life in Ethiopia now - http://www.ethiopialives.net/

Ethiopians

Information on famous Ethiopians in areas such as sport, literature etc - http://www.ethiopians.com/

Ethiopia's 'Underground Children'

An article on the 'Underground Children' - website

Fahne Stock Images

Images of Ethiopian people and places - http://www.fahnestockimages.com/stock_photo/index.php?pageId=0&start=0

Websites - for African-Australians

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor.

African Australian online resource

African Australian online resource, with links and info on events, news, music, travel & more. This site is for everyone: whether you're of African heritage, have an interest in Africa, or you're simply browsing the web. http://www.africanoz.com.au/index.html

Websites - traditional African stories

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor

African Fables and Stories. Website

Websites - meanings of Ethiopian names

If the following is incomplete, inaccurate or if you have a suggestion, please contact me at Website Editor.

A comprehensive list of meanings of Ethiopian Names, compiled by an AACASA members who is a waiting-mum.

A list of Ethiopian names and their meanings -http://www.myethiopianame.bravehost.com

A list of African names - website.

What do you know about Ethiopia?

How much do you know about Ethiopia?

What things do you think are important to know about Ethiopia?

As a starting point, here are 50 Questions...

1. How many people can you name, who are prominent in the affairs (politics, athletics, religion, the arts etc) of Ethiopia?
2. Who are the national heroes and heroines of Ethiopia?
3. Can you recognise the Ethiopian anthem?
4. What is the main language of Ethiopia? Are other languages spoken besides the dominant language? What are the social and political implications of language usage?
5. What are the predominant religions? Is there a national religion? Have you read any sacred writings?
6. What are the most important religious observations and ceremonies and celebrations?
7. How do members of the predominant religions feel about other religions and about each other?
8. What are the most common forms of marriage ceremonies and celebrations in Ethiopia?
9. What is the attitude towards divorce in Ethiopia? Extra-marital relations? Plural marriage?
10. What is the attitude towards gambling in Ethiopia?
11. What is the attitude towards drinking alcohol in Ethiopia?
12. Is the price asked for merchandise fixed or are customers expected to bargain?
13. If, as a customer, you touch, or handle merchandise for sale, will the shopkeeper think you are knowledgeable, inconsiderate, within your rights, completely outside your rights?
14. How do people organise their daily activities? What is the normal meal schedule? Is there a daytime rest period? What is the customary time for visiting friends?
15. What foods are most popular and how are they prepared?
16. What things are considered taboo in Ethiopian society?
17. What is the usual dress for women? For men? Are trousers and/or shorts worn? If so, on what occasions? Do young people wear jeans?
18. Do hairdressers in Ethiopia use techniques similar to those used by hairdressers in Australia? How much time do you need to allow for an appointment?
19. What are the special privileges of age and/or gender in Ethiopia?
20. If you are invited to dinner, should you arrive early? On time? If late, how late?
21. On what occasions would you present (or accept) gifts from people in the country? What kinds of gifts would you exchange?
22. Do some flowers have a particular significance?
23. How do people greet one another? Shake hands? Embrace or kiss? How do they leave one another? What does any variation from the usual greeting or leave taking signify?
24. If you are invited to a party, who would you expect to find amongst the guests?
25. What are the important holidays in Ethiopia? How are each observed?
26. What are the favourite leisure and recreational activities of adults? Teenagers?
27. What sports are popular?
28. What kinds of television programmes are shown? What social purposes do they serve?
29. What is the normal work schedule?
30. What games do children play?
31. Where do children congregate?
32. How are children disciplined at home?
33. Are children present at social occasions? At ceremonies? If they are not present, how are they cared for in the absence of their parents?
34. How does Ethiopian society observe a child’s “coming of age”?
35. What kinds of local public transportation are available? Do all classes of people use it?
36. Who has the right of way in traffic - vehicles, animals, pedestrians?
37. Is military training compulsory?
38. Is the largest circulation of newspapers generally friendly in their attitude towards Australia?
39. How many people have emigrated from Ethiopia to Australia? Are there currently many Ethiopians emigrating from Ethiopia to Australia?
40. Are there many Australian expatriates living in this country?
41. What kinds of options do foreigners have in choosing a place to live?
42. What kind of health care services are available? Where are they located?
43. What are the common home remedies for minor aliments? Where can medicines are purchased?
44. Is education free? Is it compulsory?
45. In schools, are children segregated by race, cast, class and/or gender?
46. What kinds of schools are considered best: public, private or religious?
47. In school, how important is learning by rote?
48. How are children disciplined in school?
49. Where are the important universities of Ethiopia? If university education is sought abroad, to what countries and universities do students go?
50. What was the most recent media coverage of Ethiopia about?

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