Ethiopia: The Oldest Independent Country in Africa

16.07.2018 18:59

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa
Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country and a main tourist destinations. It has unique cultural heritage. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches. Ethiopia is the second most-populous country in Africa, with a population of over 90 million people by 2015. It is second to Nigeria, which had a population of over 174 million people.

80 languages are spoken in Ethiopia
Over 80 languages are spoken in this country. English is the language of instruction in institutions of higher learning. The most widely spoken local languages are Oromo, Amharic, Somali and Tigrinya.

The capital city of Ethiopia is the highest capital city in Africa
Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is the highest capital city in Africa. It is situated at 2,400 metres. For every visitor Addis Ababa is a gate to an ancient and mystical world. The city has the best examples of Ethiopian food and several wonderful museums.

The oldest fossil of Early man was discovered in Ethiopia
The oldest fossil of Early man was discovered in Ethiopia. It was discovered in January, 2013 and is known as The Ledi Jaw. It is about 2,8 million old, according to its discoverers.

The 10 Commandments are in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa. The nine sites are Aksum, Fasil Ghebbi, Harar, Konso Cultural Landscape, Lower Valley of the Awash, Lower Valley of the Omo, Rock-Hewn Churches, Simien National Park and Tiya. Also, the Ark of the Covenant that holds the 10 Commandments is in a church in this country.

Coffee was discovered in Ethiopia
Coffee was discovered in this country, in Kaffa region. A shepherd discovered this famous beverage when his goats ate the leaves and became restless.

The Ethiopian Calendar has 13 months
The Ethiopian Calendar has 13 months and it is 7 ½ years behind the Gregorian calendar. New Year in Ethiopia starts on 11th September and a day later in a leap year.

Ethiopia - Historic North and Danakil