ETHIOPIA

One of the few African countries never to lose its independence, Ethiopia is as large as France and Spain combined and has one of the richest histories on the African continent.

ADDIS ABABA

The Capital was settled in 1886 and christened by Queen Taitu, consort of Emperor Menelik ∏.The population is estimated to be 4 million according to the official census of2005-2006.

POPULATION AND POULATION CHARACTERSTICS

The population of Ethiopia (2007 estimate) is 82,000,000 estimates, yielding an overall density of 58 persons per sq km (151 per sq mi). The Amara, who founded the orginal nation, and the related Tigeans, both of which are highland peoples of partly Semitic origin, constitute about 32 percent of the total population. They occupy the northwestern Ethiopian highlands and the area north of Addis Ababa. The oromo, apastroal and agricultural people who live mainly in central and southwestern Ethiopia, constitute about 40 percent of the population. The Shankella,a people in the western part of the country  from the border of Eritea to Lake  Turkana, constitue about 6 percent of the population. The Somali, who live in the east and southeast, notably in the Ogaden region ,are about equal in number to  the Shankella. Theee Danakil inhabit the semi  desert plains east of the highlands.the no indigenous population includes  Yemenis ,India ns, Armenians, and Greeks.

TIME AND ELECTRIC SUPPLY

Ethiopia is in the GMT+3 houra€TM time zone follows the Julian calendar  which consists of Twelve month of  30 days each and a thirteen mounth of five and six days .  Ethiopia Uses 220 volts  50 cycles AC.

ENTERY POINTS

Travlers  using rail Dewle on the Djibouti border is the only point of entery to Ethiopia and those driving to Ethiopia via surface, Moyale  (in Kenya),  Humera and Metema (in Sudan), and again Galafi in Djibouti are the available means of  entires.  All arrivals undergo full customs and immigration checks.
For the major part of travelers accessing via flight  the Bole International Airport is the only terminal available in the Capital Addis Abeba though there are other domestic airport airsteips serving domestic needs.

DRIVING

Drivers require a valid International Driving License,  which can be obtained by exchanging their  local licence at the Transport and Road Authority office in Addis Abeba.  Vistors can recover their orginal license aday or so prior to departure. Those with thir own Vehicle will require apermit from the ministry  of Transport and communication Driving is on the right.

CUSTOMS

Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:
A - 200 cigarettes
B -1 lit alcoholic beverages
C - 1/2 lit of perfumes   visitors may export souvenirs with avalue not exceeding Ethiopian birr.

VISA AND IMMIGRATION

Visas are required for all visitors however nationals of     countries are given visa on arrival at Bole international Air Port.
Argentina,  Australia,   Austria , Belgium , Brazil,  Canada,  China , Check republic , Denmark ,  France,   Finland ,Germany,  A  Greece , Ireland,  Israel,   A  Italy,  Japan,  Kuwait , Korea  Republic , Luxemburg,  Mexico,  New Zealand , Norway , Netherlands , Portugal,  Russia , South Africa,  Spain,  Sweden ,  Switzerland,  Taiwan , United   Kingdom and  United States.

ETHIOPIAN SECURITY

The same rules apply for Addis Ababa as for almost any city anywhere. Be careful and take the usual precautions to safeguard yourself and your belongings. Street crime exists, such as non­violent pick pocketing or the snatching of hand­bags or gold neck chains and earrings. Avoid walking the streets at night - take a cab.

A void wearing jewellery on the street, and don't carry too much cash or valuables on your person. Don't leave valuables in your hotel room; use the hotel safe-deposit box. Items of any great value should be deposited with a bank.