January 08, 2009
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 June
3-13, 2006
Ethiopia
Background
& Information Resources
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Geography
and Climate:
Ethiopia
is situated in the Horn of Africa, sharing frontiers with
the Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and Kenya. The climate
of the highlands is generally pleasant, without extreme
temperatures. In the capital, Addis Ababa, day-time temperatures
rarely rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely fall
below 45 degrees Fahrenheit; is the average mean temperature
of 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
History:
Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and
was never colonized by Europeans. Ethiopia is also home
to Lucy's bones, the oldest human remain at 3.5 million
years. Ethiopia is dotted with Christian and pre-Christian
historic monuments. Axum is believed to be home to the
'Arc of the Covenant' and pre-Christian monolithic rock
monuments. The village of Lalibela contains 11 rock hewn
churches that were carved out of the mountain. The city
of Gondar, Ethiopia's capital from the middle-ages, contains
13 medieval European type castles and beautifully illuminated
churches. Bahir Dar, where Lake Tana is located, the source
of the Blue Nile, contains many historic churches and
icons dating back 1000 years.
Population/Languages/Religions:
With
73 million people, Ethiopia is the third most populous
country in Africa (after Nigeria and Egypt). Ethiopia
has over 80 ethnic groups and more than 100 languages.
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia. English
is widely spoken and is the language of instruction in
secondary schools and universities. Christianity (45%)
and Islam (35%) are the two major religions.
Economy
and Government:
Ethiopia's
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated at $6 billion,
with annual growth rate of about 3%. Coffee makes up 70%
of Ethiopia's export to the world. Ethiopia is the largest
US aid recipient in Sub-Sahara Africa ($550 million/year).
Ethiopia is a Federal Republic with a parliamentary system
of government.
Security:
Addis Ababa and most of Ethiopia's population centers
are generally safe. Travelers, however, are advised to
watch out for pickpocketers, purse snatchers and other
"other petty" criminals in crowded areas, such as Mercato
in Addis Ababa, Africa's largest open-air market.
International
Organizations and Mission in Ethiopia:
As
the diplomatic capital of Africa, Addis Ababa is a major
centre for international organizations, notably the headquarters
of the African Union (AU), the UN Economic Commission
for Africa (ECA) and the Pan-African Attorneys Union (PAAU).
More than 90 diplomatic missions from Africa, Asia, the
Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, as well as the
Holy See, can be found in Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa is
host to the following international organizations as well:
The
World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), UN
Economic Council for Africa (ECA), UN Development Program
(UNDP), World Food Program (WFP), the UN Fund for Population
Activities (UNFP) and the UN Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO), International Labor Organization (ILO), UN Children's
Fund and UN Educational (UNICEF), UN Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNSCO), UN Food and Agriculture Organization
(UNFAO), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCF),
the World Health Organization (WHO), International Telecommunications
Union (ITU), the International Livestock Centre for Africa
(ILCA - recently renamed international Livestock Research
Institute - ILRI), the Desert Locust Control Organization
of East Africa (DLCO), and the Association for the Advancement
of Agricultural Sciences in Africa (AAASA).
Important Websites:
Other
important websites include, the
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REGISTER:
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Vaccination
Information for Ethiopia from MDtravelhealth.com
Summary
of recommendations:
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All
travelers should visit either their personal physician
or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
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Malaria:
Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is
recommended for all areas except Addis Ababa and altitudes
above 2000 m (6561 ft). Vaccinations: Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travelers
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Typhoid:
Recommended for all travelers
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Yellow
fever: Recommended for all travelers
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Meningococcus:
Recommended for all travelers
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Polio:
One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler
who completed the childhood series but never had polio
vaccine as an adult
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Hepatitis
B: For travelers who may have intimate contact with
local residents, especially if visiting for more than
6 months
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Rabies: For travelers who may have direct contact with
animals and may not have access to medical care
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Routine
immunizations: All travelers should be up-to-date on
tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, and varicella
immunizations
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Cholera vaccine is not recommended. Ethiopia is not
infected with cholera at this time.
©2006
MDtravelhealth.com. All Rights Reserved
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