GENERAL
Official name of the state
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Capital
Addis Ababa.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to allcountrylist, Ethiopia on the Horn of Africa borders Djibouti and Somalia in the east, Kenya in the south, Sudan and South Sudan in the west and Eritrea in the north. The land area is mainly occupied by a huge highland of volcanic rock with a moderate climate. The plateau is surrounded by hot, inhospitable desert. In the north the country is rugged, in the south it is flatter and more suitable for agriculture. The highest point in Ethiopia is Ras Daschan at 4620 m.
Government
Federal Republic since 1994. New constitution from 1994. Parliament (Shengo) with two chambers: House of Peoples’ Representatives with 547 members and the House of Federation with 135 members from 76 ethnic groups, legislative period: 5 years.
Head of state
Mulatu Teshome Wirtu, since October 2013.
Head of government
Hailemariam Desalegn, since September 2012.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. Adapter required.
Time zone
Eastern Africa Time: CET +4
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business people often speak English. Knowledge of Italian or French can also be useful. A few bits of Amharic are welcome: Tena Yistillign means “good day”; Ow – “Yes”; Aydellen – “No” and Sintinew – “What does it cost?” Business cards are not common everywhere. The months October to May are the most favorable for business trips.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mo-Fr 8.30-11.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.-5.30 p.m. Authorities usually close at 3:30 p.m. Private shops are open Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2 p.m.-5.30 p.m.
Economy
Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 517, Mexico Square, ET-Addis Ababa
Tel: (011) 51 40 05
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
PO Box 255, Unity Square Road, ET-Addis Ababa
Tel: (011) 51 50 04.
Internet: www.combanketh.com
Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 2458, Mexico Square, ET-Addis Ababa.
Tel: (011) 551 50 55.
Internet: www.addischamber.com
Business contacts
Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 517, Mexico Square, ET-Addis Ababa
Tel: (011) 51 40 05
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
PO Box 255, Unity Square Road, ET-Addis Ababa
Tel: (011) 51 50 04.
Internet: www.combanketh.com
Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 2458, Mexico Square, ET-Addis Ababa.
Tel: (011) 551 50 55.
Internet: www.addischamber.com
COMMUNICATION
Phone
The country code is 00251. There are public telephones in all major cities and each city has a telephone center from which international calls can be made. The telephone network is old and the power supply is unreliable, which often leads to outages.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operator is the Ethiopian Telecoms Authority (ETA), limited reception / transmission area. There are roaming agreements.
Internet
There are internet cafes in Addis Ababa and other major cities. The main internet provider is ETC but it is often difficult to get a connection. Even in the hotels that can offer their guests the Internet, there are regular disruptions and failures.
Post Office
The Ethiopian Postal Service and private couriers provide national and international general postal services including air transport. Letters to Europe are on the way for about two weeks.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are good hotels in Addis Ababa and other major cities, and some have meeting rooms and exhibition rooms. Hotels in the north of the country are generally of a higher standard than hotels in the south. A service charge of 5-10% is added to all accommodation prices. Further information from the Ethiopian Commission for Tourism (see addresses).
CULTURE
Religion
In the north the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (35-40%), in the east and south mainly Islam (45-50%); also animists (12%) and others (3-8%) such as the Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Catholics, minorities of Hindus and Sikhs.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Conservative clothing is preferred, casual clothing is however i. General appropriate. Casual private invitations are often given. Most religious sites do not allow women to enter.
Taking Pictures: Sometimes a small fee is charged for taking pictures and filming tourist attractions. There is a strict ban on photography at airports and in the vicinity of public buildings and military installations. If you want to take photos of people, you should always ask for permission.
Tips: Most hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge to the bill. Tip is i. General common, but the amounts are small.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Very humid or dry and hot in the plains up to 1000 m altitude, temperate between 1000 and 2500 m and comparatively cool in the highlands above 2500 m. Frequent rainfall between June and September. It is best to travel to Ethiopia in autumn, winter and spring.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +251 Area (km2) 1104 300 Population 99465819 Population density (per km2) 90 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 907
