Introducing Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. It is a country with more than 80 different ethnic groups each with its own language, culture, custom and tradition. Among the language of these ethnic groups Amharic and Oromiffa are the largest ones.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christian, Islam, Protestant and Catholic are the major religions in the country.  In addition to these, there are numerous indigenous religions which have their unique customs and festivities. Ethiopia as a national state has its own calendar and its new year is on September. However, most of its ethnic groups have their own calendar which rises from their tradition.

The Ethiopian history and culture is derived from the Pre-History Kingdom traditions around the area what the present day Ethiopia is found. And Ethiopia is the only independent state in Africa.

Historically and naturally Ethiopia is rich in heritages and tourist destinations. It has Ten UNESCO registered natural and cultural heritages. These are Aksum (1980), Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region (1979), Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town (2006), Konso Cultural Landscape (2011), Lower Valley of the Awash (1980), Lower Valley of the Omo (1980), Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (1978), Tiya (1980), Simien National Park (1978) and Commemoration feast of the finding of the True Holy Cross of Christ (2011).

Five heritages are in the tentative lists for registration. These are Bale Mountains National Park (2008), Dirre Sheik Hussein Religious, Cultural and Historical Site (2011), Holqa Sof Omar: Natural and Cultural Heritage (Sof Omar: Caves of Mystery) (2011), Gedeo Mixed Cultural and Natural Landscape (2012), Melka Kunture and Bachilt Archaeological Site (2012). (Numbers are dates of registration)