Ethiopia
Introduction
Listen to the
Ethiopian National Anthem
Ethiopia is situated in North Eastern Africa bordering Sudan to the north and
north west, Eritrea to the north and north east, Djibouti to the east, Somalia
to the east and south east and to the south lies Kenya.
Ethiopia has a
variety of distinct geographical zones and contrasts, varying as much as 120
metres below sea level in the harsh salt flats of the Danakil depression, to a
4618 meter peak - Ras Dashan, the fourth highest peak in Africa, in the Simien
mountains The most distinctive feature is the northern part of the Great Rift
Valley, which runs through the entire length of the country in a
northeast-southwest direction. In the centre of the country is a high plateau
region. This rugged tableland is bordered by steep slopes on the northwest;
gradual slopes lead from the centre to the Western Plains and, on the east,
through Somalia to the Indian Ocean.
The lowlands are hot and arid.
One semi-desert region, the Ogaden, covers the entire southeastern section of
the country. In the north, the Danakil Desert reaches to the Red Sea and the
coastal foothills of Eritrea. The western boundary of Ethiopia follows roughly
the western escarpment of the central plateau, although in some regions the
Sudan plains extend into Ethiopian territory. Ethiopia's largest lake, Lake
Tana, is the source of the Blue Nile River. This river, which winds around in a
great arc before merging with the White Nile in the Sudan, travels through
great canyons, which reach depths of more than 4,000 ft. Several rivers in the
southwestern regions also comprise a system of tributaries to the White
Nile.
Ethiopia is home not only to nearly a hundred different tribes,
each with its own language, and also to an astonishing array of animal and bird
life, much of it unique to this wonderful country.
| Africa Guide's recommended book
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Ethiopia, 4th : The Bradt Travel Guide
(amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK
A through travel guide to Ethiopia
on the market. This useful resource for first-time visitors, includes plenty of
tips on bridging the cultural gap. It covers Ethiopia's all national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries.
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| The Africa Guide's recommended
Map |
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Ethiopia Folded Map (Maps Worldwide)
Published by ITMB Publishing Ltd -
Africa
published for the English speaking traveller - informative text
included with the map, dealing with the history, culture, etc. Light, practical
and should be invaluable for the backpacker, traveller or
tourist
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