Geography
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second most populous nation in Africa (after Nigeria), bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, and Sudan and South Sudan to the west.
Climate
Ethiopia features a predominant tropical monsoon climate. As a highland nation, its climate is notably cooler compared to other regions located at similar distances from the Equator. The majority of the country’s key urban centres are situated at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 meters (6,600 – 8,200 feet) above sea level.
Languages
Amharic serves as the official language of Ethiopia. In rural areas, a diverse range of eighty-three indigenous languages, comprising around 200 dialects, are spoken, with Orominya and Tigrinya being the most prevalent.
Time and calendar
Ethiopia follows the Ethiopian calendar, originating from the Coptic calendar in 25 BC, and did not adopt the Julian or Gregorian reforms. An Ethiopian year includes twelve 30-day months, with an additional five or six day thirteenth month, known as the “Thirteen Months of Sunshine.” The Ethiopian New Year commences on September 10 or 11 in the Gregorian calendar, marking a 7-8 year lag behind.
In Ethiopia, the 12-hour clock cycle begins six hours offset from midnight and noon, referring to midnight (or noon) as 6 o’clock. Due to its proximity to the Equator, Ethiopia experiences consistently around twelve hours of daylight, with sunrise and sunset in Addis Ababa occurring at approximately 06:30 and 18:45, respectively.
- Ethiopia Public Holidays 11-Sep
- Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) 27-Sep
- Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) 7 – January
- Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) 19-Jan
- Epiphany (Timiket) 1-Mar
- Adwa Victory Day 30-Apr
- Ethiopian Good Friday (Siklet) 2-May
- Ethiopian Easter Sunday (Fasika) 1-May
- International Labor Day (May Day) 5-May
- Patriots’ Day 28-May
Currency
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, and 200 birr.
Traveler Visa
With the exception of Kenya and Djibouti nationals, all visitors are required to obtain entry visas. Since 2002, tourists from 33 countries, including those listed below, have been able to obtain entry visas upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and at the airport in Dire Dawa. As of September 2020, the fees for visa-upon-arrival are US$82 for a 30-day Tourist Visa and USD$202 for a 90-day Tourist Visa. The process is relatively quick and simple; visitors just need to look for the “Visa” sign to the left before the immigration counters. It’s important to check the latest visa fee structure on the official government website, the Ethiopian Immigration Nationality and Vital Events Agency, before departure (https://www.evisa.gov.et/visa-types/online-tourist-visa). Nationals of certain countries, including all African Union member states, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and China, can obtain tourist visas for up to three months upon arrival at Bole International Airport.
Electricity
Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50 Hz. It is best to bring your own round, two-prong adapter and transformer if necessary.
Hotel standards:
Five-star luxury hotels offer exceptional service and lavish experiences, featuring elegantly styled rooms with high-end linens, VCRs, CD stereos, Jacuzzi tubs, and in-room entertainment. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, 24/7 room service, fitness centers, valet parking, concierge services, WiFi, and airport shuttles.
- Four-star high-class hotels provide superior quality and service, with comfortable rooms, dining options, fitness facilities, valet parking, concierge services, WiFi, and airport shuttle services.
- Three-star middle-class hotels offer good comfort and convenience, with well-maintained rooms, limited room service, dining areas, fitness centers, parking, WiFi, and basic concierge services.
- Two-star budget hotels provide affordable, functional rooms with basic amenities, limited dining options, and basic services like parking and WiFi.
- One-star low-budget hotels offer simple, modest rooms with minimal amenities and limited dining and service options, possibly providing only parking facilities.