Subregion: Eastern Africa

 

Ethiopia is a country located in Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Addis Ababa. The government is a Federal parliamentary republic. The official languages of the country are Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali and Tigrinya. However, English is widely spoken and used in secondary and university classes. The predominant religion is Christianity. The Healthcare structure in Ethiopia includes public and private options. There are many different public and private providers and facilities available. However in order to use private health insurance, you will need to locate hospitals/medical centers with direct access agreements with global health insurance companies.

 

Safety:

Safety in Ethiopia can be touch and go, especially in more rural/secluded areas. Larger cities tend to be safer. There are several safety concerns in Ethiopia that residents should be aware of. Ethiopia has experienced political unrest and protests in recent years, which have occasionally turned violent. Avoid the Tigray region and the Eritrea border due to civil unrest and armed conflict. Visitors should stay informed of the current situation and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. Ethiopia has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, including in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid areas where terrorist activity has occurred in the past. Crime rates in Ethiopia are generally low, but visitors should still take precautions such as avoiding carrying large sums of money or wearing flashy jewelry, and being aware of their surroundings at all times. Visitors to Ethiopia should be aware of the risk of contracting diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and cholera. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional prior to travel to ensure appropriate vaccinations and precautions are taken. Many roads in Ethiopia are poorly maintained, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate drainage. This can make driving hazardous, especially during the rainy season. Also, the roads are poorly lit so daytime driving is suggested. Many drivers in Ethiopia drive recklessly and do not follow traffic rules, such as speeding, overtaking on blind corners, and failing to stop at intersections. This can result in accidents, especially on busy roads. Pedestrians in Ethiopia often walk on the side of the road, which can be dangerous if there are no sidewalks or if the road is narrow. Additionally, many drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way, which can lead to accidents. Many vehicles in Ethiopia are poorly maintained, with worn tires, faulty brakes, and other mechanical issues. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially on long journeys.

 

Cultural Customs: 

Ethiopia is a country in the Horn of Africa with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The coffee ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture and is often served during social gatherings. The coffee ceremony is a ritualized form of making and serving coffee that involves roasting, grinding, and brewing the beans in front of the guests. Ethiopia has a wide range of traditional clothing, with each ethnic group having its own unique style. The most common traditional clothing for women is the Habesha Kemis, a long, flowing dress made of cotton. Shawls called netela are also worn by women to cover their hair, it is made of white gauze fabric. Men wear pants and knee length tunics.  In the cities, western clothes are worn. Injera is a sourdough flatbread that is a staple food in Ethiopia. It is made from teff flour and is served with stews and curries. Meals are eaten with the right hand, no utensils are used. Most traditional foods do not include pork or shellfish since most Ethiopians observe religious laws. Timkat is an annual festival that celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. It is a colorful and vibrant festival that involves music, dancing, and parades. Respect for elders is an important cultural value in Ethiopia. Younger people are expected to show deference and respect towards their elders, and elders are often consulted for advice and guidance. Wedding ceremonies in Ethiopia are elaborate and involve a series of rituals and traditions that vary by region and ethnic group. The groom's family is responsible for paying a dowry, which can include livestock, money, or other gifts. Music and dance are an important part of Ethiopian culture. The country has a rich musical heritage that includes traditional instruments such as the krar, the masenqo, and the washint. Ethiopia is a predominantly Christian country, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being the dominant faith. Islam and traditional African religions are also practiced. Ethiopia has more than 80 different languages and dialects spoken across the country. Amharic is the official language, and it is spoken by the majority of the population. Ethiopians are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. It is common for guests to be served food and coffee, even if they are unexpected visitors.

 

Geography & Weather:

Ethiopia’s climate varies with altitude. On the coast, the climate is desert. In the lowlands, the climate is hot and semi-arid and the plateau has a cool climate.

In the city of Addis Ababa, in the center of the country sitting at 7500 ft above sea level, the average temperature ranges from 60 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with a median temperature of 59 degrees F and April being the hottest month with a median temperature of 66 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is from June to September, in July and August it rains almost daily. 

In Dire Dawa, in the lowlands, the average temperature ranges from 70 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 70 degrees F and June is the hottest month with a median temperature of 82 degrees F. The rainy season occurs twice a year, March to May then again from July to September. 

In Danakil, on the coast the climate is hot and dry all year round. Averaging 95 degrees every day.

 

Economy:

Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, with an average annual GDP growth rate of around 10% in the past decade. Despite this, the country still faces high levels of poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth. The unemployment rate in Ethiopia is estimated to be around 20%, with the youth unemployment rate being much higher at approximately 27%. This high level of unemployment is mainly due to the country's slow-paced industrialization, limited access to finance, and the low level of education and skills among the population. Moreover, Ethiopia's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs the majority of the population but offers low-paying and often seasonal work. The country has been trying to diversify its economy by attracting foreign investments, expanding the manufacturing sector, and developing its infrastructure, but progress has been slow. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on Ethiopia's economy, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat and unemployment rates rising further. The government has implemented several measures to support the economy, such as providing stimulus packages and expanding social safety net programs, but the long-term effects of the pandemic remain uncertain. In conclusion, Ethiopia's economy has made significant strides in recent years, but the high level of unemployment remains a significant challenge that the government must address through policies aimed at creating more job opportunities and developing the country's infrastructure and education system.

 

Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

ETB 1.00 = USD .019

 

Country Stats:

Population (2020):

114,963,588

Median Age:

19.5 yrs

Life Expectancy:

67.81 yrs

 

Visa Requirements:

Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes

Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 30 day $52

    90 day $72

*Electronic Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival*

 

*Additional Information*

Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.

 

Citizenship Requirements:

Dual citizenship - No

Naturalization - Ethiopian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Ethiopia for at least four consecutive years, is of good character, economically self-sufficient, and has no criminal convictions. 

 

Residency Requirements:

A residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Ethiopia as expats. You must have your 90 day tourist visa and apply for the residency card at the Ministry of Immigration within 30 days of arrival. You also must apply for your work permit at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Residency cards need to be renewed yearly.

 

Resources:

Addis International Bank

Ethiopian US Embassy

Evisa Site

Ethiopian Immigration Site

Ethiopia Tourism

Ethiopia Expats Facebook Group

 

U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa

Entoto Street
PO Box 1014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: +251-11-130-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 011-130-6000
Fax: +251-11-124-2435 and +251-11-124-2419
Email: AddisACS@state.gov