Ethiopia

Introduction to Ethiopia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is a country situated in the Horn of Africa. It has one of the most extensive known histories as an independent nation on the continent, or indeed in the world. Unique among African countries, Ethiopia maintained independence during the Scramble for Africa, and continued to do so except for a 5 year period when it was under Italian occupation. Ethiopia was historically called Abyssinia. The English name "Ethiopia" is derived from the Greek word Αἰθιοπία Æthiopia, from Αἰθίοψ Æthiops ‘an Ethiopian’ -- sometimes parsed by Westerners as a purely Greek term meaning "of burnt (αιθ-) visage (ὄψ)"; however, older Ethiopian sources state that the name is derived from "'Ityopp'is", a son of Cush, son of Ham who according to legend founded the city of Aksum.

Cultural notes about Ethiopia

The culture of Ethiopia is very multi-faceted. Among many traditions, respect (especially of one's elders) is very important. In Ethiopian culture it is customary to rise up out of one's seat or give up one's bed for an older friend or family member, even if they may be just a year older.

Traditional clothes in Ethiopia are made from traditional cloth called yahager lebse, which is made of cotton woven together in long strips. These strips are then sewn together. Sometimes shiny threads are woven into the fabric for an elegant effect (see photo) . It takes about two to three weeks to make enough cloth for a dress. The bottom of the shirt may be ornated by patterns.

Dancer in restaurant, wearing one style of traditional dress.

Men wear pants and a knee-long shirt with a white collar, and a sweater. Men as well as women wear shawls, the neTela (see photo). Women's dresses are called habasha kemis. The dresses are usually white with some colour on the bottom. Bracelets and necklaces from silver and gold are worn on arms and feet to complete the look. These traditional clothes are still worn on a day-to-day-basis in the country-side. In cities and towns, western clothes are popular; however, on special occasions, such as New Year, Christmas or weddings, traditional clothes are worn by some.

Radio and television are under the control of the Ethiopian government. There are nine radio broadcast stations, eight AM and one shortwave, licensed to operate. The major radio broadcasting stations (all AM) are Radio Ethiopia, Radio Torch (private), Radio Voice of One Free Ethiopia, and the Voice of the Revolution of Tigray. The single television broadcast network is Ethiopian Television. In keeping with government policy, radio broadcasts occur in a variety of languages. Print media, because of high poverty levels, low literacy rates, and poor distribution outside of the capital, serve only a small portion of the population. Major daily newspapers include Addis Zemen, the Daily Monitor, and the Ethiopian Herald.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Ethiopia

You are advised against all travel to the border area with Eritrea and to the east and south of Jijiga in the Ogaden and Hararge areas toward the Somali border. The border between Eritrea and Ethiopia is closed, and adjacent areas are part of a special security zone under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. A strict no-fly zone is in effect between Ethiopia and Eritrea for all aircraft, other than those of the United Nations.

As recent incidents (such as the July 31, 2004, explosions that occurred near the Legahar bus terminal in Addis Ababa and the attempted bombing of a fuel tanker in January 2004) demonstrate, the risk of terrorist attacks remains high. Although foreigners are not ordinarily the target of such attacks, some local hotels including the Hilton and the Ghion have received bomb threats. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid demonstrations, as well as register and remain in regular contact with the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa (see below).

On December 12 and 13, 2003, clashes between two tribes in Gambella city, near the border with Sudan, resulted in numerous deaths. These hostilities have been occurring for months. Although the situation has calmed down somewhat since the clashes in December, you are advised against all travel to this region and should monitor the situation closely before planning any trip. The situation remains volatile and hostilities may erupt at any time. The UNHCR and other NGOs have evacuated all non-essential personnel from the city. As well, all the roads in and around the region could be vulnerable to ambushes and unforeseeable attacks.