With a special place in Africa and world history, there is a lot to know about Ethiopia. Mentioned more than forty-four times in the bible, this country has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Ethiopia is filled with diverse landscapes backed by a rich culture and history dating back in time. For anyone interesting in understanding Africa in a different perspective, here are amazing things you should know about Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa




Addis Ababa

This big and dusty densely populated city is the capital of Ethiopia. It is home to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters. Addis Ababa is the fourth highest capital in the world at an altitude of 2,450 meters. The name of this city means “New Flower” in Amharic. Addis Ababa is home to other various international bodies including: 
1)Institute of International Education
2)Japan International Cooperation Agency
3)Save the Children International Ethiopia
4)International Organisation for Migrants
5)United States Agency for International Development 

Different time schedule

In Ethiopia, measuring the hours of a day is at a different schedule. It is not usually easy to explain this but Ethiopians believe the clock doesn’t start as the day begins. Sunrise here is at one o’clock while the sun sets at twelve. This is when the twelve-hour clock begins. Travelers to Ethiopia have to understand whether the time indicated is in Western or Ethiopian mode.
  

Thirteen months in a year

Various cultures globally have their own calendars they use over the Gregorian of the Western world. But, most people believe that the year has twelve months. Ethiopians use Spinal Tap’s belief from several thousand years ago that a year deserves more years. No wonder, here a year has thirteen months and the country boasts of thirteen months of sunshine. The Africa Institute in Sharjah  offers a course into the rich history of Ethiopia in a modern context. This offers more insight into the significance of this country.  

Vegetarian living 

Ethiopia is the most diverse, healthy, and tastiest cuisine in Africa. This country is a haven for vegetarians, unlike other African countries. Most people here are Orthodox Christians and detest east animal products on Wednesday and Friday. This makes restaurants here to offer highly delicious vegan food with beef alternatives such a chicken.  

Rastafarian movement birthplace

Everyone believes that the origin of the Rastafarian movement  is Jamaica. Well, much about this movement evolved in Jamaica but the spiritual homeland was Ethiopia. In the local Amharic, “Ras” means chief while “Taffari” was the first name of Emperor Haile Selassie. The Rastafarian movement posits Selassie as God’s incarnation. You already noticed the big number of vegetarians in Ethiopia and Rasta don’t eat meat as well.  

Freedom from colonial rule

Almost all African countries were under colonial rule at some point, unlike Ethiopia. Mussolini of Italy tried to colonize Ethiopia from 1936 to 1941 but the locals vehemently resisted colonial rule. The locals under the leadership of Emperor Selassie waged various battles making it hard for the colonialists to put the counter under total colonial rule. Ironically, the Italians introduced modern systems in Ethiopia including modern buildings and railways before they were kicked out of the country.  

Endless festivals

This country is always full of vibrant and colorful festivals. Timket is the biggest festival in the country. This three-day annual event honors Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan. Priests remove Tabot or Ark of Covenant replies from every church and match to a nearby water source to perform communal baptism. This procession attracts hordes of locals in dazzling white traditional wear contrasting the ceremonial robes priests with their sequined velvet umbrellas.  

Taste of coffee

A morning shot of caffeine can give you going throughout the day. Taste of quality coffee  is something to always look forward to in Ethiopia. Coffee growing in the country dates back to various centuries with the country accounting for about three percent of global coffee production. Coffee is grown in various parts of the country to guarantee regular supply. 
 

Great athletes 

Abebe Bikila backed gold during the 1960 Olympics becoming the first black African to win it. This great athlete ran the marathon without shoes. He took the lead by twenty-five seconds against the people’s favorite Rhadi Ben Abdesselam from Morocco. Bikila set a world record in the Tokyo Olympics to become the first person to take the lead in an Olympic marathon twice. Other famous Ethiopian athletes include:

  • 1)Haile Gebrselassie
  • 2)Kenenisa Bekele
  • 3)Meseret Defar
  • 4)Abebe Bikila
  • 5)Mamo Wolde
  • 6)Tirunesh Dibaba 
  • 7)Getaneh Kebede

 Bottom line
There is still a lot to do to demystify Africa including Ethiopia. This continent has various countries with immense global impact in various aspects of life including sports, religion, politics, and social life. It is now possible to take a course that allows discovering what you don’t know about any part of Africa. This allows seeing countries like Ethiopian with a modern perspective.