10 Interesting Facts About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country that sits landlocked in East Africa. According to many scientists this is the birth place of Humanity and the modern man. The oldest human fossil, ‘Lucy’, is believed to have existed over three million years ago and was found in Ethiopia.

The country of Ethiopia is a bright and vibrant country decorated in rich traditions of various tribes and cultural.  There are so many interesting things about this gem of Africa that we've compiled a list of interesting facts about Ethiopia that you should definitely know now you live here!

1. You become 7 years younger in Ethiopia
This is because it is currently around 2008 in Ethiopia. They are about 7.5 years behind the western calendar.  Ethiopia is the only country in the world to have 13 months in a year. The 13th month has only five days, or six in a leap year Ethiopians also celebrate New Year in September, meaning that they are currently only a couple of weeks into the year 2008, whilst we near the end of 2015.

2. Though some people still dispute the source of the Nile many believe it is in Ethiopia
The country is home to the source of the Blue Nile, which together with the White Nile makes up the longest river in the world, the Nile.

3. English and Arabic are spoken widely here
This is great for any expats thinking of moving their as there are also over 80 different languages spoken here.  Amongst all the different tribes many languages have developed but the most widely spoken of these are Oromo and Amharic. Ethiopia’s national language is Amharic.

4. Ethiopia has given birth to a lot of inspirational woman over the years
Asegedech Asefa was the first African female to fly an airplane. Female Ethiopian captain Aster Tolossa is allegedly the first female pilot to shoot down an enemy fighter jet. There was the first globally recognized female African head of state, Queen Zewditu, who was the empress of Ethiopia from 1916 to 1930.

5. The capital city of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa which means “new flower”
And, at 2,400 m above sea level, it is the 4th highest capital city in the world.

6. Ethiopians measure time from when the sun rises and count time on the opposite side of the clock
In Ethiopia, time measured differently than the in Europe or the UAE.  When the sun rises at 6 o’clock it is said to be 12 o’clock. The start of the day occurs with the sun and that’s when it starts from 12.  Confused? Don’t worry, so are we!

7. Ethiopia is one of two nations in the world never to have been occupied
Interesting! Russia is the other one.

8. Ethiopia is home to an ancient primate called the gelada baboon
This species are of particular interest to many scientists as they have some close characteristics of humans. Some have even theorized that they have their own complex vocal system to communicate.

9. Coffee! Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee!
Around the tenth century the locals discovered its powerful effects on stimulation.

10. Raw meat is considered a delicacy in Ethiopia.
Anyone fancy lamb tonight?