The Land of Origins — Where humanity began, where ancient kings ruled, and where 13 months of sunshine await you. The only African nation never colonized.
The Solomonic dynasty claims descent from Menelik I, son of King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba (Makeda). It ruled Ethiopia from 1270 to 1974 — one of the longest-reigning dynasties in world history. The Ark of the Covenant is believed to be in Axum.
Defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa (1896) — first African victory against European colonization. Founded Addis Ababa and modernized Ethiopia.
The 225th Solomonic emperor. Modernized Ethiopia, founded the African Union, and became a global symbol of African independence.
'The Unifier' — began modernizing Ethiopia and reunified warring regional lords.
Ethiopia is called the 'Roof of Africa' — from Ras Dashen (4,550m, 4th highest in Africa) to Danakil Depression (-125m, one of the hottest places on Earth).
Ethiopia is one of the first Christian nations (4th century AD). The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest in the world. Harar is the 4th holiest city in Islam with 82 mosques. The Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) are one of the oldest Jewish communities.
Current Year: 2017 (7-8 years behind Gregorian calendar) | Months: 13 months (12 months of 30 days + Pagume — 5 or 6 extra days) | New Year (Enkutatash): September 11 (Meskerem 1) | Famous saying: 'Ethiopia has 13 months of sunshine' | Time: Day starts at dawn (6:00 AM = 12:00 Ethiopian time)
Over 80 ethnic groups and more than 80 languages across Ethiopia.
Emperor Menelik II led Ethiopian forces to defeat 17,000 Italian soldiers. Ethiopia remains the ONLY African nation to never be colonized. Adwa Victory Day is celebrated annually on March 1st.