Ethiopia

Like many other African countries, Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state.  Some distinctions have been blurred by intermarriage over the years, but many still remain.  There are about 200 different dialects with the greatest linguistic diversity being in the south of the country where there are more than 45 ethnic groups and tribes.

Religion has always been a major influence in Ethiopia.  Certainly no country in sub-Saharan Africa can trace its origins as far back.  A secretive insular land, Ethiopia developed a culture all of its own, and its language, customs, and arts are all distinctive.  The architecture is also diverse, most notably at the city of Gondar where you will find mediaeval castles that are remarkably well preserved.

The Semitic languages of Ethiopia are related to both Hebrew and Arabic but derived from Ge'ez, the ecclesiastical language.  The principal language spoken is Amharic, which is also the official language of the modern state.

Ethiopia is a land of extraordinary natural contrasts, from the rugged Simien Mountains in the north to the depths of the Danakil depression which, at 120 metres below sea level is one the lowest dry land regions on earth.  Indeed, the Simiens have been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for their incredible natural beauty, and with some 25 peaks rising above 4,000 metres (the highest is Ras Dashen at 4,543 metres) are known as the roof of Africa.

Here are some of the key areas to visit or sights to see include Addis Ababa, Bahar Dar (Lake Tana and the Blue Nile), Gondar (Camelot of Africa), Axum (home of Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant), Lalibela (a revered Christian site) and the stunning Simien Mountains.