Ethiopia is the oldest state existent in Africa today and one of the oldest in the world. It looks back on more than 2,500 years of history and is regarded – with other states in eastern Africa – as the cradle of mankind. It was here that relics of the celebrated "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis) were discovered in 1974.

More than 80 languages are spoken by Ethiopia's 77 million inhabitants; a population made up of many different ethnic groups varying in size. Despite its geographic situation south of the Sahara, Ethiopia's development has been strongly influenced by the Middle East. Religious affiliations are as heterogeneous as the ethnic groups: the population is divided into Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Sunnite Muslims – the two main religious bodies – but there are also Roman Catholics, Jews, Hindus and adherents of natural religions.

ADDIS ABEBA

Addis Abeba has almost 3 million inhabitants. It is the capital of Ethiopia and also hosts the headquarters of both the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union. The city is not only the political but also the social and economic centre of the country.

Despite its importance, Addis Abeba is a poor city. Urban planning collapsed when facing the population explosion in the sixties. Once the pearl amongst African capitals, much has been lost. Many people still live without running water or electricity, and less than 10% of the inhabitants are connected to the sewerage system introduced during the brief Italian colonial rule.

Never-ending wars have bequeathed innumerable veterans and mutilated beggars are a common sight. AIDS has made a striking impact on the urban image: omnipresent in the "safer sex" posters or in the little orphaned children – far too small and frail for their age – wandering helplessly through the streets. Despite intensified information campaigns launched in recent years, no effective control of the disease is yet in sight. Hopes are pinned on the steadily rising middle class to achieve a gradual stabilization of the economy and bring happier days to Ethiopia.

The official language of the country is Amharic, but English is used in education. Ever since the absolute monarchy was abolished by a military putsch in 1974, the country has been in a state of constant instability. Everlasting frontier disputes with neighbouring Eritrea and many civil wars have weakened Ethiopia. Over one million people died in the terrible famine in the mid-eighties. This has led Ethiopia to become one of the poorest developing countries in the world, listed No.170 in a total of 177 in the Index of Human Development.

The major problems confronting Ethiopia are poor nutrition, an inadequate public health system, rapid population growth and one of the lowest standards of education in the world. The AIDS rate in Ethiopia is third highest in Africa and one of the highest worldwide.

Nevertheless, Ethiopia still has an enormous potential. The concept of self-help is deeply rooted in Ethiopian society, its agriculture is capable of wider development, and profitable mineral resources have not been exploited. Furthermore the enormous variety of flora and fauna due to Ethiopia's exceptional geographical position is surely a unique tourist attraction for nature lovers.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Income: 80.7% of the populace live on less than USD 2 per day

Rate of illiteracy: men 30%, women 56%

Life expectation: men 41 years, women 43 years

Purchasing Power: BIP per capita USD 160 (compared to USD 36,980 in Austria)

Unemployment: 30%

(Source: UN, World Bank, 2005, 2006)