Ethiopia
The People
Ethiopia is a wonderfully diverse country. As the second-most populous African country, over 80 languages and ethnic groups call Ethiopia home ("Ethiopia" One World Nations Online). The variety of people and cultures in Ethiopia is one of it's most beautiful characteristics. The vast majority of Ethiopians are Christian or Muslim, although other religions do exist (Mehretu). When it comes to etiquette, Ethiopians are very respectful and courteous, and give many pleasantries during greetings or when hosting a meal ("Ethiopia" Countries and their Cultures). In juxtaposition, social stratification divides Ethiopia, particularly in more orthodox or rural areas. In the cities, one's job has the greatest impact on one's position in society, with some jobs automatically indicating a position in the lower classes ("Ethiopia" Countries and their Cultures). In this, Ethiopian society reflects the social structure of the U.S. and much of Europe.
The Beauty
Ethiopia boasts many beauties, both physical and historical. It hosts two mountain ranges and many lakes, one of which, lake Tana, feeds the Blue Nile ("Ethiopia Geography"). Much like its population, Ethiopia's geographical forms are diverse. They range from volcanoes to lakes to deserts to forests (Baker). This diversity adds to Ethiopia's beauty and uniqueness. In addition to physical beauty, Ethiopia has one monumental characteristic in particular that sets it apart. According to BBC News, "Ethiopia is Africa's oldest independent country" [and it] "served as a symbol of African independence throughout the colonial period." Ethiopia is a country founded on freedom that brought hope to continent during a
time of immense persecution and dehumanization. This is beautiful indeed.
time of immense persecution and dehumanization. This is beautiful indeed.
Difficulties and Challenges
As with every country, Ethiopia faces difficulties and challenges today. The elephant in the room is the drought which continues to push and test Ethiopia's resiliency as a country and as a people. The drought has cause food shortages across Ethiopia, and in August, hunger faced well over eight million Ethiopians ("Drought-stricken herders in Ethiopia need urgent support"). As the humanitarian crisis mounts, conflict follows. Pressure is mounting between the government and the citizens, and the pot has already boiled over. Last year, when protests about the government’s land plans turned into protests about civil rights, Ethiopia “security forces [killed] 650 anti-government protesters,” and the government of Ethiopia has yet to try any of the security forces in public (Statford). This year, in October, 10 anti-government protestors who had previously protested against the federal sugar company were shot by Ethiopian security forces (“10 killed as Ethiopia forces clash with protesters in Oromia”). The challenges facing Ethiopia look grim; the emblem of African independence will need the help of its international allies to overcome them.
Works Cited
Baker, Michael. “What Type of Landforms Cover Ethiopia?” USA Today,
www.traveltips.usatoday.com/t ype-landforms-cover-ethiopia-106016.html. Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Drought-stricken herders in Ethiopia need urgent support." M2 Presswire, 11 Aug.2017. General OneFile, Accessed 8
Dec. 2017.
“Ethiopia.” Countries and their Cultures, www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Ethiopia.html. Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Ethiopia country profile.” BBC News, 4 Jan. 2018, Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Ethiopia Geography.” World Atlas, www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/ethiopia/etland. htm.
Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Ethiopia.” One World Nations Online, www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/ethiopia.htm. Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
Mehretu, Assefa, et. al. “Ethiopia.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 19 Sept. 2017, Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
Stratford, Charles. “Ethiopia’s bereaved families seek justice.” Al Jazeera, 5 Sept. 2017, Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.
“10 killed as Ethiopia forces clash with protesters in Oromia.” Africanews., 26 Oct. 2017, Accessed 8 Dec. 2017.
www.traveltips.usatoday.com/t ype-landforms-cover-ethiopia-106016.html. Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Drought-stricken herders in Ethiopia need urgent support." M2 Presswire, 11 Aug.2017. General OneFile, Accessed 8
Dec. 2017.
“Ethiopia.” Countries and their Cultures, www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Ethiopia.html. Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Ethiopia country profile.” BBC News, 4 Jan. 2018, Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Ethiopia Geography.” World Atlas, www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/ethiopia/etland. htm.
Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
“Ethiopia.” One World Nations Online, www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/ethiopia.htm. Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
Mehretu, Assefa, et. al. “Ethiopia.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 19 Sept. 2017, Accessed 8 Jan. 2018.
Stratford, Charles. “Ethiopia’s bereaved families seek justice.” Al Jazeera, 5 Sept. 2017, Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.
“10 killed as Ethiopia forces clash with protesters in Oromia.” Africanews., 26 Oct. 2017, Accessed 8 Dec. 2017.
Background image borrowed from Ashanti African Tours: http://ashantiafricantours.com/ethiopia/