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COUNTRY INFORMATION

NAME OF COUNTRY

GEOGRAPHY

CLIMATE

HISTORY

PEOPLE

ECONOMY

POLITICS

CAPITAL CITY

ETHIOPIAN FLAG

CALENDAR & TIME

Population

With a population of 60 million (mid-1999 estimate), Ethiopia represents a melting pot of ancient Middle Eastern and African cultures evident in the religious, ethnic, and language composition of its Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic, and Nilotic peoples. The annual population growth rate is about 2.2% (mid-1999 estimate) and 85% of the population is rural.

The economically active segment that makes up about 50% of the total population is between ages 14 and 60. The age structure of the population is as follows: 46% under 15 years, 51% between 15 and 64 years, and 3% 65 years and above. The ratio of males to females at birth is 1.03, between ages 15 and 64 years 1.01, and at 65 years and above 0.83. The birth rate is 44.5 per 1,000 people and the death rate is 21.3 per 1,000 people. Total fertility rate is 6.85 children per woman and the average life expectancy is 40.85 years, with males living an average of 39.76 years and females 41.97 years. The net migration rate is -1.33 per 1,000 people. [All the figures here are based on mid-1999 estimates].

Ethnic Groups

Ethiopia is the home of about 100 ethnic groups. The 1995 constitution recognizes nine "nationalities" that provide the framework for the federal state.

Languages

Ethiopia is a country with many nations and nationalities where numerous languages are spoken. Recent studies report that 99 languages are spoken in the country. Amharic and English are the de facto languages of the state, with greater emphasis being placed on other languages in the official media and the educational system. The working languages of the national/regional government may differ according to regions. The other major local languages are Guaragigna, Oromigna, Somali, and Tigrigna. Other languages of international significance that are widely spoken include Arabic, French, and Italian.

Religion

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest religious organizations in the world that traces its roots to 300 A.D. About 45% of the population identifies itself as Ethiopian Orthodox. Muslims make up approximately 40-45% of the population. The remainder 10-15% practices various religions, including protestant (Christian) and other indigenous religions. Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the 4th Century and Islam was introduced to Ethiopia in the lifetime (7th Century) of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed. Religion is a very big component of Ethiopian history and culture, and as a consequence, Ethioworld has dedicated a section to it. To learn more about religion, click here.

Family and Gender Roles

The extended family is the core of Ethiopian society. All aspect of one's life are governed by family interactions. In times of need, in particular, the support of the family and religion are key.

Traditionally, men are deemed to be the provider and caretaker of the family and thus granted more authority in Ethiopian society. As in many other societies, the role of women, traditionally tends to be as caretaker of the home.