ethiopia

 Ethiopia

Official Title: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Total Land Area: 1,120,000 square kilometres

Estimated Population (2025): 111,702,000

Official Language: None

Official Religion: None

 

History and Political Landscape

Ethiopia, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked nation located in the Horn of Africa. As of 2023, it ranks as the second-most populous country in Africa, boasting a population of around 126.5 million people. Additionally, Ethiopia is recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, projecting an estimated growth rate of 8.1% for FY2023/24. However, it continues to face challenges as one of the poorest nations, with a per capita gross national income of $1,020. The capital city is Addis Ababa.

 

Ethiopia possesses a rich and ancient heritage, with indications that anatomically modern humans originated from this area. The nation's history features the Kingdom of Aksum, which embraced Christianity in the 4th century, along with the Solomonic dynasty. Ethiopia successfully preserved its independence during the Scramble for Africa, although it was occupied by Fascist Italy in 1936 until its liberation during World War II.

 

Economy and Development

At present, Ethiopia operates as a federal parliamentary republic. The Prime Minister serves as the head of government, while the President, who holds mainly ceremonial authority, acts as the head of state. Currently, Abiy Ahmed is the Prime Minister, and Taye Atske Selassie is the President. Nevertheless, the political landscape is intricate, characterised by internal strife and ethnic violence, especially in the Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia regions. The U.S. Department of State recommends reevaluating travel to Ethiopia due to the potential for civil unrest and armed conflict, advising against travel to certain specific areas.

 

Ethiopia's economy has seen considerable growth in recent years, driven by a state-led development model that has enhanced infrastructure and living conditions. The nation aims to achieve lower-middle-income status by 2025. The agricultural sector remains the largest part of the economy, contributing over 37% to the gross domestic product as of 2022. However, Ethiopia grapples with various challenges, including high poverty rates, human rights abuses, and food insecurity. The Human Capital Index of the country is low, and a large segment of the workforce continues to rely on agriculture.

 

Intercountry Adoption

The government has initiated a macroeconomic reform initiative aimed at stabilising the economy and fostering growth, which includes transitioning to market-driven exchange rates and implementing a new monetary policy framework based on interest rates.

 

In certain circumstances, intercountry adoptions from Ethiopia to the United States may be feasible. Ethiopia is not a signatory to the Hague Adoption Convention. In 2018, the Ethiopian Parliament enacted legislation that effectively halted adoptions by non-Ethiopian citizens. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens of Ethiopian descent might still have the opportunity to adopt a child from Ethiopia under specific conditions. Prospective adoptive parents are required to show significant connections to Ethiopia, such as being born there or having previously held Ethiopian citizenship. The adoption process necessitates compliance with the regulations set forth by both the Ethiopian government and U.S. immigration law, which includes being deemed suitable and eligible to adopt by USCIS.

 

Safety and Security

Intercountry adoptions to the United States from Ethiopia may be possible in certain situations.

The security landscape in Ethiopia is fluid and may worsen unexpectedly. The Australian government recommends reevaluating travel to Ethiopia in general because of the potential for civil unrest and the risk of armed conflict. Similarly, the U.S. Department of State suggests reconsidering travel and has issued "Do Not Travel" advisories for various areas due to intermittent violent conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Travelers are urged to keep an eye on local news, heed the guidance of local officials, and prepare contingency plans.

 

Health

Ethiopia is confronted with major health issues, such as communicable diseases, inadequate sanitation, and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organisation's 2006 World Health Report, there were 1,936 physicians reported in 2003, equating to about 2.6 per 100,000 people. The Australian government indicates that health services in Addis Ababa are restricted, while those in rural regions are insufficient. Yellow fever and malaria exist in Ethiopia, and travellers need to take appropriate precautions.

 

Additional Information

Ethiopia boasts a rich cultural tapestry shaped by Semitic, Cushitic, and Nilo-Saharan language speakers. The nation observes multiple local calendars, notably the Ethiopian calendar, which lags about seven years and three months behind the Gregorian calendar. Traditional Ethiopian food is characterised by a variety of stews and vegetable dishes, typically accompanied by injera, a type of sourdough flatbread.

 

ethiopia

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