Ethiopia: flag, capital, currency and history
Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Addis Ababa. The currency is the Ethiopian birr. Languages spoken include Amharic.
Quick facts about Ethiopia
- Official name
- Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
- Capital
- Addis Ababa
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Ethiopian birr (ETB, Br)
- Languages
- Amharic
- Calling code
- +251
- Internet domain
- .et
- Area
- 1,104,300 km² (426,372 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Ethiopian
- National day
- Downfall of the Derg Day, May 28
Flag of Ethiopia
Download the flag of Ethiopia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇪🇹.
History of Ethiopia
Ethiopia's highlands were home to early states such as the Kingdom of Aksum, which adopted Christianity in the fourth century. After a period of decline, the Solomonic dynasty took power in 1270 and ruled for centuries. In the late nineteenth century Emperor Menelik II expanded the empire and defeated Italy at Adwa in 1896. Italy occupied the country from 1936 to 1941. Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed in 1974 and a military government, the Derg, ruled until 1991. A federal constitution was adopted in 1995. Addis Ababa is the capital and hosts the African Union.
Key dates
- c. 1st centuryThe Kingdom of Aksum emerges in the northern highlands.
- 4th centuryAksum adopts Christianity under King Ezana.
- 1270The Solomonic dynasty takes power.
- 1896Ethiopian forces defeat Italy at the Battle of Adwa.
- 1936Italy occupies Ethiopia; it is liberated with British assistance in 1941.
- 1974Emperor Haile Selassie is deposed and the Derg takes power.
- 1995A federal constitution comes into force.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Ethiopia
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian birr (ETB, Br). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Ethiopia?
The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa.
What currency does Ethiopia use?
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian birr (ETB, symbol Br).
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia?
Languages used in Ethiopia include Amharic.
What is the calling code of Ethiopia?
The international calling code of Ethiopia is +251. Its internet domain is .et.
Which countries border Ethiopia?
Ethiopia shares land borders with Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.
On which continent is Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Ethiopia?
Ethiopia marks Downfall of the Derg Day on May 28.
Neighbours of Ethiopia
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).