Ethiopia is a beautiful country in the Horn of Africa. It is the most populous landlocked country in the world and the second most populous nation of Africa. There are more than 102 million inhabitants and the total area is 1.1 million square miles. The capital city of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa. In terms of elevation, it is the 4th highest capital city in the world.

More than 83 languages are spoken in Ethiopia and over 200 dialects. The national language of Ethiopia is Amharic. 

The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months and is 7 to 8 years behind the Western calendar. This means that when it is 2019 in the rest of the world, it is 2011 or 2012 in Ethiopia. The 13th month only has 5 days, or 6 in a leap year.

Ethiopia ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, with 1/3 of the population living in abject povery on less than $ 1.25 USD per day

10% of Ethiopian children are orphans

Less than 50% of the population of Ethiopia can read and write

72% of the population lacks access to improved sanitation

Just over 50% of the population has access to improved drinking water

Life expectancy at birth is 62 years of age

Although child marriage is illegal in Ethiopia, 49% of girls marry before the age of 18 and 1 in 5 Ethiopian girls is married by the age of 15

Christmas ("Genna") is celebrated on January 7th

New Year's Day is celebrated on September 11th

Ethiopian cuisine consists primarily of vegetables and spicy meat dishes in the form of a "wat" (a thick stew), served on Injera, a traditional sourdough flatbread. Injera is used as an alernative to silverwear. Ethiopians traditionally eat with their right hand only, and will commonly feed friends or family by placing food into their mouths in an act of friendship and love known as Gursha.

It is commonly thought that coffee has it's origins in Ethiopia. Coffee beans are the largest export of Ethiopia, and coffee is an integral part of Ethiopian culture. Coffee ceremonies are traditionally held
following large meals. 

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Fulfilling the Vision: BCI Seeks Partners to Complete School for Orphans in Ethiopia, Africa