Capital: Addis Ababa
Area: 1.13 million km2
Population: 85.0000000
Population density: 75 inv/km2
Population Growth (per annum): 2.5%
Life expectancy: men 48, women 51 years
Major languages: Amharic

Government: republic
National Day: May 28

Flag of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is basically the only country in Africa that has never been colonized by a European nation even if parts of Ethiopia was occupied by Italy during the years 1936-1941. Since Ethiopia has never been a colony, the country was often a role model for African states, which became independent in 1950 – and 1960′s. Several countries have therefore used the Ethiopian colors of green, yellow and red in their flags.

Ethiopia has no coastline and is located in a mountainous part of eastern Africa.

Ethiopia today is a very poor country. Drought and famine hear unfortunately all too often an everyday occurrence here.

Despite severe problems in the country, Ethiopia has still managed to get several very talented distance runners. At the Olympic Games and World Championships in Athletics tend Ethiopia often bring home several medals. Two of the nation’s leading runners ever are Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele.