Land
Ethiopia’s surface area, 1,235,000 Square kilometers makes it the second largest country in Africa. Out of 65 percent arable land, only 15 percent is presently cultivated. The unique Ethiopian plateau, covers above half of the total area is cut by The Great East African Rift Valley.

Climate
The climate of Ethiopia highly depends on the altitudinal variation. Generally, the average temperature ranges from 14-18 degree centigrade in high lands and to 24-33 degree centigrade in low lands areas. The rainy season occurs between mid June and September and interrupted by a small rain in March.

Natural Resource and Economy
The major natural resource and backbone of Ethiopian economy is Agriculture. The multi weather condition permits production of various agricultural products. Iron, copper, petroleum, salt, potash, gold and platinum also contribute a lot to the economy.

Flora and Fauna
The great variation in elevation enables Ethiopia to be a paradise of every African vegetation like Savanna grasses and Afro-alpine vegetations which inhabits wild life such as Giraffe, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Lion, Elephant, antelope and Rhinoceros. Caracal, Jackal, Hyena, and various species of monkey are common. Ethiopia is also a home of more than 800 Bird species including the 21 endemic.

Population
The population of Ethiopia is estimated to be 66,657,553.Of these, 80% is dependant on Agriculture; mostly on subsistence farming. Coffee is the major cash crop. Originally, the word coffee is named after the name of high coffee producing region of South West Ethiopia, Kaffa.

Government
Ethiopia is being lead by Federal Republic having 14 regions.

When to Travel
Touring in Ethiopia may depend on where you are going. Rainy season in Omo and Mago areas, from March to June and few in November makes surface tour difficult. However, the historic route can be visited all round the year by surface and flight.

Medical Care
Visitors are supposed to be certified for Yellow fever vaccination, and highly recommended to be immunized for Polio, Typhoid, and Hepatitis. For the fact that, most of Ethiopia’s high elevation, Malaria is not as such a problem in most tourist destinations; however, seasonal Malaria occurs in lowland areas especially in Rift valley lakes after the rainy season. Thus, while traveling to those areas, it is advisable to carry first aid packs, mosquito repellent creams. Of course, most Hotels provide mosquito nets and anti-mosquito sprays.

Hotels and Meal
Ethiopian National dish, ‘injera’ with variety of spiced strew having cocked meat, vegetables, pulse, is recommended to travelers especially at the end of the trip. Almost all types of European dishes are available in tourist standard hotels and Restaurants.
Big Hotels including five stars The Hilton and Sheraton Addis as well as many big tourist class Hotels are available in Addis Ababa to the standard of tour requirements. In the historic North there are quality standard Hotels by far better than South Omo, which still have spacious rooms and privet bath.

Transportation
Ethiopian airline offers an extensive and safe domestic flight service to the historic route and Diredawa every day; and at least two times a week to Arbaminch, Jinka, gambella and Jimma. However, delays and cancellations occur very often.
Ground transportation also offers a great deal of experience to dramatic Ethiopian topography and rural life. Currently there is an extensive package of up grading the road condition to cop up with the desired standard.

Finance and Related facts
There is no limit on the amount of currency imported .Travelers check, EURO and US $ are the most common forms of payment at Tourist class hotels and big shops however, other forms of card payment including credit card, visa card, American Express are acceptable only for flight and big hotels, Sheraton Addis and The Hilton. Money change should be made at any corner of government and privet banks, accredited Hotels, airports up on arrival. The exchange rate currently fluctuate around 8.5 Birr for a U.S. $.

Visas
Visa may be obtained at Ethiopian diplomatic mission overseas; however, nationals of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United kingdom and united States are allowed to receive their visas up on arrival in Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport.

Airport Tax
U.S $ 20 for international departure and U.S $ 1.2 for domestic flight.

Electricity
220 Volts and 50 A.C

Filming and Photography
Legal filming companies and journalists should get filming permit from ministry of Information and culture. However, individual tourists can freely make filming and photography with limited charge. For further information use our contact address.