Location: Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia is located in the North east of Africa lying between latitudes, 3 – 18degree north and 33 – 48 degree east. Covering 1,251,282 square km twice the size of France. Ethiopia’s neighboring countries are Eritrea and Djibouti on the northeast, on the east and southeast by Somalia, on the south by Kenya and on the west by Sudan.

Climate: Ethiopia has two main seasons, the dry season from October though to May, and the rainy season from June to September. However, in the southwestern part of the country, the rainy season is from March to May, with an average temperature of 25° C.
The best time to visit Ethiopia is from September to May.

Population: Ethiopia has an estimated population of 70,000,000 inhabitants with 80 ethnic groups, the third highest population in Africa. The annual birth rate is 3% and life expectancy 50 years. About 85 per of the population earn their living from the land, mainly as subsistence farmers. Agriculture is the backbone for the country and the common exports items are coffee, oil seeds, pulses, flowers and vegetables.

Language: More than 80 languages are spoken in Ethiopia and around 200 dialects are also in use. Ethiopia claims to be the only country in Africa to have its own language Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia. The second official language, English, is very well understood in most hotels and major towns. Italian, Arabic and French are also widely understood.

Time and Calander:Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar which is seven years and eight months younger than the rest of the world! In the Julian calendar, a year comprises thirteen months; twelve of these months have 30 days. The 13th month has 5 or 6 days depending on leap year. Ethiopia is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Health medical facilities: are found in almost every part of the country. However, all visitors must be in possession of valid vaccination certificates against yellow fever, and vaccinations against hepatitis and cholera are recommended. Malaria precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands

Communication: Telephone, internet, postal, telex and fax services are available in the capital, major cities and towns. The dialing code is +251. Major towns and cities are connected with properly maintained highways of asphalt and gravel. The road system covers about 30,000km.

Currency: The Ethiopian Birr is the national Currency and, while visitors may bring in as foreign currency as they wish. there is no limitation on bringing foreign currency Credit cards are not widely accepted outside the major establishments in the cities. Currently 1USD is equivalent to about 9.65 Birr although rates do change from time to time.)

Electricity: Electrical supply is generally 220 volts 50 cycles AC. Sockets are with 2 holes. A universal two – prong adapter is recommended.

Food and Clothing: it is very easy to find a variety of international and other specialty restaurants in all major towns of Ethiopia, it is part of your Ethiopian experience to try local dishes. Injera is the common dish in the country made out of Teff prepared like a pan cake served with a variety of fasting (vegetarian) and non fasting wots, sauces.

Tourists are recommended to have light cotton clothing with sunglasses and a hat in the warm lowlands, while in the highlands medium-weight clothing, cap, gloves and warm jacket are appropriate. During the rainy season a light raincoat and umbrella are essential, and a sweater is best for chilly evenings. The sun can be very strong in low altitudes, so a strong sunscreen is important

Photography: while the scenic beauty of Ethiopia makes it a photographer's paradise, photographs should not be taken of military or strategic buildings including airports. Before photographing any person, religious festival or rural homestead, it is courteous to ask permission. Generally 100 ASA is available, slide film usually not.

Visa: Visas can be obtained from any diplomatic mission, Ethiopian Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, through your tour operator or at Addis Ababa airport. USD20 is required as your departure tax. However nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charge. The list includes Argentina , Australia , Belgium , Brazil , Canada , China , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Greek, Ireland , Israel , Japan , Republic of Korea , Kuwait , Luxembourg , Mexico , Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Russia Federation, South Africa , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Taiwan , United Kingdom and United States . However your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.