Ethiopia

Main Ethnic Groups

Some History The earliest evidence: around 1000BC when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon. – The imperial family of Ethiopia claims its origin directly from the offspring of the Queen of Sheba by King Solomon.EthiopiaKing Solomon First recorded kingdom in Ethiopia grew around Axum during the 3rd century BC.

Christianity adopted when the king was converted around 330 AD; an ancient and unique form of Christianity Continuous conflict with the expanding Islamic movement, ultimately with the Ottoman Empire

Ras Tafari In 1916, Haile Selassie, born Prince Ras Tafari Makonnen, was proclaimed Emperor in 1930 Mussolini invaded, 1936, (the League of Nations did nothing) Expelled by Ethiopians and Brits in 1941 Eritrian situation: Under UK control; Joined with Ethiopia in a Federation in 1952 Annexed outright in 1962 Guerrilla war breaks out Independence in 1991; Warfare with Ethiopia on and off ever since

Highly inequitable pattern of development for many years; 1974: a social revolution and a group of junior army officers led by Mengistu Haile Miriam imposed a military Marxist dictatorship. Expelled Americans Some radical reforms Somalis invade to reclaim Ogaden USSR & Cuba back Ethiopia U.S. backs Somalia

Radicalization under Mengistu: ‘People's committees‘ tried to control the everyday people’s lives Many people were forcibly moved in an attempt to counter famine. Conscription into the army called on ever man from 18 to 70 years old. Mengistu left in 1991 Reasonable internal stability since 1991 Development record: very weak

Basic Information on Ethiopia Demographic: Population: 79.1 million (2007) Population Growth Rate:2.9% per annum (Doubling every 24 years) Fertility Rate:5.3 children per woman Life Expectancy: 53 years Human Development Index: 1985: : :.406 Rank in World:# 169 Rank in Africa:# 30

Economic Indicators: GDP per capita (PPP) in 2005:$ 1,055 GDP per capita (PPP) Africa:$ 1,998 GDP Growth rate, per capita, : 1.5 % p.a. Arable land per person: 1.7 hectares Arable land as %of total: 13% Gini Coefficient:.30 (among the most equal in the world)

Exports: $ 1.28 billion; or about $16.20 per inhabitant Manufactured Exports as % of Total: 13% for Africa: 34% Development Assistance as % of GDP:17.3% for Africa: 5.1%