Country Profile: Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is characterized by a rich cultural heritage and diverse population of over 118 million people. The country's geography features a high plateau and significant natural resources, including small reserves of gold, copper, and hydropower. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Ethiopia faces socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and food insecurity, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and environmental factors. Despite these challenges, it exhibits a rapidly growing economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and private sector reforms.

Geography

Ethiopia is a landlocked country in Eastern Africa with an area of approximately 1,104,300 square kilometers. The terrain consists of a high plateau divided by the Great Rift Valley, featuring the highest peak, Ras Dejen, at 4,550 meters. The climate is classified as tropical monsoon, with significant variations in elevation affecting climate and vegetation.

1,104,300 sq km: Total area (2024)
34.1%: Agricultural land (2023)
5,925 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries
0 km: Coastline since Ethiopia is landlocked
43%: Electrification in rural areas (2022)

People and Society

Ethiopia is home to more than 80 ethnic groups, predominantly Oromo (35.8%) and Amhara (24.1%). It has a population of approximately 118.6 million, with a youthful median age of 20.4 years. The country has a rich linguistic diversity, with Oromo and Amharic as the most widely spoken languages. Additionally, Ethiopian society is religiously diverse, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Islam being the two major faiths.

118.6 million: Total population (2024)
43.8%: Ethiopian Orthodox Christians (2016)
29.6 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024)
60.5%: Literacy rate (2022)
3.4%: Elderly dependency ratio (2024)

Economy

Ethiopia's economy is classified as low-income, characterized by rapid growth yet facing widespread poverty and food insecurity. The agricultural sector accounts for a significant portion of GDP, while the economy is transitioning to include more industrial and service-based activities. Key exports include coffee and textiles, with an emphasis on boosting private-sector growth.

$380.9 billion: Estimated GDP (PPP, 2024)
7.3%: Projected GDP growth rate (2024)
34.9%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024)
3.4%: Unemployment rate (2024)
23.5%: Population below the poverty line (2015)

Government

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is governed by a parliamentary republic system with a bicameral legislature. The capital, Addis Ababa, serves as the political and administrative center. The nation operates under a constitution adopted in 1994, focusing on regional self-governance. Ethiopia has a history of political transitions, the most recent being the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed since 2018.

Addis Ababa: Capital city
547: Seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives
President TAYE Atske Selassie: Current head of state (2024)
18 years: Minimum voting age
Prime Minister ABIY Ahmed Ali: Current head of government (since April 2018)

Military and Security

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) encompasses army, air force, and naval forces, with an estimated active personnel strength of 150,000 to 300,000. The military faces both external threats from neighboring countries and internal conflicts, particularly ethnic-based violence.

1%: Estimated military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023)
10,000: Troops deployed in Somalia (2024)
1,500: Troops in South Sudan (2024)
0.7%: Estimated military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024)
18-22 years: Age for voluntary military service

Energy

Ethiopia's energy sector is largely dominated by hydroelectricity, constituting over 96% of its installed generation capacity. Despite these resources, electricity access remains limited, particularly in rural areas. The focus on expanding energy access and generation capabilities is critical for supporting economic growth.

5.69 million kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023)
55%: Total electrification rate (2022)
12.298 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023)
1,762 million kWh: Electricity exports (2023)
43%: Electrification in rural areas (2022)

Environment

Ethiopia faces a range of environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion, exacerbated by poor water management. The nation participates in multiple international environmental agreements, highlighting its commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

23.7%: Forest cover (2023)
34.1%: Agricultural land (2023)
6.533 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024)
122 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022)
18.519 million metric tons: Total CO2 emissions (2023)

Transportation

Ethiopia's transportation infrastructure includes a growing network of railways and airports. The country has 58 airports and the electric railway linking Addis Ababa and Djibouti enhances connectivity. The government continues to invest in improving transportation access to boost economic development.

58: Airports (2025)
659 km: Railways (2017)
12: Merchant marine vessels (2023)
1: Heliport (2025)
342 km: Border with Djibouti

Communications

Ethiopia's telecommunications sector is rapidly evolving, with a noteworthy increase in mobile cellular subscriptions. Though fixed-line density remains low, the country is making strides towards improving internet access among its population.

71.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
862,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2022)
17%: Internet user penetration (2021)
566,000: Broadband fixed subscriptions (2022)
45: Community radio stations (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	118,550,298	Estimated 2024
Area	1,104,300 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$380.9 billion	Estimated 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	Estimated 2024
Birth Rate	29.6 births/1,000 people	Estimated 2024
Life Expectancy	67.7 years	Estimated 2024
Literacy Rate	60.5%	Estimated 2022
Total Energy Consumption	12.298 billion kWh	Estimated 2023
Electrification Rate	55%	Total population (2022)
Military Expenditure (% of GDP)	1%	Estimated 2023