Country Profile: Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is distinguished by its rich cultural and religious diversity, home to over 80 ethnic groups. The country is a landlocked nation, characterized by a high plateau and the Great Rift Valley, leading to varied climatic conditions. With a burgeoning population projected to exceed 121 million by 2025, Ethiopia faces challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and ongoing ethnic conflicts. Economically, it is classified as low-income yet fast-growing, struggling with widespread unemployment and reliance on agriculture alongside efforts toward private-sector development.

Geography

Ethiopia boasts a strategic location in Eastern Africa, bordered by six countries, including Sudan and Somalia. The terrain predominantly consists of a high plateau punctuated by the Great Rift Valley, with the highest point being Ras Dejen at 4,550 meters. As the most populous landlocked country globally, it faces unique geographical challenges, including drought and natural hazards due to its seismic activity.

1,104,300 sq km: Total area
1,096,570 sq km: Land area
7,730 sq km: Water area
34.1%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)
23.7%: Forest cover (2023 est.)
0 km: Coastline (landlocked)

People and Society

Ethiopia's population is projected to reach 121,372,632 by 2025, with significant ethnic diversity marked by groups such as the Oromo and Amhara. The country has a youthful demographic structure, with a median age of 20.6 years. Ethiopian society is characterized by a rich tapestry of languages and religions, contributing to its vibrant cultural heritage.

60.5%: Literacy rate (2022 est.)
29.08 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
31.3 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025 est.)
67.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
23.2%: Urban population (2023)

Economy

Ethiopia's economy is primarily low-income and fast-growing, with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service sectors. Agriculture plays a vital role, providing employment and sustenance to many families. Despite real GDP growth, challenges such as widespread poverty, inflation, and unemployment persist, jeopardizing economic stability.

$380.895 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
3.4%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
80.2%: Household consumption (GDP, 2024 est.)
34.9%: Agriculture sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
21%: Inflation rate (2024 est.)

Government

Ethiopia operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with a complex governance structure influenced by its diverse ethnic composition. The government is characterized by a bicameral legislature and has undergone significant reforms aimed at encouraging political stability and participation since the 2018 transition of power.

$8.808 billion: Government revenues (2023 est.)
$12.49 billion: Government expenditures (2023 est.)
18 years: Minimum voting age

Military and Security

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is responsible for the country's defense, facing ongoing internal and external security challenges. Ethiopia's military expenditures have fluctuated, reflecting the ongoing need to address threats from various insurgent groups.

0.7%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
150-300,000: Active-duty defense personnel (2025 est.)
1,500: Troops deployed to South Sudan (2025)

Energy

Ethiopia's energy sector is primarily dependent on hydroelectricity, which constitutes the bulk of its installed capacity. However, access to electricity remains a challenge, especially in rural areas.

55%: Total electrification rate (2022 est.)
5.69 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
96.5%: Hydroelectricity share of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Ethiopia faces various environmental issues including deforestation, soil erosion, and water shortages. The government has engaged in multiple international environmental agreements to combat these challenges.

12.8%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
18.519 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
34.1%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Ethiopia includes a network of railways and roads, facilitating trade and movement. The country has undertaken efforts to improve its air transport capabilities.

58: Number of airports (2025)
659 km: Total railway length (2017)

Communications

Ethiopia's communications sector is developing, characterized by a growing number of mobile cellular subscriptions. However, internet usage remains relatively low compared to population size.

85.9 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
17%: Internet penetration (2021 est.)
766,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	121,372,632 (2025 est.)
Area	1,104,300 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$380.895 billion (2024)
Energy consumption per capita	2.366 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth rate	29.08 births/1,000 (2025)
Unemployment rate	3.4% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	67.7 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	60.5% (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate	31.3 deaths/1,000 (2025)