Country Profile: Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is characterized by its diverse geography and rich cultural heritage, home to over 80 ethnic groups. The country is landlocked, bordered by six nations, and has a population exceeding 121 million. Ethiopia's economy is one of the fastest-growing in the region, yet it faces challenges such as poverty and food insecurity. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, the country has experienced significant political changes in recent years, aiming for stability and unity among its various ethnic groups.

Geography

Ethiopia is situated in Eastern Africa, sharing borders with Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The country is largely a high plateau, divided by the Great Rift Valley, with significant elevation variations, including its highest peak, Ras Dejen at 4,550 meters. Its climate is predominantly tropical monsoon, with diverse ecosystems that range from highlands to arid lowlands.

• 1,104,300 sq km total area, making it slightly less than twice the size of Texas.
• 7,730 sq km of water bodies, including Lake Tana, the largest freshwater lake.
• 34.1% of land is used for agriculture as of 2023.
• Notable rivers include the 1,600 km long Blue Nile, a major contributor to the Nile River system.
• Ethiopia is classified as the most populous landlocked country globally.

People and Society

Ethiopia's population is projected to reach 121,372,632 by 2025, with significant ethnic diversity. The major ethnic groups include the Oromo (35.8%), Amhara (24.1%), and Somali (7.2%). The country is predominantly Christian, with a substantial Muslim population, showcasing a mix of cultures and languages, including Oromo and Amharic.

• 38.7% of the population is aged 0-14 years, indicating a young demographic.
• Urbanization stands at 23.2% of the total population as of 2023.
• 60.5% literacy rate as of 2022, with a significant gender gap.
• 67.7 years is the life expectancy at birth for the total population as of 2024.
• 195 deaths per 100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio (2023 est.).

Economy

Ethiopia's economy is classified as low-income yet experiences rapid growth. The key challenges include widespread poverty and food insecurity, often exacerbated by conflict and environmental issues. The agriculture sector remains vital, comprising nearly 35% of GDP. Efforts to enhance private-sector growth are underway amid high inflation and unemployment.

• Real GDP (PPP) estimated at $380.895 billion in 2024.
• 7.3% real GDP growth projected for 2024.
• 34.9% of GDP is from agriculture (2024).
• 3.4% unemployment rate expected in 2024.
• 23.5% of the population was below the poverty line in 2015.

Government

Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic with Addis Ababa as its capital. Governed by a constitution adopted in 1994, the nation comprises 12 regional states and a bicameral legislature. Recent political transitions reflect the ongoing struggle for stability amidst ethnic tensions.

• The current Prime Minister is Abiy Ahmed Ali, in office since April 2018.
• 547 members in the House of People's Representatives, with 41.9% women representation.
• 18 years is the minimum voting age for universal suffrage.
• The Constitution allows for amendments requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Military and Security

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is responsible for defending the country's sovereignty and maintaining internal security. The military has faced significant challenges due to ethnic conflicts and has been active in regional peacekeeping efforts.

• Estimated 150-300,000 active-duty personnel in the ENDF.
• 0.7% of GDP allocated for military expenditures in 2024.
• Engages in counterinsurgency operations against various internal armed groups.

Energy

Ethiopia is investing heavily in renewable energy, primarily hydroelectric power, which constitutes the bulk of its energy generation. The country aims to expand its electricity access while grappling with rural electrification challenges.

• 55% of the population had access to electricity as of 2022.
• 5.69 million kW of installed electricity generation capacity (2023).
• Hydroelectric power accounts for 96.5% of total capacity.

Environment

Environmental issues in Ethiopia include deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, exacerbated by agricultural practices and climate change. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges through various international agreements.

• 23.7% of land designated as forest (2023).
• Engages in international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
• Total annual carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 18.519 million metric tonnes in 2023.

Transportation

Ethiopia has a developing transportation network that includes railways, roads, and air travel infrastructure. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway is a key link for trade.

• Total of 58 airports as of 2025.
• 659 km of railway connecting Addis Ababa to Djibouti.
• 12 merchant marine vessels in its fleet as of 2023.

Communications

Ethiopia's communication infrastructure has seen significant investments, including expansion in mobile and internet services. Despite challenges, the country aims to enhance connectivity.

• 85.9 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2024.
• Internet penetration is around 17% of the population (2021).
• 766,000 fixed-line subscriptions as of 2024.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	121,372,632	2025 estimate
Area	1,104,300 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$380.895 billion	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	29.08 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	67.7 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	55%	2022 estimate
Military Expenditures	0.7% of GDP	2024 estimate
Total Fertility Rate	3.77 children/woman	2025 estimate
Urban Population	23.2%	2023 estimate