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Tips (Basic Facts) for travellers Land Ethiopia covers an area of 1.14 million square kilometres, an area more than the size of France and Spain combined. About 65 percent of the land is arable, with 15 percent presently cultivated. Climate There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May, the wet season runs from June to September. Topography Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2000 and 3000 meters. In the north and center of the country there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 meters. The most famous Ethiopian river is the Blue Nile (or Abay), which runs a distance of 1450 kilometers from the source in Lake Tana, to join the White Nile at Khartoum to form the Nile proper. Economy About 90 percent of the population earns their living from the land, mainly as subsistence farmers. Agriculture is the Backbone of the national economy and the principal exports from this sector are coffee, oil seeds, pulses, flowers, vegetables, sugar and foodstuffs for animals. There is also a thriving livestock sector, exporting cattle on the hoof and hides and skins. Language Ethiopia is a multi ethnic state with a great variety of Languages spoken in the country. The main three languages are Amharic, Oromigna and Tigrigna. English is also widely spoken. Population Seventy seven million where almost half is less than 15 years of age. Time Ethiopia is in the GMT+3 hours time zone. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar. Principal religion is Christianity and Islam. Electricity Ethiopia uses 220 Volts 50 cycles AC. Main Cities Addis Ababa, Awasa, Bahir Dar, Dessie, Dire Dawa, Gonder, Harar, Jimma, Mekele, and Nazareth. Communication Telephone, Mobile phones, fax, internet are available in all major cities of the country. Currency The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB), made up of 100 cents. Birr notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 & 100. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency. Foreign currency may only be exchanged at authorized banks and hotels, and receipt must be obtained. Visitors may change back any surplus Ethiopian Birr to cash at the airport before departure. But you must bring receipts for exchange transactions. Health requirements Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival to Ethiopia. Visa and Immigration Requirements Visa application may be obtained at Ethiopia's diplomatic missions overseas. However nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia with a regular charge. Therefore nationals of : Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany Greek, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States could get their visas on arrival. For China including passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR China) and Macao (SAR China), visa is available on arrival. |