Ethiopia Facts

Ethiopia Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting Ethiopia facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

• Population: 111 million people (2021)
• Capital: Addis Ababa with 5 million inhabitants
• Name: Ityop’iya (Ethiopia). The name is said to come from the founder of Aksum. The country was referred to as Abyssinia previously. Other sources say the name stems from the Greek word Aethiopia which in ancient times was used to refer to the land to the south of Egypt.
• Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic
• Language: Amharic
• Religion: predominantly Christian 61% (Ethiopian Orthodox 43% and Protestant 18%), Muslim 34%
• Currency: 1 Birr = 100 Santim
• National Day: 28 May (Derg Downfall Day)
• National Animal: Abyssinian lion
• National Colours: green, gold and red

• National Flag: Three bands in green, yellow and red  with a blue field/circle in the centre of the flag with yellow pentagram and five rays of light
• National Anthem: ‘March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia.’ Listen to the instrumental version.
• Prime Minister: Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize
• History: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and the only African country that evaded colonial rule. For five years from 1936 – 1941, Ethiopia was occupied by Italian forces. The country was ruled as a socialist state by a Military junta from 1974 – 1991. Only in 1994, Ethiopia adopted a constitution and the first elections with participation of several parties took place in 1995.