Political Overview
Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic under the Constitution of 1995, featuring a bicameral legislature composed of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation. Executive authority is vested in the Prime Minister, currently Abiy Ahmed, while the presidency remains largely ceremonial, reflecting a system designed to balance power among the country’s ethnically based regional states. Recent years have seen political tension and conflict, including contested elections, postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a protracted conflict in the Tigray region that has raised concerns about national unity and human rights.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Ethiopia is home to more than 80 ethnolinguistic groups and over 80 languages, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and social identities. Religion plays a central role in Ethiopian identity, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church dating back to the 4th century and Islam introduced in the 7th century—both of which deeply influence art, festivals, and communal life. The country boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the ancient ruins of Aksum, and the Simien Mountains National Park, underscoring its global significance in both cultural and natural heritage.
Geographical Landscape and Climate
Ethiopia’s terrain is dominated by the Ethiopian Highlands, a mountainous plateau that reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, as well as the Great Rift Valley, lowland plains, and deep river gorges. The climate is highly varied, ranging from the temperate highlands with moderate temperatures and defined rainy seasons (Bega, Belg, and Kiremt), to equatorial rainforests in the southwest and arid deserts in the northeast. These environmental gradients support diverse ecosystems and agricultural systems but also pose challenges, as shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns driven by climate change have led to increased drought risk and prompted national strategies like the Climate Resilient Green Economy to enhance sustainability.
