Ethiopia
8 00 N, 38 00 E
lowest point: Denakil Depression -125 m
highest point: Ras Dejen 4,620 m
total: 5,328 km
border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km, Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km
geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas, hydropower
arable land: 10.01%
permanent crops: 0.65%
other: 89.34% (2005)
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor management
Hot and humid in the lowlands, warm in the hill country and cool in the uplands. Most rainfall is from June to September.
Required clothing
The lightest possible clothing in lowland areas; medium- or lightweight in the hill country. Warm clothing may be needed at night to cope with the dramatic temperature change.
time difference: UTC+3
