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"Home of the Ark of the Covenant"
Ethiopia is a land of big skies and broad landscapes. The highland plateaus reaches endlessly to a horizon and blend into blue sky, becoming an integral part of the landscape. The whole expansive view breaths of the freedom and joy that goes along with open spaces. However, it is the people of Ethiopia who truly round off the character of this intriguing land. They are intrinsically religious and as you travel the countryside you will see the distinct octagonal church topped with an Ethiopian.
According to Ethiopian legend, the Ark of the Covenant resides in Axum, the former capital of the ancient Axumite Kingdom, at the Church of St. Mary of Zion within a special sanctuary chapel. Ethiopia’s intriguing historical and religious sites are easily visited, including the "eighth wonder of the world," the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibella.
The parks of Ethiopia have been set aside by the government as wildlife and botanical sanctuaries and enjoy a high degree of protection and management. The 20,756 sq. km of parkland serves as conservation, educational and recreational purpose for residents and visitors alike. Accommodation is of moderate standard, but the hospitality and friendliness are exceptional.
› Addis Ababa
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Addis Ababa (the name means 'new flower') is of fairly recent origin - Menelik 11 founded the city in 1887. Situated in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and standing 2,400 metres above sea level it is the third highest capital in the world. The city has a population of about two million.
Before moving to the present site of Addis Ababa, Menelik had established temporary capitals at six different locations caused by exhausting the fuel wood at each of these sites. Addis itself was in danger of being abandoned until the introduction of fast-growing eucalyptus trees from Australia provided the city with a regular source of fuel.
Addis Ababa is an important administrative centre not only for Ethiopia but also for the whole of Africa. The headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa was established here in 1958 and it is the site of the OAU's secretariat.
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