Top 7 Interesting Facts About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is definitely a beautiful country full of unique cultures and interesting history, not to mention its wildlife as well as flora and fauna. Considering that this country has never been invaded by other countries before, its ethnicities still remained as it is.

Many people out there know Ethiopia as one of the most beautiful countries in Africa but there are so many facts that have not been unveiled regarding this country. This time we would like to share with you some of the uniqueness that is only found here and not anywhere else in the world.

ADVERT

1. A Different Calendar System

The Ethiopian calendar is unlike any other out there despite it having 12 months and 30 days for a month. There is a slight difference in which the 13th month existed in their calendar that comprises 5 to 10 days.

These additional days are known as the "epagomenal" day based on leap days.

These days ensure that the Ethiopian calendar follows the season and phase of the moon. This addition has brought a huge difference for the past 7 years it has been in the Ethiopian calendar.

2. The Saltiest Lake In The World

When we talk about saltwater lakes, the first thing that comes to mind will be the Dead Sea which is located between the borders of Jordan and the West Bank. However, out there exist another lake that is saltier than the Dead Sea and in fact, the Dead Sea is ranked 7th in the world.

The sea or pond that ranked first is the Gaet'ale Pond located in Afar, Ethiopia. The formation of this pond can be said to be somewhat new since it only existed in 2005 as it formed due to the earthquake that cracks the land underneath releasing the water.

The water in this pond consists of 43.3 percent salt.

3. The Fastest Developing Country, But 1/3 of Its People Are Poor

According to the Global Economic Prospect by World Bank, Ethiopia is a country that has the fastest-growing economy in the world in 2017. Despite the global growth rate being at 2.7%, Ethiopia was standing at a whopping 8.7%. The figure might amaze you but the reality is quite bitter.

ADVERT

Even though the growth rate seems high, Ethiopia is still trapped in overwhelming debts that the country is struggling to pay. There is a huge growth in the public infrastructure which comprises more than 50% of the country's GDP.

4. Low-Diet Calorie

Among the 172 countries, Ethiopia ranks 167th in terms of food calorie intake. The Ethiopians on average consume 1950 calories each day which is slightly less than the minimum daily calorie intake set by the World Health Organization(WHO).

This low-calorie intake is closely related to the standard of living in Ethiopia as most of them are mainly poor. Based on research that was done in 2008, 16% of Ethiopians earn less than $1 a day.

Only 65% of the outer city households gain enough income to fulfill the minimum calorie intake of 2200 calories.

5. History of The Discovery of Coffee

There is a wide belief going around that Ethiopia is the place where coffee was indeed discovered. The story was told that a shepherd named Kaldi was taking his sheep to graze on the grass. At that moment of time, he realized that his sheep was more energetic than before.

He also found out that his sheep were eating some of the red berries on the small tree nearby. Due to his curiosity, he also decided to consume that particular berry and to his surprise, he was also feeling energetic.

He then took the berries to the monks at the nearby monastery and they were all very pleased with the effects of the berries.

6. Forbidden Religious Place for Women

Known as the Athos Mountain, this monastic institution has so many weird rules that were amended since the 800s C.E. There are around 20 monasteries in this region holding 2000 monks. The monks carry on with their lives isolated totally from the outside world.

ADVERT

Their lives are so secluded to the extent that those who wish to visit this sacred place will have to climb over huge walls and with that, they also require permission from the monks nearby. The women, however, are forbidden from entering this holy place.

7. The Harmony Life Between Hyenas and Human

Hyenas generally are known for being wild and vicious, especially when confronted with humans. But it is considered a norm in Harar, Ethiopia when the animals are seen lingering around the streets looking for food.

Over here, the hyenas do not pose a threat to the humans and it seems the locals are not afraid and are used to them. The hyenas live outside the city and when they are hungry, they will simply come to the humans for food.

This creature is seen as a natural agent that comes to the city to clear the scraps off the street.

Source: