Ethiopia Overview Country Overview Ethiopia is situated in northeast Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. The central area is a vast highland region of volcanic rock forming a watered, temperate zone surrounded by hot, arid, inhospitable desert. Places of interest in the capital, Addis Ababa, include St George’s Cathedral, the Menelik Mausoleum and the large market. Aksum, in the north, was the ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian kingdom. It is renowned for multi-storeyed ancient carved granite obelisks and for the church which claims to house the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Also in the north, the Blue Nile Waterfalls are spectacular. National parks include the Simien National Park (in the northern mountains) and the Bale Mountains National Park, on high southern moorland country, which has its own unique flora and fauna. Ethiopian food is based on dishes called we’t (meat, chicken or vegetables, cooked in a hot pepper sauce). Local red and dry white wines are worth trying. Talla (Ethiopian beer) has a unique taste. General Information Area: 1,133,380 sq km (437,600 sq miles). Population: 61,672,000 (1999). Population Density: 54.4 per sq km. Capital: Addis Ababa. Population: 2,209,000 (1995). GEOGRAPHY: Ethiopia is situated in northeast Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. It is the tenth-largest country in Africa and about twice the size of France. The central area is a vast highland region of volcanic rock forming a watered, temperate zone surrounded by hot, arid, inhospitable desert. The Great Rift Valley, which starts in Palestine, runs down the Red Sea and diagonally southwest through Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi. The escarpments on either side of the country are steepest in the north where the terrain is very rugged. To the south, the landscape is generally flatter and more suited to agriculture. Government: Federal Republic. Head of State: President Girma Wolde-Giyorgis since 2001. Head of Government: Prime Minister Meles Zenawi since 1995. Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been colonised by Europeans. Language: Amharic is the official language, although about 80 other native tongues are spoken. English is widely used and some Arabic, Italian and French is spoken. Religion: Ethiopian Orthodox (Tewahido) and Coptic Church mainly in the north; Islam, mainly in the east and south. There are also significant Evangelical, Protestant and Roman Catholic communities. Time: GMT + 3. Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 251. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone The PTO, ETA provides a GSM 900 network. Coverage is limited. Fax Facilities are available in major hotels. Telegram International services from local offices and hotels in Addis Ababa. Internet There is an Internet cafe in Addis Ababa. Some top-end hotels may also offer services. The main ISP is the PTO ETC, although connections may be difficult. Post Service to and from Europe takes up to two weeks. Press Amharic newspapers published in the capital include Addis Zemen. The English-language daily in Ethiopia is The Ethiopian Herald. Other periodicals are also available. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 17.89 15.42 9.630 6.005 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.58 11.98 6.035 0.909 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes Yes Yes Australian Yes Yes Yes Canadian Yes Yes Yes USA Yes Yes Yes OtherEU Yes Yes Yes Japanese Yes Yes Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for three months required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of Djibouti and Kenya for stays of up to three months; (b) transit passengers continuing to a third country within 12 hours provided not leaving the airport and holding valid travel documents for onward destination. Types of visa and cost: Tourist: £43. Business: £44; £75 (for stays of up to six months). Transit: £42. All visas are single-entry. Validity: Two months from date of issue and one month from date of entry. Tourist and Business visas can be extended for an additional two months for a £2 fee. Applications should be made to the Immigration Department in Ethiopia. Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Completed application form. (b) Valid passport (containing residence permit, if applicable). (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee (payable by postal order). (e) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay (US$50 or equivalent per day of stay). (f) Airline ticket and copy of itinerary made through travel agent. Business: (a)-(f) and, (g) Letter from sponsor, accepting financial responsibility for applicant. Transit: (a)-(f) and, (g) Onward or return ticket. Note: A Yellow fever vaccination, whilst advisable, is not compulsory. Consult the embassy for up to date advice on whether applications will be accepted without the certificate. Working days required: Three. Applications should be made well in advance. Exit permit: Required by all nationals of Ethiopia and visitors staying more than 30 days. Money Currency: Ethiopian Birr (Birr) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Birr100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Currency exchange: US Dollar bills are the most convenient currency to exchange. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard and Diners Club are accepted on a very limited basis (only the Hilton Hotel is certain to accept them). Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Currency restrictions: The import of local currency is limited to Birr100. The export of local currency up to Birr100 is permitted, provided the traveller holds a re-entry permit. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration on arrival. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Birr against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 12.33 12.62 13.42 13.51 $1.00= 8.46 8.30 8.48 8.49 Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1300-1700; Fri 0830-1130 and 1300-1700. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into Ethiopia without incurring customs duty: 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1l of alcoholic beverages; 2 bottles or 500ml of perfume; gifts up to the value of Birr10. Note: Export certificates are required for skins, hides and antiques. Public Holidays Jan 7 2003* Ethiopian Christmas. Jan 19* Timket (Epiphany). Feb 12 Eid-al Adha (Arafat). Mar 2 Battle of Adowa. Apr 25* Ethiopian Good Friday. Apr 27* Ethiopian Easter. May 14 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 28 Downfall of the Dergue. Sep 11* Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash). Sep 27* Finding of the True Cross (Meskel). Nov 26-28 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Jan 7 2004* Ethiopian Christmas. Jan 19* Timket (Epiphany). Feb 2 Eid-al Adha (Arafat). Mar 2 Battle of Adowa. Apr 9* Ethiopian Good Friday. Apr 11* Ethiopian Easter. May 2 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 28 Downfall of the Dergue. Sep 11* Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash). Sep 28* Finding of the True Cross (Meskel). Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Note: (a) *Indicates Coptic holidays. (b) Ethiopia still uses the Julian calendar, which is divided into 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month of five or six days at the end of the year; hence the date for Christmas. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years and eight months behind our own. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to ten days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever Yes 1 Cholera 2 No Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A Malaria 4 N/A 1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country. 2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Ethiopia. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for more information. 3: Typhoid is widespread. Poliomyelitis is endemic. 4: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in all areas below 2000m (6562ft). Highly chloroquine-resistant falciparum is reported. No malaria risk exists in Addis Ababa. Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks: Diarrhoeal diseases, including giardiasis, and typhoid fevers are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) occurs. Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported. Hepatitis A and E are widespread; hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Meningococcal meningitis risk is present, particularly in dry areas and during the dry season. Visceral leishmaniasis may be found in the drier areas. Trachoma is widespread. Immunisation against diphtheria is also recommended. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: The high altitude and low oxygen level of much of Ethiopia needs time to be acclimatised to. Those who suffer from heart ailments or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before travelling. Health insurance is strongly advised. See the Health appendix. Travel - International Note: Travel to the border areas of Tigray and Afar, and east of Harar to the Gode line, is not recommended. For further advice visitors should contact their local government travel advice department. AIR: Ethiopia’s national airline is Ethiopian Airlines (ET), which operates three flights a week from London, with a stopover either in Frankfurt/M or in Cairo. Lufthansa operates four flights a week from London to Addis Ababa via Frankfurt. Approximate flight times: From Addis Ababa to London is 10 hours. International airports: Addis Ababa (ADD) (Bole International) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (travel time – 25 minutes). A coach service departs regularly to the city. Airport facilities include duty-free, car hire, banks, bureaux de change (0500-1300), left luggage, post office, first aid facilities, restaurant and bar. Departure tax: US$20, payable in US Dollars only. Exact amount only. Transit passengers not leaving the airport are exempt. RAIL: A 784km (487-mile) rail service between Djibouti and Addis Ababa is run jointly by the two governments. ROAD: The main route is via Kenya. There is an all-weather road from Moyale on the border via Yabelo, Dila and Yirga to Addis Ababa. The following border points are also open: Dewale/Galafi (from Djibouti) and Humera/Metema (from Sudan). Travel - Internal AIR: Ethiopian Airlines runs internal flights to over 40 towns, although services may be infrequent. Airports throughout Ethiopia are currently being upgraded in a step to encourage tourism. Departure tax: US$10. RAIL: The only operative line runs between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, via Dire Dawa and Harar. Travellers should be prepared for occasional delays. ROAD: A good network of all-weather roads exists to most business and tourist centres. Otherwise, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Frequent fuel shortages can make travel outside Addis Ababa very difficult. Vehicle travel after dark outside Addis Ababa is risky. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Services are run by the Government as well as private companies and they operate throughout the country. The bus terminus can provide schedules and tickets, although it is unusual for tourists to attempt to use this service. Bus trips can be slow as there is often a lengthy wait to assemble a convoy (necessary in more dangerous areas). Taxi: Available in Addis Ababa and other major towns. Painted blue and white, they sometimes offer service on a shared basis. Fares should be negotiated before travelling. There are also minibus taxis which offer cheap and frequent shared travel in Addis Ababa. Car hire: This is available from Avis and Hertz in Addis Ababa. Documentation: A British driving licence is valid for up to one month, otherwise the visitor needs to obtain a temporary Ethiopian driving licence on arrival. Accommodation Good hotels can be found in Addis Ababa and other main centres, although they tend to be better in the north than in the south. Some offer facilities for small exhibitions and conferences. There are hotels in the other larger towns; prices are, in general, slightly lower than those in the main centres. There is a five to ten per cent service charge. For more information, contact the Ethiopian Commission for Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). Introduction ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia’s capital is located at an altitude of 2440m (8000ft) in the central highlands. Places of interest include the university, St George’s Cathedral, the Ethnology Museum, the Menelik Mausoleum, the Trinity Church, the Old Ghibi Palace and the market, one of the largest in Africa. AKSUM: The ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian kingdom lies in the north of the country. It is renowned for multi-storeyed ancient carved granite obelisks, for important archaeological remains and for the church, which claims to house the Lost Ark of the Covenant. NATIONAL PARKS: There are nine national parks in Ethiopia: the Simien Mountain National Park (in the northern mountain massif); the Awash National Park (east of the capital); the Omo and Mago National Parks (southwest of the capital); the Shalla-Abijatta Lakes National Park (south of the capital); the Gambella National Park (Ilubabor region); the Nechi Sar National Park (Gambo region); Yangudi-Rassa National Park (Harerge region); and the Bale Mountains National Park, on high southern moorland country, which has its own unique flora and fauna. ELSEWHERE: The Blue Nile Falls (also called Tissisat) are one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Northern Africa. They are situated about 35km (22 miles) from Bahar Dar. Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 to 1855 and is the site of many ruined castles. Close by is Lake Tana, on which 37 islands stand and is the largest lake in Ethiopia. Lalibela is famous for its 12th-century, rock-hewn churches. Harar is a famous Muslim walled city and the centre for the coffee trade. Dire Dawa, near Harar, is an important trading centre on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway line. The Rift Valley Lakes in Ziway, Langano, Awasso, Abiyata, Shalla, Abaya and Chamo offer unique scenery and beautiful beaches. Langano is one of the most popular lakeside resorts. Sport & Activities Safaris: Wildlife safaris to the national parks are organised by a number of tour operators (see the Resorts & Excursions section for further information on national parks). Safaris are usually in four-wheel-drive vehicles, but walking safaris (with a guide only) or travelling by mule are also possible. Ethiopia is also noted for its rich birdlife (over 850 species are recorded) and hence offers some of the best birdwatching in Africa, notably at Abiyata. For further details on safaris and trekking, contact the Embassy or the Ethiopian Commission for Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). Trekking: The wild terrain and beautiful landscapes offer good trekking and hiking opportunities. The best areas for these activities include Simien Mountains National Park, which has spectacular views and a large variety of wildlife; the moorlands of the Bale Plateau; the countryside around Lalibela; and the wilderness of the Awash River. Trips last between three and ten days, and English-speaking guides can be hired locally. Equestrianism: Horses and mules still play an important part in the transportation of people and goods, and horseriding can therefore be practised in most parts of Ethiopia. Pony treks in the Simien Mountains allow visitors to reach remote areas not accessible by car. Watersports: There is excellent swimming in the lakes of the Rift Valley, especially Lake Langano, which has a resort with well-developed facilities offering windsurfing and waterskiing. Natural springs in the Awash National Park or at Sodere Filwoha often create pools suitable for swimming. As bilharzia may be present, visitors should enquire locally (see Health appendix for further information). The rivers and streams of the Bale Mountains, in the southeast, and the many lakes in the Rift Valley provide excellent fishing, particularly for trout. Local fishermen offer trips in their own boats. Dugout canoes or traditional papyrus boats can also be hired. Sailing and organised boat trips are available on the spectacular Lake Tana, which contains 37 islands, many of which also have monasteries that can be visited. Whitewater rafting is possible on parts of the Omo River and the Blue Nile. Cycling: Expeditions can be made to various sites, for instance the Bale National Park. Bicycle Africa can provide further information (website: www.ibike.org/bikeafrica). Social Profile Food & Drink: Menus in the best hotels offer international food and Addis Ababa also has a number of good Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants. Ethiopian food is based on dishes called we’t (meat, chicken or vegetables, cooked in a hot pepper sauce) served with or on injera (a flat spongy bread). Dishes include shivro and misir (chick peas and lentils, Ethiopian style) and tibs (crispy fried steak). There is a wide choice of fish including sole, Red Sea snapper, lake fish, trout and prawns. Traditional restaurants in larger cities serve food in a grand manner around a brightly coloured basket-weave table called a masob. Before beginning the meal, guests will be given soap, water and a clean towel, as the right hand is used to break off pieces of injera with which the we’t is gathered up. Cutlery is not used. Ethiopian coffee from the province of Kaffa, with a little rue added for extra aroma, is called ‘health of Adam’. Local red and dry white wines are worth trying. Talla (Ethiopian beer) has a unique taste and European-style lager is widely available. Kaitaka (a pure grain alcohol), cognac (a local brandy) and tej (an alcoholic drink based on fermented honey) are unique. Shopping: Special purchases include local jewellery (sold by the actual weight of gold or silver), woodcarvings, illuminated manuscripts and prayer scrolls, wood and metal crosses, leather shields, spears, drums and carpets. In marketplaces, a certain amount of bargaining is expected, but prices at shops in towns are fixed. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1230, 1530-1930; Sat 0900-1300, 1500-1900 (with local variations). Special Events: The principal annual events are religious festivals. For dates, see Public Holidays section. Social Conventions: Casual wear is suitable for most places, but Ethiopians tend to be fairly formal and conservative in their dress. Private informal entertaining is very common. Most religious houses are not open to women. Photography: In the smaller towns the locals may expect a small payment in return for being photographed. Video photography in famous tourist attractions occasionally carries a small charge. Photography may be prohibited in airports and near military camps. Tipping: In most hotels and restaurants, a ten per cent service charge is added to the bill. Tipping is a fairly frequent custom, but amounts are small. Business Profile Economy: Ethiopia is one of the world’s least developed countries, with poor infrastructure and a dearth of skilled labour. Economic development has also been hampered by the effects of the long-running civil war and, more recently, a series of military clashes with both neighbours (notably Eritrea) and internal opposition. To this litany of ill-fortune can be added severe drought and flooding. The economy is largely dependent on subsistence agriculture, which employs almost 90 per cent of the working population. Coffee is the main export earner. After the end of the civil war, the government faced a vast reconstruction task under unusually difficult conditions and set about it by reversing the Mengistu regime’s policy of state control of the economy, not least in an attempt to tackle the country’s huge debt burden. Not surprisingly, Ethiopia relies on substantial quantities of food aid. The manufacturing and service sectors are both small. However, there is one bright prospect in the form of a large natural gas field, development of which is now beginning and which promises substantial future revenues. Ethiopia’s main trading partners are the USA, which buys most of its coffee crop, and Germany. Business: Businesspeople should wear suits and ties for business visits. English is widely used for trade purposes but Italian and French are also useful. Nonetheless, knowledge of a few words of Amharic will be appreciated. Some of the more useful are Tena Yistillign – ‘Hello’; Ow – ‘Yes’; Aydellem – ‘No’; and Sintinew – ‘How much is this?’ Normal courtesies should be observed and business cards can be used. Best months for business visits are October to May. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1700. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, PO Box 255, Unity Square, Addis Ababa (tel: (1) 515 004; fax: (1) 514 522); website: www.combanketh.com; or Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 2458, Mexico Square, Addis Ababa (tel: (1) 513 882 or 518 055; fax: (1) 511 479; e-mail: aachamber1@telecom.net.et; website: www.addischamber.com); or Ethiopian Trade Promotions Section, 17 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PZ, UK (tel: (020) 7589 7217; fax: (020) 7584 7054; e-mail: info@ethioembassy.org.uk). Conferences/Conventions: Information is available from the United Nations Conference Centre, PO Box 3001, Addis Ababa (tel: (1) 514 874 or 514 945; fax: (1) 513 155; e-mail: uncc-aa@un.org; website: www.un.org/depts/eca/uncc-aa). Climate 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. History and Government History: During the Middle Ages, Ethiopia was famous for being the home of Prester John, the mythical Christian King. Although Ethiopia was indeed a Christian kingdom (Ethiopian Coptic) and had been for many centuries, it never fulfilled the expectations of Western Christendom, by failing to be a staunch ally of Rome in the struggle against the infidel. Later, the Portuguese were equally unsuccessful in their efforts to convert the country to orthodox Catholicism. During the so-called ‘colonial period’, Ethiopia was the only country in Africa never to be fully colonised, despite the efforts of Italy, who suffered a series of devastating defeats at the hands of the Ethiopians in the late 19th century, most notably at the battle of Dogali. The 20th-century history of Ethiopia is dominated by the figure of Haile Selassie, who became emperor in 1930 and ruled until the military coup of 1974. The country was occupied by the Italians between 1936 and 1941. The former Italian colony of Eritrea was annexed by Ethiopia in 1962, providing a coastline. However, secessionist movements both in Eritrea and Tigray removed these areas from the effective control of the Government. In 1977, a further coup brought Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu to power. Agricultural backwardness was the country’s most urgent problem; all attempts at land reform were resisted. The government itself was perhaps too preoccupied with fighting secessionist movements in Tigray and Eritrea, and with occasional border clashes with Somalia (one of which escalated into full-scale war during 1977). Three years of severe drought, economic mismanagement and the mutual mistrust between the government and Western aid agencies were the principal causes of the widely publicised famine in Ethiopia in 1983. The civil war continued until May 1991, when President Mengistu fled the country for Zimbabwe. At this point, resistance from the remaining government forces crumbled and the Tigrayan-led Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) took control of the capital. In July 1991, the EPRDF leader, Meles Zenawi, was elected head of a transitional administration – effectively making him both President and Head of State for the interim – with the promise of future governmental elections. The EPRDF continued to experience resistance in some parts of the country, mainly from elements of Ethiopia’s ethnic patchwork (Afar, Issa and Gurgureh, as well as ethnic Somalis) and from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which seeks independence for their province in the west of the country. Of greater long-term significance was the decision of the northern province of Eritrea – previously independent until 1952, when the United Nations merged it into Ethiopia – to secede from Ethiopia. The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), the dominant force in the province and previously allied to the EPRDF, declared independence in May 1993. The Ethiopians acquiesced in the decision, despite the loss of their entire coastline. Relations between the two were initially good and a number of economic and security agreements were signed. It was not to last. By May 1995, the transitional administration and a short-lived constituent assembly, both of which were dominated by the EPRDF, had agreed a new constitution and were ready to hold national elections. The EPRDF won a massive victory – including all 92 seats in Addis Ababa – in elections for the new Council of People’s Representatives. Although opposition parties, including the Oromo Liberation Front, boycotted the poll, international observers concluded that its conduct was, by and large, fair. Dr Negasso Gidada and Meles Zenawi, both of the EPRDF, were chosen as President and Prime Minister respectively. Throughout the next two years, minor armed opposition to the Government continued, mainly from Somali and Afar groups. More urgent by far was the sudden and unexpected breakdown in relations with Eritrea. Fighting broke out in May 1998, ostensibly over land disputes and border incursions each claimed against the other (see Eritrea section). Ethiopia was known to be unhappy with Eritrea’s introduction of its own currency in 1997; Eritrea may have harboured fears that its independence was under threat from Ethiopia. Numerous attempts at mediation, orchestrated by, among others, the USA, Italy and Algeria, brought a temporary halt to the fighting but it continued, fiercely if spasmodically, until June 2001, when the UN finally managed to broker what appears to be a lasting settlement. Although Ethiopia came off rather the better of the two combatants, this was a conflict that neither side could afford. Ethiopia has been in need of food aid for some years and distribution to the most needy and remote areas was disrupted by the fighting. The latest national elections were held in August 2000. The EPRDF and its allies continued their firm control over both chambers of the National Assembly. Meles Zenawi was endorsed to serve another term as Premier, while Girma Wolde-Giyorgis assumed the presidency. Government: Under the provisions of a new Constitution, adopted in December 1994, Ethiopia became a federation – the newly designated Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia – consisting of nine states and one metropolitan area (the capital, Addis Ababa); each with its own parliamentary assemblies. The legislature is the bicameral Federal Parliamentary Assembly. The lower chamber, Yehizbtewekayoch Mekir Bet (Council of People’s Representatives), comprises 527 directly elected deputies. The upper chamber, Yefederashn Mekir Bet (Council of the Federation), has 117 delegates from the state assemblies and from Ethiopia’s 22 recognised national minorities. The Federal Parliamentary Assembly elects a President as Head of State, although executive power remains largely the preserve of the Prime Minister, who is elected by the Council of People’s Representatives. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.