Living in Ethiopia

Ethiopia lies in the Horn of Africa and stretches from the highlands to the dry lowlands along the African Rift Valley; around 109.2 million people live there. Broad plateaus, deep valleys and fertile regions shape the landscape. At higher elevations, the climate is generally temperate, while the lowlands are hotter and drier; rainy and dry seasons vary by region. Many people live in rural villages and work in agriculture, while others live in rapidly growing cities such as Addis Ababa. There, rental housing, markets, small businesses and crowded buses shape everyday life. In rural areas, journeys are often longer, and neighbourhood life, family celebrations, coffee ceremonies and religious holidays are part of social life in many places.