Ethiopia has a calendar year of 13 months that defers from the rest of the world. Hence, the country is now in the year 1998 and not in 2005. The calendar year begins in September with the elapse of the long rainy season and blossoming of flowers of all kinds. Ethiopian days begin with the day break at 7:00 A.M.

One can see from its other name, the country of ?13 Months of Sun Shine,? that its tropical, sub tropical and temperate climatic zones have sun shine the whole year. Ethiopia has its own alphabets with 230 characters.

Also known as Abysinia, the country scientifically proved as ?cradle of humanity,? boasts civilization that dates back to over three million years. Highlands of the country with many of the African tallest mountains have contributed in defending it from foreign conquest and preserving one of the world?s most distinct cultures. Ethiopia is the only African country never colonized.

The north-eastern highland city of Akum, a leading civilization of the ancient world is said to be housing the Ark of Covenant. To the East, Lalibela, another ancient capital, homes the rock- hewn 13^th century churches that UNESCO recognizes to be among the wonders of the world.

Ethiopia is the finding place of coffee and abode of hundreds of ethnic groups speaking over 80 languages with more than 200 dialects.

The country has a population of over 70 million and a land area of 1.12million KM square.

Addis Ababa is the capital city and the seat of AU, ECA and UN organizations as well as various international NGOs.