Country Profile: Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is a nation marked by its rich cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes. With a population of over 121 million, it is the most populous landlocked country in the world, featuring a diverse mix of ethnicities and languages. The economy is fast-growing yet struggles with widespread poverty and food insecurity, primarily due to ongoing conflicts and environmental challenges. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Ethiopia is undergoing significant political shifts and reforms aimed at fostering stability and economic development.

Geography

Ethiopia is a highland country located in the Horn of Africa, characterized by a tropical monsoon climate and varied topography, which includes the Great Rift Valley and a central mountain range. It is landlocked, bordered by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan. The country's significant natural resources include gold, platinum, and hydropower potential.

1,104,300 sq km - Total area, slightly less than twice the size of Texas.
34.1% - Agricultural land as of 2023.
23.7% - Forest cover as of 2023.
4,550 m - Highest point, Ras Dejen.
125 m - Lowest point, Danakil Depression.
5,925 km - Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.

People and Society

Ethiopia is home to over 121 million people, making it one of the most populous nations in Africa. The population is composed of more than 80 ethnic groups, with the Oromo and Amhara being the largest. The country has a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 20.6 years and a high birth rate.

121,372,632 - Estimated total population in 2025.
60.5% - Literacy rate as of 2022.
38.7% - Population aged 0-14 years.
67.7 years - Life expectancy at birth in 2024.
29.08 births/1,000 population - Birth rate in 2025.
5.58 deaths/1,000 population - Death rate in 2025.

Economy

Ethiopia's economy is classified as low-income but is one of the fastest-growing in the Horn of Africa. However, challenges such as widespread poverty, job creation, and environmental issues continue to hinder development. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the population.

$380.895 billion - Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
7.3% - Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
34.9% - Agricultural sector contribution to GDP in 2024.
3.4% - Unemployment rate in 2024.
23.5% - Percentage of the population below the poverty line as of 2015.

Government

Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic, with a significant history of political change. The government structure consists of two legislative chambers, and the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. Recent years have seen reforms and attempts to stabilize the political landscape after decades of ethnic tensions and conflict.

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia - Official long-form name.
Addis Ababa - Capital city, coordinates 9°02' N, 38°42' E.
18 years - Minimum voting age.
547 - Total seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives.
41.9% - Percentage of women in the lower legislative chamber following the 2021 elections.

Military and Security

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) comprises the Army, Air Force, and Naval Force. The country has faced ongoing security challenges, including internal conflicts and regional threats, and maintains a complex security structure involving both federal and regional forces.

150,000-300,000 - Estimated active-duty personnel in the ENDF as of 2025.
0.7% - Military expenditure percentage of GDP for 2024.
1,500 - Troops deployed to South Sudan (UNMISS).
10,000 - Estimated troops in Somalia under various agreements.

Energy

Ethiopia has made significant progress in the energy sector, particularly in hydroelectric power generation. Despite its vast potential, access remains limited, especially in rural areas.

55% - Electrification rate for the total population in 2022.
5.69 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity as of 2023.
12.298 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption in 2023.
96.5% - Percentage of hydroelectricity in total installed capacity in 2023.

Environment

Ethiopia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. The country's varied climate influences its ecological health, and efforts are underway to address environmental issues through international agreements.

122 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources in 2022.
18.519 million metric tonnes - Total carbon dioxide emissions estimated for 2023.
34.1% - Land used for agriculture as of 2023.
3.1% - Share of wind in total installed energy capacity.

Transportation

Ethiopia's transportation infrastructure includes railways, roads, and air travel. The country has been investing in modernizing its transport networks, including international rail links.

58 - Total number of airports by 2025.
659 km - Length of railways as of 2017.
12 - Total merchant marine vessels in 2023.

Communications

The communications sector in Ethiopia is evolving, with a growing number of mobile subscriptions and limited internet access, particularly in rural areas.

85.9 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2024.
766,000 - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions estimated for 2024.
17% - Percentage of the population using the internet in 2021.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	121,372,632	2025 estimate
Area	1,104,300 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$380.895 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	12.298 billion kWh	2023 consumption
Birth Rate	29.08 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	67.7 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	60.5%	2022 estimate
Electrification Rate	55%	2022 estimate
Military Expenditure	0.7% of GDP	2024 estimate