What is the terrain and geography like in Ethiopia?
The terrain consists of high plateaus, mountains, and dry lowland plains. Ethiopia has some of the world’s most rugged and beautiful scenery. Changes in vegetation and terrain offer striking differences and are readily apparent when traveling in any direction from Addis Ababa. Fertile farmland, high mountains with crater lakes, deep canyons and abysses, low-lying savannas, and deserts are some of the many aspects of Ethiopia’s topography.
The climate varies from temperate in the highlands to hot in the lowlands.
Addis Ababa's altitude is above 8,000 feet. Addis Ababa has two primary seasons: a dry season from October to February, and for the rest of the year, a rainy season, divided into "small rains" and "big rains." The small rains, February through April, are generally intermittent showers. The big rains, June through September or longer, usually bring heavy daily precipitation. The big rains are rarely continuous, and sunny mornings or afternoons can be expected on many days. Average annual rainfall in Addis Ababa is 50 inches.
Daytime temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year. The dry season has bright, sunny days with moderate to cool temperatures; nights are chilly. The average daily temperature in Addis Ababa is 62.9°F. Daytime temperatures are rarely above 80°F. Sharp drops in temperature occur in late afternoon, sometimes making outside entertainment uncomfortable after 5 p.m. Night temperatures drop to the low 40’s from November to January and are warmer in the period from February to May.
The climate varies from temperate in the highlands to hot in the lowlands.
Addis Ababa's altitude is above 8,000 feet. Addis Ababa has two primary seasons: a dry season from October to February, and for the rest of the year, a rainy season, divided into "small rains" and "big rains." The small rains, February through April, are generally intermittent showers. The big rains, June through September or longer, usually bring heavy daily precipitation. The big rains are rarely continuous, and sunny mornings or afternoons can be expected on many days. Average annual rainfall in Addis Ababa is 50 inches.
Daytime temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year. The dry season has bright, sunny days with moderate to cool temperatures; nights are chilly. The average daily temperature in Addis Ababa is 62.9°F. Daytime temperatures are rarely above 80°F. Sharp drops in temperature occur in late afternoon, sometimes making outside entertainment uncomfortable after 5 p.m. Night temperatures drop to the low 40’s from November to January and are warmer in the period from February to May.
Geographic Location | Africa |
Total Area |
426,370 Square Miles 1,104,300 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
386,100 Square Miles 1,000,000 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
40,270 Square Miles 104,300 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries |
3,311 Miles 5,328 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
1,118 Square Miles 2,896 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km, Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km |
Geographic Coordinates | 8 00 N, 38 00 E |
Terrain | high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley |
Highest Point | 4,620 Meters |
Highest Point Location | Ras Dejen 4,620 m |
Lowest Point | -125 Meters |
Lowest Point Location | Denakil Depression -125 m |
Natural Resources | small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas, hydropower |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |