Country Profile: Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is a landlocked nation rich in cultural and religious diversity. With a population exceeding 121 million, it is the most populous landlocked country globally. The economy, classified as low-income, is characterized by rapid growth despite challenges such as widespread poverty and food insecurity, compounded by ethnic tensions and environmental issues. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Ethiopia has experienced significant political changes over the years, impacting its development and unity.

Geography

Ethiopia is situated in Eastern Africa and features a high plateau divided by the Great Rift Valley, with its highest point being Ras Dejen at 4,550 meters and its lowest in the Danakil Depression at -125 meters. It covers an area of approximately 1.1 million square kilometers and shares borders with Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The country has diverse climates, primarily tropical monsoon, and is rich in natural resources such as gold, platinum, and hydropower.

1,104,300 sq km: Total area of Ethiopia.
34.1%: Percentage of agricultural land as of 2023.
23.7%: Forest area in Ethiopia (2023).
5,925 km: Length of land boundaries with neighboring countries.
4,550 m: Highest point (Ras Dejen).
-125 m: Lowest point (Danakil Depression).
0 km: Ethiopia is landlocked with no coastline.

People and Society

Ethiopia has an estimated population of 121.4 million as of 2025, made up of over 80 ethnic groups, primarily the Oromo and Amhara. The official languages are Amharic and Oromo, and the predominant religions include Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and Islam. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 20.6 years and a high birth rate of approximately 29.08 births per 1,000 people.

121,372,632: Estimated total population in 2025.
23.2%: Proportion of urban population (2023).
60.5%: Literacy rate as of 2022.
38.7%: Population aged 0-14 years (2025).
67.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
3.77 children: Average number of children born per woman (2025).
71.7: Total dependency ratio (2025).

Economy

Ethiopia's economy is one of the fastest-growing in the Horn of Africa, though it faces significant challenges related to poverty and conflict. With agriculture as a central sector contributing to 34.9% of GDP, the economy is primarily based on subsistence farming. The country is also experiencing rapid industrialization, aiming to boost private-sector growth and employment opportunities.

$380.895 billion: Estimated Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
7.3%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
3.4%: Unemployment rate in 2024.
$10.865 billion: Exports in 2023.
$22.951 billion: Imports in 2023.
54.47 million: Size of the labor force in 2024.
23.5%: Percentage of the population living below the poverty line (2015 est.).

Government

Ethiopia operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with the capital located in Addis Ababa. The country is divided into 12 ethnically based regions, reflecting its diverse population. The constitution guarantees universal suffrage, and the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. The political landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, affecting governance and stability.

Capital: Addis Ababa, meaning "new flower."
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE): Official name.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
547: Total seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives.
41.9%: Percentage of women in the lower chamber (2021).
153: Number of seats in the House of the Federation.
3.2%: Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021).

Military and Security

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) encompasses the Army, Air Force, and Naval Force. The military structure has been shaped by internal conflicts, particularly recent ethnic tensions and operational engagements in the region. Military expenditures reflect ongoing security needs, with Ethiopia actively conducting counterinsurgency operations against various armed groups.

0.7%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).
150,000-300,000: Estimated active-duty personnel (2025).
10,000: Ethiopian troops deployed in Somalia (2025).
1,500: Troops participating in UN operations in South Sudan (2025).
18-22 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
2: Number of oil tankers in the merchant marine (2023).
1: Number of helicopter ports (2025).

Energy

Ethiopia is making strides in renewable energy, primarily through hydroelectric power, which accounts for 96.5% of its installed electricity capacity. The country faces challenges in terms of electrification, especially in rural areas, where only 43% have access to electricity.

55%: Total population with electricity access (2022).
5.69 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
12.298 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
94%: Electrification rate in urban areas.
1.762 billion kWh: Electricity exports (2023).
102,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
456,000 metric tons: Coal production (2023).

Environment

Ethiopia faces numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water shortages. The government is a participant in various international environmental agreements, aiming to address issues related to climate change and biodiversity conservation.

122 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
18.519 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
6.533 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024).
12.8%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
810 million cubic meters: Total municipal water withdrawal (2022).
3.1%: From wind energy of total installed capacity (2023).
43%: Electrification rate in rural areas (2022).

Transportation

Ethiopia has made significant investments in transportation infrastructure, including roads and railways. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway exemplifies recent developments, enhancing trade and mobility within the region.

58: Total number of airports (2025).
659 km: Total railway length (2017).
1: Number of heliports (2025).
12: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
ET: Air registration country code.
659 km: Length of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway.
4.194 billion kWh: Electricity transmission and distribution losses (2023).

Communications

Ethiopia's communication landscape is evolving, with an expanding mobile subscription base and increased access to broadband services. However, internet penetration remains relatively low at 17% as of 2021.

85.9 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
766,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024).
566,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
10: Public/state broadcasters in operation.
.et: Internet country code.
13: Commercial TV stations (2023).
17%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2021).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	121,372,632	Estimated for 2025
Area	1,104,300 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$380.895 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	12.298 billion kWh	Total electricity consumption (2023)
Birth Rate	29.08 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	67.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Electrification Rate	55%	Total population with electricity access
Literacy Rate	60.5%	Total population literacy (2022)
Total Fertility Rate	3.77 children/woman	Estimated for 2025