Located in the Horn of East Africa, Ethiopia is a land-locked nation surrounded by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south and Sudan to the west. Ethiopia is home to an estimated 50 million people today, most of whom are subsistence farmers or villagers. Ethiopia’s economy is largely based on agricultural exports. The nation's major exports include coffee, hides, skin and Gold.

Ethiopia is a cradle of civilization and religion, with many marvellous archaeological sights to visit. It is undoubtedly a land of contrasts, there are hot, dry and barren places, as well as rolling hills, fertile highlands, savannah and mountainous regions that often see frost and sometimes even snow. Ethiopia is a country of breathtaking scenery that changes constantly from one region to another with deserts, canyons, gorges and a wealth of beautiful waterfalls, lakes and rivers. More than 800 species of birds are found in Ethiopia, of which twenty-eight are found exclusively in this country. There are also 103 separate species mammals - a microcosm of an entire continent in a nation the size of France and Spain combined.

With an estimated population of 2 million people, Addis Ababa is the country's capital and largest city, located at its geographic centre in the mountainous Shawa Province and is the political and cultural heart of Ethiopia.

More recently Addis Ababa has become the seat of the African Union (AU). Also the head office of the Economic Commission for Africa of the UN (ECA) is located in Addis Ababa. Roaming through the streets of the city one will notice the rich diversity of its inhabitants: urban city dwellers, nomadic shepherds bringing in their livestock, diplomats and business visitors from all corners of the world.

Tours in and around Addis Ababa 

If you are interested in seeing some more of Ethiopia and Addis Ababa and spending a few extra days before or after the conference there is a selection of tours to choose from. The Travel Agency Ethio National Tour & Travel Operator (ENTTO), which has a counter at the Hilton Addis Ababa, can coordinate tour programs for individuals or for a group.

ENTTO contact information:

Tel:      +251-11 552 66 22
At the Hilton: +251 11 551 84 00, Ext 337
Mobile: +251-91 120 70 95
Fax:     +251-11-552 66 23
E-mail: enttl@ethionet.et or entto2000@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.ethiopiatourandtravel.com

Useful links:
City Map of Addis Ababa.
United Nations Conference Center - Addis Ababa (UNCC)