Ethiopia

F

Culture

Ethiopia has a rich tradition of literature, including a number of translations from ancient Greek, Arabic, and other languages into Ge’ez and modern Amharic. Most of the works are theological or mythological in nature, while secular literature is largely historical. Church art and architecture are also rich, reflecting Ethiopia’s long history of Christianity. Church buildings and frescoes usually show both Byzantine and Coptic influences. Ethiopian silversmithing is remarkable for the imagination and the skill it entails.

IV

Economy

Ethiopia is one of the world’s poorest and least developed nations. Its GNP was estimated at around US$7,644 million in 2004 (World Bank), giving a per capita income of only US$160. Roads, water supply, and other parts of the country’s economic infrastructure were badly neglected during years of civil strife. The economy of Ethiopia remains heavily dependent on the earnings of the agricultural sector. Participation in the monetary economy is limited; much trading is conducted by barter in local markets. The estimated annual budget in 1994 included US$1,200 million in revenues, US$1,700 million in current expenditures, and US$700 million in development spending.

A

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

Traditional agriculture, including the raising of livestock, is the most characteristic form of Ethiopian economic activity. Commercial estates, many of which are still run by the government, supply coffee, cotton, sugar, fruit, and vegetables to the nation’s processing industries and for export. Pulses—such as chickpeas, lentils, and haricot beans—and oilseeds are also grown on a commercial scale. Cereals are the most important food crops grown primarily for local consumption. Periodic droughts have greatly reduced agricultural output and forced Ethiopia to import basic foodstuffs, while civil war has disrupted the food distribution system.

Despite a government programme of diversification, coffee remains the most important commodity on which the economy depends. Coffee may have originated in Ethiopia; it is thought its name derives from the Kaffa region of the country. Certainly coffee bushes grow wild, and much production is based on peasant farmers tending a specific group of bushes. As a result, about a quarter of the population is engaged in coffee production.

In 2005 Ethiopia’s livestock population included about 38.5 million cattle, 17 million sheep, 9.63 million goats, 39 million poultry birds, and smaller numbers of horses, mules, donkeys, and camels. About one third of the cattle are oxen used for heavy labour. Sheep and goats are raised primarily for their skins, milk, and meat.

B

Mining

Although many mineral deposits exist in Ethiopia, thick layers of volcanic lava cover the older ore-bearing rock and render exploitation difficult. Outcrops of iron, copper, zinc, and lead have been mined since ancient times. Small quantities of manganese ore, gold, and platinum are mined, and deposits of oil and natural gas have been found. About 94,000 tonnes of salt were mined in 1991. Ethiopia also has considerable untapped deposits of high-quality potash.

C

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is mainly oriented towards processing agricultural commodities. The textile industry ranks second to food processing. A period of development during the 1960s led to the broadening of the industrial base, including the establishment of various metalworking industries and factories producing consumer goods and industrial commodities. The principal manufacturing centre is Addis Ababa.