Country | Ethiopia |
Population | 2739551 |
Area | 527 km2 (203 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (East Africa Time) |
Coordinates | 9.02497, 38.74689 |
Highest elevation | 2,355 m (7,726 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, is a dynamic and diverse metropolis. Known in Oromo as Finfinnee, meaning “fountain of hot mineral water,” and in Amharic as አዲስ አበባ, translating to “new flower,” Addis Ababa lives up to its names with its rich history and vibrant culture. The city’s population was estimated to be 2,739,551 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, making it the most populous city in Ethiopia and an essential cultural, artistic, financial, and administrative hub.
The city was founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Negus of Shewa, after finding the nearby Mount Entoto unsuitable. Initially a resort town due to its abundant mineral springs, it quickly attracted nobility, artisans, merchants, and foreign visitors. Menelik II established his imperial palace in 1887, and by 1889, Addis Ababa had become the capital of the Ethiopian Empire. The city’s international significance grew as embassies opened, and urban development began in earnest in the early 20th century.
Addis Ababa experienced significant economic growth in the 1920s, marked by the construction of stone houses filled with European furniture, the importation of automobiles, and the expansion of banking institutions. During the Italian occupation (1936-1941), urbanization and modernization efforts intensified, guided by a master plan that continued to influence the city’s development even after the occupation ended. Subsequent master plans by French and British consultants from the 1940s onwards emphasized monuments, civic structures, satellite cities, and inner-city improvements.
As a federally-chartered city under the Addis Ababa City Government Charter Proclamation No. 87/1997, Addis Ababa holds a unique administrative status in Ethiopia. Often called “the political capital of Africa,” it hosts the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, reflecting its critical role in continental diplomacy and politics.
Geographically, Addis Ababa is situated just west of the East African Rift, which divides Ethiopia into two tectonic plates: the Nubian Plate and the Somali Plate. The city is surrounded by the Special Zone of Oromia and is home to a diverse population from various regions of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa University, the country’s premier higher education institution, is also located here, contributing to the city’s intellectual and cultural vitality.
Addis Ababa boasts a high human development index and is renowned for its vibrant culture, strong fashion scene, active civic and political engagement of its youth, and a thriving arts scene. The city is a testament to Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth, one of the fastest in the world. Notable landmarks include the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the famous fossil “Lucy,” the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the bustling Mercato market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Addis Ababa’s strategic position, historical significance, and cultural richness make it a fascinating city that continues to grow and evolve, maintaining its status as a central hub in Ethiopia and Africa.
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