History

Ethiopia is one of the most ancient countries in the world.  It is home to one of the earliest discoveries of human existence and is the homeland of the Rastafarian movement.  Ethiopia has a war-torn past but can boast being one of the two African countries that has never been colonised.  It has, however, been occupied by various European, Middle Eastern and African nations, whose influence can be witnessed in Ethiopia's architecture, religion and culture. 

Despite its rich past, Ethiopia today is one of Africa's poorest countries. Almost two-thirds of its people are illiterate and frequent droughts and flooding have been responsible for major losses of crops and livestock. As a result, many Ethiopians are dependent on food aid from abroad.

Ethiopia: Modern History

The Selassie Years (1930 - 1974)

The Derg (1974 - 1990)

The End of Communism (1990 - 1998)

Recent History (1998 - to present)