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| Ethiopia |
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Originally called Abyssinia, Ethiopia is sub-Saharan Africa's oldest state. Deep traditions, incredible food and wonderful hospitality make this a fascinating country. Most of Ethiopia is a high plateau dissected by deep gorges, many of which become rushing rivers at the height of the rainy season. These include the upper reaches of the Blue Nile.
Ethiopia is a country of great antiquity, with a culture and traditions dating back more than 3,000 years. It’s a multi-ethnic state with four main language groups: Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic, and Nilo-Saharan. Ethiopia is a composite of more than 70 ethnic groups including Oromo, Gurage, Amhara, Sidamo, Shankella and Tigreans.
Ethiopia has had a turbulent political history. During the first millennium A.D. the Ethiopian Orthodox Church held the kingdom's Christianity secure against Islamic holy wars. Emperor Haile Selassie, dethroned in 1974, was the last of the monarchs, all of whom avoided European colonialism, except for Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941.
Unfortunately Ethiopia is also known for its arid landscapes and devastating famines. Despite recent progress, Ethiopia is still one of the world's poorest countries with some of the world's highest infant, child and maternal mortality rates. YCI works closely with our partner Emmanuel Development Association on a youth skills employability program in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. YCI continues with community development programming in Debre Sina that includes literacy training, life skills development, HIV/AIDS awareness, women ’s empowerment and environmental protection.
For more information about YCI programming in Ethiopia, read the "Program Country Profile - Ethiopia
| HDI: |
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170/177 |
| Population: |
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73.8 million |
| Life Expectancy: |
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49.23 years |
| Infant mortality: |
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91.92/1,000 births |
| Adult Literacy Rate: |
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42.7% |
| Youth Literacy Rate: |
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57.4% |
| HIV prevalence:
(ages 15-49) |
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4.4% |
Population living below
the national
poverty line: |
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38.7% |
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Program Overview
