The Capital Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, one of the world’s highest capitals at 2,355 metres above sea level, is a sprawling city covering approximately 527 square kilometres with a population (in 2023) of over 5 million.
Addis Ababa means ‘fountain of hot mineral water’ in Oromo and ‘new flower’ in Amharic.
Addis Ababa was, prior to becoming the capital in the late 19th century, a mountain resort town, based on its abundance of mineral springs. In 1887, Menelik II, Negus of Shewa, established his imperial palace in the town and in 1889 Addis Ababa became the empire's capital.
Addis Ababa is an important place, not only as the economic / commercial, administrative and cultural hub of the country, but also as the capital of the entire continent in keeping with Ethiopia’s honorary title ‘mother of all African countries,’ or ‘political capital of Africa’ due to its historical, political and diplomatic significance for the continent.
It is thus home to the headquarters of the Pan-African Organization the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Ethnological Museum
The Ethnological Museum is located on the campus of Addis Ababa University. It is dedicated to the preservation, study and presentation of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. Established in 1955, it is housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Its exhibited displays cover the culture, housing, textiles, objects and traditions of the many Ethiopian ethnic groups as well as an array of religious and secular manuscripts, ceremonial items, icons, robes, crosses and books, and an impressive exhibition of traditional musical instruments and religious art from 13th – 20th centuries.