Introduction
Addis Ababa is the capital of the East African country of Ethiopia. It is also the largest city and commercial center of that poor and underdeveloped nation. Its buildings range from traditional mud huts to high-rise blocks of apartments and offices. Addis Ababa is situated on a plateau in the central mountains of Ethiopia. The highest city in Africa, it has an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. The city spreads over more than 90 square miles (230 square kilometers) of forested hills and valleys. Deep gorges pass through the city.
Places of interest
Ethiopia's government ministries and houses of parliament are located in Addis Ababa. The city also contains the headquarters of several international organizations, including the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). Nearby are the city's showplaces, the imperial palaces and the imperial dens, which house dozens of lions. Addis Ababa University was established in 1950.
Economy
Most of Ethiopia's trade passes through Addis Ababa. In the western part of the city is the Mercato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Goods manufactured in the city include textiles, food, beverages, plastics, and wood products.
History
Addis Ababa has been the capital of Ethiopia only since the late 19th century. Previously the capital was Entoto, a cold, windswept town just to the north. In 1887 the empress Taitu persuaded her husband, Emperor Menelik II, to move the capital to its present, more favorable site. The empress named it Addis Ababa, meaning “new flower.”
As the population increased, the city experienced shortages of firewood. Wood was a necessity for survival in the cool mountain climate. As a remedy the city imported eucalyptus trees from Australia in 1905. The trees spread, providing a forest cover for the city.
From 1935 to 1941 Italian forces occupied Addis Ababa as well as the rest of Ethiopia. The Italians paved roads and constructed European-style buildings, particularly in their own neighborhoods. Development of the city was slow from 1941 until 1960. Beginning in the 1960s, however, Addis Ababa grew rapidly. Population (1994 estimate), 2,112,737.
