Ethiopia is a landlocked country in the northeastern part of Africa known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and unique history. Here are some interesting facts about Ethiopia:
Ethiopia, together with Liberia, is the only African country that has never been colonized by European powers. It was able to maintain its independence through a series of successful military campaigns, including the famous Battle of Adwa in 1896, in which Ethiopian forces defeated the invading Italian army.
Wildlife:
Ethiopia is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboon and the rare Ethiopian ibex. The country also has several national parks, including the Simien Mountains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ethiopia and its coffee:
Ethiopia is known for its coffee, widely considered one of the best in the world. The country is the birthplace of coffee and the plant is native to the region. Ethiopia has a long history of coffee cultivation, and the beverage is an important part of the country’s culture and economy.
Ethiopian cuisine:
Ethiopian cuisine is a unique blend of spices, flavors and textures, informed by the country’s rich cultural and geographic diversity. Traditional Ethiopian food is served on a large platter called injera, a spongy sourdough pancake made from teff flour, an ancient grain found only in Ethiopia. The injera serves as both a plate and eating utensil, and is torn into bite-sized pieces to eat the various dishes that come with it.
One of the most popular dishes in Ethiopian cuisine is wot, a spicy stew of meat, vegetables and a spice mixture called berbere. Berbere is a blend of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander and other spices that gives wot its distinctive flavor and heat. The most common types of wot include Doro Wot, which is prepared with chicken, Sega Wot, which is prepared with beef, and Yebeg Wot, which is prepared with lamb.
Another popular dish is tibs, a stir-fried dish with meat, vegetables and spices. Tibs can be prepared with any type of meat, but beef and lamb are the most commonly used. The dish is usually served with injera and a side dish of vegetables or salad.
Ethiopian cuisine also features a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, often prepared with lentils, chickpeas or split peas. One of the most popular vegetarian dishes is shiro, a thick stew of ground chickpeas or lentils, garlic, onions and berbere.
In addition to injera, Ethiopian cuisine also includes a type of bread called dabo, a slightly sweet yeast bread that is often served with coffee or tea. Ethiopian coffee is known for its high quality and strong flavor and is often served in a traditional coffee ceremony where the coffee is roasted and brewed in front of the guests.
History of Ethiopia:
Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world with a history dating back over 3,000 years. The country is home to several ancient civilizations, including the Axumite Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world.
Ethiopian alphabet:
Ethiopia has a unique alphabet, called the Ge’ez alphabet, which has been used for over 2,000 years. The alphabet is still used today in the liturgical language of the country and is also the basis for several other scripts used in the region.
Religion:
Ethiopia is home to the second largest Orthodox population in the world after Russia. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a unique and ancient tradition that includes a 13-month calendar and a rich collection of religious art and literature.
Ethiopia is also known for its rock-hewn churches, carved out of solid rock and dating back to the 12th century. The most famous of these churches is Lalibela, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Official language in Ethiopia:
The official language is Amharic, which is spoken by about 22 million people. There are also more than 80 different ethnic groups in Ethiopia, each with their own language and cultural traditions.
Natural Resources:
Ethiopia is one of the world’s largest producers of gold and has other mineral resources such as platinum, copper and potash. The mining sector makes an important contribution to the country’s economy.
Sports:
Ethiopia is also known for its long-distance runners, who have won numerous Olympic medals and world titles. The country’s athletes are particularly successful in marathon running, where they have won several world records and Olympic gold medals.
As you can see, Ethiopia is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage, unique history and diverse landscapes. From coffee to ancient civilizations to rock-hewn churches, Ethiopia is a country that offers visitors and history and culture buffs a wealth of interesting facts and experiences.
Who was Haile Selassie?
Haile Selassie was the last emperor of Ethiopia, a great statesman and an important figure in African and world history. You can see his face on the gold coins below. He was born in 1892 in Ejersa Goro, a small town in Ethiopia. He belonged to the royal family of Shoa, one of the most powerful regions of Ethiopia, and was educated in traditional Ethiopian schools and by European teachers.
In 1916, Tafari Makonnen was appointed Ras (prince) and governor of Harar, a region in eastern Ethiopia. He proved to be an able and efficient administrator and won the respect of his people. In 1928 he was crowned King of Ethiopia, and in 1930 he was crowned Emperor under the name of Haile Selassie I.
During his reign, Haile Selassie implemented several reforms to modernize Ethiopia and improve the lives of its people. He abolished slavery, introduced a new constitution, and created a system of courts and legal procedures. He also built roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure and promoted the development of agriculture, industry and trade.
Haile Selassie was a strong proponent of African unity and played a key role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. He was also an outspoken critic of colonialism and racism, and his speeches to the United Nations and other international forums inspired many people around the world.
However, Haile Selassie’s reign was not without controversy and challenges. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia and waged a brutal war that lasted five years. Although Ethiopia was eventually liberated, the war left the country devastated and weakened the authority of Haile Selassie. In 1974, he was overthrown in a military coup by the communist group Derg and placed under house arrest. He died under mysterious circumstances on August 27, 1975.
Haile Selassie was a complex and multifaceted personality, and his legacy is still debated and contested today. For some, he was a visionary leader who modernized Ethiopia and fought for African independence and unity. For others, he was a feudal autocrat who did not care about the needs and aspirations of his people and ran a corrupt and oppressive regime.
But regardless of how one feels about Haile Selassie’s legacy, it is clear that he was a significant figure in the history of Ethiopia, Africa and the world. His vision of a united and prosperous Africa continues to inspire many, and his legacy as a symbol of African independence and resistance to colonialism and racism remains strong.
Gold coins from Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country with a rich history and culture, and its coins are a testament to that. In Ethiopia, gold coins have been a popular form of currency for centuries. These coins were made by skilled craftsmen and served trade, commerce and as a symbol of wealth and status.
The most famous Ethiopian gold coin is the Ethiopian Birr. The Ethiopian birr was introduced by Emperor Menelik II in 1894 and has been in use ever since. The Birr is a symbol of Ethiopian pride and is also used to commemorate important events in Ethiopian history. The Ethiopian Birr is legal tender in Ethiopia, but is also collected and traded by collectors and investors around the world.
The popularity of Ethiopian gold coins among collectors and investors can be attributed to several factors. First, their rarity and historical significance make them valuable and sought-after objects. Many of the older coins are extremely rare and hard to find, which makes them even more valuable. In addition, the coins are aesthetically pleasing and unique due to their intricate designs and images.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of Ethiopian gold coins is the fact that they are considered a safe investment. Gold has been a valuable commodity for centuries, and its value has remained relatively stable over time. Investing in gold coins is seen as a way to protect one’s wealth from inflation and economic instability.
Our favorite collection of gold coins from Ethiopia:
Ethiopia – 600 Birr – Walia Ibex – 1970/1978 – NGC MS66 – Mintage: 647, Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom
Ethiopia – 600 Birr – Walia Capricorn – 1970/1978 – PF68 Ultra Cameo – Edition: 160
Haile Selassie 100 Dollar 1966 Gold Coin Ethiopia Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Haile Selassie – 20 Birr – 1966 – NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo – Top Pop!
In conclusion, Ethiopian gold coins are a testament to Ethiopia’s rich history and culture. Their intricate designs and imagery, rarity and historical significance make them highly sought after by collectors and investors around the world. A symbol of Ethiopian pride and a safe investment, Ethiopian gold coins are likely to remain popular for many years to come.
