Ethiopia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Amharic ኢትዮጵያ Ityopp'ya) is a country situated in the Horn of Africa. It has one of the most extensive known histories as an independent nation on the continent, or indeed in the world. Unique among African countries, Ethiopia maintained independence during the Scramble for Africa, and continued to do so except for a 5 year period when it was under Italian occupation. Ethiopia was historically called Abyssinia. The name "Ethiopia" is sometimes thought by Westerners to derive from a Greek term meaning "burnt visage", but this etymology is problematic. Ethiopian sources state that the name is derived from a son or grandson of Cush, son of Ham.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Ethiopia

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In April 2005, the Axum obelisk, one of Ethiopia's religious and historical treasures, was returned to Ethiopia by Italy http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4458105.stm. Italian troops seized the obelisk in 1937 and took it to Rome. Italy agreed to return the obelisk in 1947 in a UN agreement.

Related Topics:
2005 - Axum obelisk - Italy - 1937 - Rome - 1947 - UN

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Ethiopia is the spiritual homeland of the Rastafari movement, that believes Ethiopia is Zion. Rastafari view Emperor Haile Selassie I as Jesus, the human incarnation of God.

Related Topics:
Rastafari movement - Zion - Emperor Haile Selassie I - Jesus

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• Cuisine of Ethiopia
• Music of Ethiopia
• Islam in Ethiopia
• Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church