Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Sudan and South Sudan to the west, and Kenya to the south. The country covers an area of approximately 1,104,300 square kilometers (426,400 square miles) and is the world's 27th largest country by area.
As of 2024, It has a population of around 132 million people, making it the second-most populous country in Africa after Nigeria and the 13th most populous country in the world.
Ethiopia's has many traditional cultures is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country's rich history and the customs of over 80 ethnic groups. Key elements include:
Music and Dance: Traditional Ethiopian music features instruments like the krar (a lyre), masinko (a single-stringed violin), and kebero (drums). Dance forms such as the shoulder dance, eskista, are also popular.
Coffee Ceremony: The coffee ceremony is a significant cultural ritual in Ethiopia. It involves roasting green coffee beans, grinding them, and brewing the coffee in a traditional pot called a jebena. The ceremony is a social event, often accompanied by the serving of snacks like popcorn or bread
Festivals: Ethiopia has many traditional festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm:
Timket: Celebrated in January, Timkat is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany, marking the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. It involves colorful processions, music, and dance
Meskel: Celebrated in September, Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena. The festival includes the lighting of a large bonfire, known as the Demera.
Ethiopia's education system has seen significant growth and development the formal education system includes primary (grades 1-8), secondary (grades 9-12), and tertiary education.
Ethiopia is set to host the AEAA (Association for Educational Assessment in Africa) conference in 2025. The event will take place at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa from August 25th to 29th. This conference will bring together experts and stakeholders in the field of educational assessment to discuss advancements and challenges in the sector.
The Educational Assessment and Examinations Service (EAES) is a governmental organization under the Ministry of Education, established in 2003. The Service is responsible for the administration of national examinations, educational assessments, and certification for university entrance examinations in Ethiopia. It ensures the standardization and quality of education through various assessments and examinations, thereby contributing to the overall development of the country's educational system.