Ethiopia- The Land
Ethiopia is a country of varied geography, but there are two major areas, the Ethiopian Highlands in the west and north of the country, and the semi-desert and desert to the west and south. The Ethiopian Highlands enjoy a comfortable climate and usually have adequate rain for agriculture, while the eastern parts of Ethiopia are extremely dry and hot. It is the Ethiopian highlands where the Nile river begins its journey southward to Egypt.
A wide variety of animals and plants live in Ethiopia, with several unique and endangered species including the Ethiopian wolf and well-known African animals such as crocodiles, lions and elephants. The plants are likewise varied, though only about 15 to 20% of the country is covered in forest now, due to extensive land clearings for agriculture and pasture.
Ethiopia is not as rich in mineral resources as many other African countries, though it does have small reserves of copper, gold, platinum, potash and natural gas. The many rivers and waterfalls in Ethiopia give it significant potential for hydroelectricity and there is a great deal of land suitable for agriculture and even more that can be used for herding. Livestock and livestock products are the biggest export of Ethiopia, along with coffee, which originated there.
A wide variety of animals and plants live in Ethiopia, with several unique and endangered species including the Ethiopian wolf and well-known African animals such as crocodiles, lions and elephants. The plants are likewise varied, though only about 15 to 20% of the country is covered in forest now, due to extensive land clearings for agriculture and pasture.
Ethiopia is not as rich in mineral resources as many other African countries, though it does have small reserves of copper, gold, platinum, potash and natural gas. The many rivers and waterfalls in Ethiopia give it significant potential for hydroelectricity and there is a great deal of land suitable for agriculture and even more that can be used for herding. Livestock and livestock products are the biggest export of Ethiopia, along with coffee, which originated there.
Sources and Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Ethiopia
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Ethiopia.html
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Ethiopia.html
Ideas for Further Inquiry
1.) Ethiopia is divided into two main physical regions. What effects do you think this might have on the country?
2.) Ethiopia has lost a great deal of its original forest cover. What effects does this have on the environment and people of Ethiopia?
3.) Ethiopia exports mainly agricultural products like coffee and livestock. Germany exports primarily industrial goods and services. Does this have a major impact on the difference in wealth between the two nations?
2.) Ethiopia has lost a great deal of its original forest cover. What effects does this have on the environment and people of Ethiopia?
3.) Ethiopia exports mainly agricultural products like coffee and livestock. Germany exports primarily industrial goods and services. Does this have a major impact on the difference in wealth between the two nations?