Editing Geography of Ethiopia

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Multiple image
| direction         = horizontal
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| image1            = Formazioni rocciose nei dintorni di addis zemen, 05.jpg
| image2            = Simien Mountains National Park 08.jpg
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| image3            = Oromia IMG 5543 Shala lake, Ethiopia (39770338952).jpg
| image4            = Gheralta Mtns (39794118005).jpg
| image5            = El Sod (11606130484).jpg
| image6            = ET Afar asv2018-01 img45 Dallol.jpg
| footer            = '''From top to bottom, clockwise:''' rock formation near [[Addis Zemen]]; [[Simien Mountains National Park]]; Gere-alta mountains in [[Hawzen (Ethiopian District)|Hawzen]]; [[Dallol (hydrothermal system)|Dallol]]; saline [[Volcanic crater lake|crater lake]] at El Sod in [[Borana National Park]]; [[Abijatta-Shalla National Park]].
}}

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. [[Ethiopia]] has a high central plateau, the Abyssinian Highlands (or [[Ethiopian Highlands]]) that varies from {{convert|1290|to|3000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} above sea level, with some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 meters (13,200ft), the highest being [[Ras Dashen]] at 4,543 meters (14,538ft).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-25 |title=Overview About Ethiopia |url=https://ethiopianembassy.org/overview-about-ethiopia/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Embassy of Ethiopia in the UK |language=en-US}}</ref>

Elevation is generally highest just before the point of descent to the [[Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia|Great Rift Valley]], which splits the plateau diagonally. A number of rivers cross the plateau; notably the [[Blue Nile]] rising from [[Lake Tana]]. The plateau gradually slopes to the lowlands of the Sudan on the west and the Somali-inhabited plains to the east. Ethiopia's westernmost locality is Pibor River opposite the Sudanese village of Denjok. Its easternmost locality lies along the eastern border of Dollo Zone opposite [[Puntland]] and [[Galmudug]] states.

==Physical features==

=== Geography ===
[[File:Ethiopia Topography.png|thumb|215x215px|Ethiopia's topography]]
[[File:Ethiopia sat.png|thumb|213x213px|A satellite image of Ethiopia]]
Between the valley of the Upper [[Nile]] and Ethiopia's border with [[Sudan]] and South Sudan is a region of elevated [[plateau]]s from which rise the various tablelands and mountains that constitute the [[Ethiopian Highlands]]. On nearly every side, the walls of the plateaus rise abruptly from the [[plain]]s, constituting outer mountain chains. The highlands are thus a clearly marked geographic division. In [[Eritrea]], the eastern wall of this plateau runs parallel to the [[Red Sea]] from [[Ras Kasar]] ([[18th parallel north|18° N]]) to [[Annesley Bay]] (also known as the Bay of [[Zula]]) ([[15th parallel north|15° N]]). It then turns due south into Ethiopia and follows closely the line of [[40th meridian east|40° E]] for some {{convert|600|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=83}}

About [[9th parallel north|9° N]] there is a break in the wall, through which the [[Awash River]] flows eastward. The main range at this point trends southwest, while south of the Awash Valley, which is some {{convert|1000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} below the level of the mountains, another [[massif]] rises in a direct line south. This second range sends a chain (the [[Ahmar Mountains]]<!-- which the EB 1911 calls the "Harar hills" -->) eastward toward the [[Gulf of Aden]].{{sfn|Cana|1911|pp=83–84}}

The two chief eastern ranges maintain a parallel course south by west, with a broad upland valley in between – in which valley are a series of lakes – to about [[3rd parallel north|3° N]], the outer (eastern) spurs of the plateau still keeping along the line of [[40th meridian east|40° E]]. The southern escarpment of the plateau is highly irregular, but has a general direction northwest and southeast from [[6th parallel north|6° N]] to [[3rd parallel north|3° N]]. It overlooks the [[Depression (geology)|depression]] in which is [[Lake Turkana]] and – east of that lake – the southern [[Debub Omo Zone]] (part of the larger [[Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region]]).{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The western wall of the plateau from [[6th parallel north|6° N]] to [[11th parallel north|11° N]] is well marked and precipitous. North of [[11th parallel north|11° N]] the hills turn more to the east and fall more gradually to the [[East Sudanian savanna]] plains at their base. On its northern face, the plateau falls in terraces to the level of the eastern Sudan.
[[File:Awash River Valley, Asaita, Afar, Ethiopia.JPG|thumb|Awash river valley.]]
The eastern escarpment is the best defined of these outer ranges. It has a mean height of {{convert|2100|to|2400|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, and in many places rises almost perpendicularly from the plain. Narrow and deep clefts, through which descend mountain torrents that lose themselves in the sandy soil of the Eritrean coast, afford means of reaching the plateau, or the easier route through the [[Awash River|Awash Valley]] may be chosen. On surmounting this rocky barrier, the traveller finds that the encircling rampart rises little above the normal level of the plateau.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The physical aspect of the highlands is impressive. The northern portion lies mainly between [[10th parallel north|10°]] and [[15th parallel north|15° N]]. It consists of a huge mass of [[Archean|Archaean]] rocks with a mean height of {{convert|2000|to|2200|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} above sea level, and is flooded in a deep central depression by the waters of [[Lake Tana]]. Above the plateau rise several irregular and generally ill-defined mountain ranges which attain altitudes of from {{convert|3700|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} to just under {{convert|4600|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. Many of the mountains are of unusual shape.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

Characteristic of the country are the enormous [[canyon|fissures]] which divide it, formed over time by the [[erosion|erosive]] action of water. They are the valleys of the rivers, which rising on the uplands or mountain sides, have cut their way to the surrounding lowlands. Some of the valleys are of considerable width; in other cases the opposite walls of the gorges are but two or three hundred meters apart, and fall almost vertically thousands of meters, representing an erosion of many hundred thousands cubic metres of hard rock. One result of the action of the water has been the formation of numerous isolated flat-topped hills or small plateaus, known as ''[[amba (geology)|ambas]]'', with nearly perpendicular sides.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The highest peaks are found in the [[Semien Mountains|Semien]] and [[Bale Mountains|Bale]] ranges. The Semien Mountains lie northeast of Lake Tana and culminate in the snow-covered peak of [[Ras Dashen]], which has an altitude of {{convert|4550|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. A few kilometers east and north respectively of Ras Dashen are Mounts [[Mount Biuat|Biuat]] and [[Mount Abba Yared|Abba Yared]], whose summits are less than {{convert|100|m|ft|0|sp=us}} below that of Ras Dashen.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The Bale Mountains are separated from the larger part of the Ethiopian highlands by the [[Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia|Great Rift Valley]], one of the longest and most profound chasms in Ethiopia. The highest peaks of that range include [[Mount Tullu Demtu|Tullu Demtu]], the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia ({{convert|4377|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), [[Mount Batu|Batu]] ({{convert|4307|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), [[Mount Chilalo|Chilalo]] ({{convert|4036|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and [[Mount Kaka]] ({{convert|3820|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}).

Parallel with the eastern escarpment are the heights of [[Mount Biala|Biala]], {{convert|3810|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, [[Mount Abuna Yosef]], {{convert|4190|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, and [[Kollo (mountain)|Kollo]], {{convert|4300|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, the last-named being southwest <!-- my map shows it NE --> of [[Magdala, Ethiopia|Magdala]]. Between Lake Tana and the eastern hills are Mounts [[Mount Guna|Guna]], {{convert|4210|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, and [[Mount Uara Sahia|Uara Sahia]], {{convert|3960|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}} In the [[Choqa Mountains]] of [[Misraq Gojjam Zone|Misraq Gojjam]], [[Mount Choqa]] (also known as Mount Birhan) attains a height of  {{convert|4154|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.

Below [[10th parallel north|10° N]], the southern portion of the highlands has more open tableland than the northern portion and fewer lofty peaks. Though there are a few heights between {{convert|3000|and|4000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, the majority do not exceed {{convert|2400|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, but the general character of the southern regions is the same as in the north: a much-broken hilly plateau.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

East of the highlands towards the [[Red Sea]] there is a strip of lowland semi-desert, the [[Ethiopian xeric grasslands and shrublands]].

=== Hydrology ===
{{Further|List of rivers of Ethiopia}}
[[File:Ethiopia Hydrogeology3.png|thumb|[[Hydrogeology]] map of Ethiopia|left]]
Most of the Ethiopian uplands have a decided slope to the northwest, so that nearly all the large rivers flow in that direction to the [[Nile]], comprising some 85% of its water. Such are the [[Tekezé River]] in the north, the [[Abay River|Abay]] in the center, and the [[Sobat River|Sobat]] in the south, and about four-fifths of the entire drainage is discharged through these three arteries. Another large river is the south-flowing [[Omo River (Ethiopia)|Omo]], with 14% of the entire drainage the largest river outside the above-mentioned three main arteries discharging to the west, and by far the main feeder of the [[closed basin|endorheic]] [[Turkana Basin]] with [[Lake Turkana]]. The rest is carried off by the [[Awash River|Awash]], which runs out in the saline lacustrine district along the border with [[Djibouti]]; by the [[Shebelle River]] and the [[Jubba River|Jubba]], which flow southeast through [[Somalia]], though the Shebelle most often fails to reach the Indian Ocean.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The [[Tekezé River]], which is the true upper course of the [[Atbarah River]], has its headwaters in the central tableland; and falls from about {{convert|2100|to|750|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. in the tremendous crevasse through which it sweeps west, north, forming part of the border with Eritrea, and west again down to the western terraces, where it passes from Ethiopia to Sudan. During the rains the Tekezé (i.e. the "Terrible") rises some {{convert|5|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} above its normal level, and at this time forms an impassable barrier between the northern and central regions. In its lower course, the river is known by the Arabic name [[Setit]].{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

[[File:jubbarivermap.png|thumb|223x223px|A map of the [[Jubba River]] and [[Shebelle River]] [[drainage basin]]]]In Sudan, the Setit is joined (at {{coord|14|20|N|35|51|E}}) by the Atbarah, a river formed by several streams which rise in the mountains west and northwest of [[Lake Tana]]. The Gash or [[Mareb River|Mareb]], which forms part of the border with [[Eritrea]], is the most northerly of the highland rivers which flow toward the Nile valley. Its headwaters rise on the landward side of the eastern escarpment within 80&nbsp;km of Annesley Bay on the Red Sea. It reaches the Sudanese plains near [[Kassala]], beyond which place its waters are dissipated in the sandy soil. The Mareb is dry for a great part of the year, but like the Takazze is subject to sudden freshets during the rainy season. Only the left bank of the upper course of the river is in Ethiopian territory.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The Abay – that is, the upper course of the Blue Nile – has its source near [[Mount Denguiza]] in the Choqa mountains, around {{coord|11|0|N|37|0|E}}. It first flows for {{convert|110|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} nearly due north to the south shore of Lake Tana. Tana, which stands {{convert|750|to|1000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} below the normal level of the plateau, has somewhat the physical aspect of a flooded crater. It has an area of about {{convert|2800|km2|sqmi|0}}, and a depth in some parts of {{convert|75|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. At the southeast corner the rim of the crater is, as it were, breached by a deep crevasse through which the Abay escapes, and here makes a great semicircular bend like that of the Tekezé, but in the reverse direction – east, south and north-west – down to the plains of [[Sennar (state)|Sennar]], where it takes the name of Bahr-el-Azrak or [[Blue Nile]].{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}[[File:Awashrivermap.png|thumb|222x222px|A map of the [[Awash River]]]]The Abay has many tributaries. Of these, the [[Bashilo River|Bashilo]] rises near Magdala and drains eastern [[Amhara Region|Amhara]]; the [[Jamma River|Jamma]] rises near Ankober and drains northern [[Shoa, Ethiopia|Shoa]]; the [[Muger River|Muger]] rises near [[Addis Ababa]] and drains south-western [[Shoa, Ethiopia|Shoa]]; the [[Didessa River|Didessa]], the largest of the Abay's affluents, rises in the [[Kaffa (city)|Kaffa]] hills and has a generally south-to-north course; the [[Dabus River|Dabus]] runs near the western edge of the plateau escarpment. All these are perennial rivers. The right-hand tributaries, rising mostly on the western sides of the plateau, have steep slopes and are generally torrential in character. The [[Beles River|Beles]], however, is perennial, and the [[Rahad River|Rahad]] and [[Dinder River|Dinder]] are important rivers in flood-time.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

In the mountains and plateaus of [[Gambela Region|Gambela]] and Kaffa in southwestern Ethiopia rise the [[Baro River|Baro]], [[Gelo River|Gelo]], [[Akobo River|Akobo]] and other chief affluents of the Sobat tributary of the Nile. The Akobo, in about {{coord|7|47|N|33|3|E}}, joins the [[Pibor River|Pibor]], which in about {{coord|8|30|N|33|20|E}} unites with the Baro, the river below the confluence taking the name of Sobat. These rivers descend from the mountains in great falls, and like the other Ethiopian streams are unnavigable in their upper courses. The Baro on reaching the plain becomes, however, a navigable stream affording an open waterway to the Nile. The Baro, Pibor and Akobo form for {{convert|400|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} the western and southwestern frontiers of Ethiopia.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}

The chief river of Ethiopia flowing east is the [[Awash River]] (or Awasi), which rises in the Shewan uplands and makes a semicircular bend first southeast and then northeast. It reaches the [[Afar Depression]] through a broad breach in the eastern escarpment of the plateau, beyond which it is joined on its left bank by its chief affluent, the [[Germama river|Germama]] (Kasam), and then trends round in the direction of the [[Gulf of Tadjoura]]. Here the Awash is a copious stream nearly {{convert|60|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|1.2|m|ft|2|abbr=on}} deep, even in the dry season, and during the floods rising {{convert|15|to|20|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} above low-water mark, thus inundating the plains for many kilometers along both its banks.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=84}}
[[File:Flamants roses du Lac Abbe.JPG|thumb|[[Flamingo|Flamingos]] at Lake Abbe.]]
After a winding course of about {{convert|800|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}, the Awash River passes (in its lower reaches) through a series of badds (lagoons) to [[Lake Abbe]] (or Abhe Bid) on the border with Djibouti and some {{convert|100|to|110|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from the head of the [[Gulf of Tadjoura]]. In this lake the Awash river is lost. This remarkable phenomenon is explained by the position of Lake Abbe in the centre of a saline lacustrine depression several hundred meters below sea level. While most of the other lagoons are highly saline, with thick incrustations of salt round their margins, Lake Abbe remains fresh throughout the year, owing to the great body of water discharged into it by the Awash.{{sfn|Cana|1911|pp=84–85}}

Another lacustrine region extends from the Shoan heights southwest to the Samburu ([[Lake Turkana]]) depression. In this chain of scenic upland lakes – some fresh, some [[brackish water|brackish]], some completely closed, others connected by short channels – the chief links in their order from north to south are: [[Lake Zway|Zway]], communicating southwards with Hara and Lamina, all in the [[Arsi Zone]]; then [[Lake Abijatta|Abijatta]] with an outlet to a smaller turn to the Baroda and Gamo areas, skirted on the west sides by grassy slopes and wooded ranges from {{convert|2000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} to nearly {{convert|3000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} high; lastly, [[Lake Chew Bahir]] (formerly known as Lake Stephanie) which is completely closed and falling to a level of about {{convert|550|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} above sea level.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

To the same system belongs the neighbouring Lake Turkana, which is larger than all the rest put together. This lake receives at its northern end the waters of the Omo, which rises in the Shoan highlands and is a perennial river with many affluents. In its course of some {{convert|600|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}  it has a total fall of about {{convert|700|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, from {{convert|1060|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} at its source to c. {{convert|360|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} at lake level, and is consequently a rapid stream, being broken by the Kokobi and other falls, and navigable only for a short distance above its mouth.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

The chief rivers of Somalia, the Shebelle and the Jubba, rise on the southeastern slopes of the Ethiopian escarpment as the Shebelle, the [[Ganale Doria River|Ganale Doria]] and the [[Dawa River|Dawa]], and part of their course is through territory belonging to Ethiopia.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

There are numerous [[hot spring]]s in Ethiopia, such as [[Sodere]].

==Geology==
{{main|Geology of Ethiopia}}
[[File:Erta Ale-Lac de lave (14).jpg|thumb|[[Erta Ale]] in the [[Afar Region]].]]
The East African [[Plateaus|tableland]] is continued into Ethiopia. A pioneering study of the geology of Ethiopia was [[W. T. Blanford]]'s work in 1870.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}} More recent work has focused on the [[Afar Depression]], due to its importance as one of two places on Earth where a [[mid-ocean ridge]] can be studied on land (the other is [[Iceland]]).

The following formations are represented:

; [[Sedimentary]] and [[metamorphic rocks|metamorphic]]
:* Recent: [[Coral]], [[alluvium]], [[sand]]
:* [[Tertiary]]: [[Limestone]]s of [[Harrar]]
:* [[Jurassic]]: [[Antalo Limestone]]s
:* [[Triassic]]: [[Adigrat Sandstone]]s
:* [[Archean|Archaean]]: [[Gneiss]]es, [[schist]]s, [[slate|slaty]] rocks
; [[Igneous]]
:* Recent: [[Aden]] Volcanic Series
:* Tertiary, Cretaceous: [[Maqdala|Magdala]] group
:* Jurassic: [[Ashangi Basalts|Ashangi group]]{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}
[[Image:Nabro and Mallahle Volcanoes-NASA.jpg|thumb|right|274x274px|[[False-color]] topographical relief image of [[Nabro Volcano|Nabro]] caldera (top; in Eritrea) next to the [[Mallahle]] volcanic caldera, then Mount Sarkali with the smaller [[Sork Ale]] caldera in the bottom right – SRTM colored height and shaded relief.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nasa Photo journal |url=http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04953}}</ref>]][[Archean|Archaean]].– The metamorphic rocks compose the main mass of the tableland, and are exposed in every deep valley in Tigre and along the valley of the Blue Nile. Mica-schists form the prevalent rocks. Hornblende schists also occur and a compact feldspathic rock in the Suris [[defile (geography)|defile]]. The [[Foliation_(geology)|folia]] of the schists strike north and south.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

[[Triassic]].– In the region of [[Adigrat]] the metamorphic rocks are invariably overlain by white and brown sandstones, unfossiliferous, and attaining a maximum thickness of 300&nbsp;m. They are overlain by the fossiliferous limestones of the [[Antalo Limestone|Antalo group]]. Around Chelga and Adigrat coal-bearing beds occur, which Blanford suggests may be of the same age as the coal-bearing strata of [[India]]. The [[Adigrat Sandstone]] possibly represents some portion of the [[Karoo System]] of South Africa.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

[[Jurassic]].– The fossiliferous [[Antalo Limestone]]s are generally horizontal, but are in places much disturbed when interstratified with [[Mekelle Dolerite]]. The fossils are all characteristic Oolite forms and include species of Hemicidaris, Pholadomya, Ceromya, Trigonia and Alaria.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

[[Igneous]] Rocks.– Above a height of {{convert|2400|m|ft|abbr=on}} the country consists of bedded traps belonging to two distinct and unconformable groups. The lower ([[Ashangi Basalts|Ashangi group]]) consists of basalts and dolerites often amygdaloidal. Their relation to the Antalo limestones is uncertain, but Blanford considers them to be not later in age than the Oolite. The upper (Magdala group) contains much trachytic rock of considerable thickness, lying perfectly horizontally, and giving rise to a series of terraced ridges characteristic of central Ethiopia. They are interbedded with unfossiliferous sandstones and shales.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

Of more recent date (probably Tertiary) are some igneous rocks, rich in alkalis, occurring in certain localities in southern Ethiopia. Of still more recent date are the basalts and ashes west of [[Massawa]] and around Annesley Bay and known as the Aden Volcanic Series. With regard to the older igneous rocks, the enormous amount they have suffered from denudation is a prominent feature. They have been worn into deep and narrow ravines, sometimes to a depth of {{convert|1000|to|1,200|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

==Climate==
{{Main article|Climate of Ethiopia}}
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map ETH present.svg|thumb|[[Köppen climate classification]] zones of Ethiopia|266x266px]]

The [[climate of Ethiopia]] and its dependent territories varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. The country lies wholly within the tropics, but its nearness to the [[equator]] is counterbalanced by the elevation of the land. At [[Addis Ababa]], which ranges from {{convert|2200|to|2600|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, maximum temperature is {{convert|26|C|F|1}} and minimum {{convert|4|C|F|1}}. The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (''belg'') rains occur from February to April and the large (''meher'') rains from mid-June to mid-September. Over the greater part of Ethiopia as well as the [[Oromia]] highlands, the climate is very healthy and temperate. However, in the deep valleys of the [[Tekezé River|Tekezé]] and [[Abay River|Abay]], and generally in places below {{convert|1200|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, the conditions are tropical and diseases such as [[malaria]] are prevalent. The [[Somali Region]] and the [[Danakil Depression]] in the [[Afar (region)|Afar Region]] have a hot, sunny and dry climate producing fully desert or semi-desert conditions. The terrain in the lower basin of the [[Sobat River|Sobat]] is hot, swampy and malarious.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

In the uplands, the air is cool and bracing in summer, and in winter very bleak. The mean range of temperature is between {{convert|15|and|25|°C|°F}}. On the higher mountains the climate is [[Alpine climate|alpine]] in character. The atmosphere on the plateaus is exceedingly clear, so that objects are easily recognizable at great distances. In addition to the variation in climate dependent on elevation, the year may be divided into three seasons. Winter, or the cold season, lasts from October to February. It is followed by a dry hot period, which about the middle of June gives place to the rainy season. The rain is heaviest in the Tekezé basin in July and August.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

In the former provinces of [[Gojjam]] and [[Welega Province|Welega]], heavy rains continue till the middle of September. October is occasionally a wet month. There are also spring and winter rains; indeed rain often falls in every month of the year. But the rainy season proper, caused by the southwest monsoon, lasts from June to mid-September, and commencing in the north moves southward. In the region of the headwaters of the Sobat the rains begin earlier and last longer. The rainfall varies from about {{convert|750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} a year in [[Tigray Region|Tigray]] and [[Amhara Region|Amhara]] to over {{convert|1000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in parts of Oromia.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

The rainy season is of great importance not only to Ethiopia but to the countries of the Nile valley, as the prosperity of the eastern Sudan and [[Egypt]] is largely dependent upon the rainfall. A season of light rain may be sufficient for the needs of Ethiopia, but there is little surplus water to find its way to the Nile; and a shortness of rain means a low Nile, as practically all the flood water of that river is derived from the Ethiopian tributaries.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

{{Weather box
|width = auto
|location = Addis Ababa (1981–2010, extremes 1898–present)
|metric first = y
|single line = y
|collapsed = yes
|Jan record high C = 28.8
|Feb record high C = 30.6
|Mar record high C = 30.0
|Apr record high C = 30.2
|May record high C = 29.5
|Jun record high C = 29.0
|Jul record high C = 29.1
|Aug record high C = 28.0
|Sep record high C = 25.6
|Oct record high C = 27.1
|Nov record high C = 29.5
|Dec record high C = 26.5
|year record high C = 30.6
|Jan high C = 24
|Feb high C = 24
|Mar high C = 25
|Apr high C = 24
|May high C = 25
|Jun high C = 23
|Jul high C = 21
|Aug high C = 21
|Sep high C = 22
|Oct high C = 23
|Nov high C = 23
|Dec high C = 23
|year high C =
|Jan mean C = 16.0
|Feb mean C = 16.8
|Mar mean C = 17.8
|Apr mean C = 17.8
|May mean C = 18.2
|Jun mean C = 16.8
|Jul mean C = 15.5
|Aug mean C = 15.6
|Sep mean C = 16.1
|Oct mean C = 16.1
|Nov mean C = 15.4
|Dec mean C = 15.2
|year mean C = 16.4
|Jan low C = 8
|Feb low C = 9
|Mar low C = 10
|Apr low C = 11
|May low C = 11
|Jun low C = 10
|Jul low C = 10
|Aug low C = 10
|Sep low C = 10
|Oct low C = 9
|Nov low C = 7
|Dec low C = 7
|year low =
|Jan record low C = 0.0
|Feb record low C = 0.1
|Mar record low C = 0.0
|Apr record low C = 2.5
|May record low C = 4.0
|Jun record low C = 4.2
|Jul record low C = 5.4
|Aug record low C = 5.7
|Sep record low C = 3.9
|Oct record low C = 0.0
|Nov record low C = 0.0
|Dec record low C = 0.0
|year record low C = 0.0
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 13
|Feb rain mm = 30
|Mar rain mm = 58
|Apr rain mm = 82
|May rain mm = 84
|Jun rain mm = 138
|Jul rain mm = 280
|Aug rain mm = 290
|Sep rain mm = 149
|Oct rain mm = 27
|Nov rain mm = 7
|Dec rain mm = 7
|year rain mm =
|unit rain days = 0.1 mm
|Jan rain days = 3
|Feb rain days = 5
|Mar rain days = 7
|Apr rain days = 10
|May rain days = 10
|Jun rain days = 20
|Jul rain days = 27
|Aug rain days = 26
|Sep rain days = 18
|Oct rain days = 4
|Nov rain days = 1
|Dec rain days = 1
|year rain days =
|Jan humidity = 52
|Feb humidity = 51
|Mar humidity = 53
|Apr humidity = 59
|May humidity = 55
|Jun humidity = 68
|Jul humidity = 78
|Aug humidity = 80
|Sep humidity = 75
|Oct humidity = 57
|Nov humidity = 53
|Dec humidity = 53
|year humidity = 62
|Jan sun = 266.6
|Feb sun = 206.2
|Mar sun = 241.8
|Apr sun = 210.0
|May sun = 238.7
|Jun sun = 174.0
|Jul sun = 111.6
|Aug sun = 133.3
|Sep sun = 162.0
|Oct sun = 248.0
|Nov sun = 267.0
|Dec sun = 288.3
|year sun =
|Jand sun = 8.6
|Febd sun = 7.3
|Mard sun = 7.8
|Aprd sun = 7.0
|Mayd sun = 7.7
|Jund sun = 5.8
|Juld sun = 3.6
|Augd sun = 4.3
|Sepd sun = 5.4
|Octd sun = 8.0
|Novd sun = 8.9
|Decd sun = 9.3
|yeard sun = 7.0
|source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organisation]] (average high and low, and rainfall)<ref name=AddisAbabaWMO>{{cite web
| url = http://worldweather.wmo.int/060/c00162.htm
| title = World Weather Information Service – Addis Ababa
| access-date = 31 March 2019
| publisher = World Meteorological Organisation
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131022180728/http://worldweather.wmo.int/060/c00162.htm
| archive-date = 22 October 2013
| url-status = live
| df = dmy-all}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (mean temperatures 1961–1990, humidity 1951–1990, and sun 1985–1998)<ref name = DWDaddisababa>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_634500_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Addis Abeba ({{sic|hide=y|Ad|is Ababa}} ) / Äthiopien
| work = Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| access-date = 31 March 2019}}</ref> Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)<ref name = addisababameteoclimat>
{{cite web
| url = http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=1837
| title = Station Addis Abeba
| publisher = Météo Climat
| language = fr
| access-date = 31 March 2019}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
| location = Dire Dawa (extremes 1952–present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| width = auto
| collapsed = yes
| Jan record high C = 38.0
| Feb record high C = 42.0
| Mar record high C = 42.0
| Apr record high C = 37.8
| May record high C = 39.9
| Jun record high C = 39.5
| Jul record high C = 38.2
| Aug record high C = 37.3
| Sep record high C = 37.4
| Oct record high C = 38.4
| Nov record high C = 36.4
| Dec record high C = 36.0
| year record high C = 42.0
| Jan high C = 28.3
| Feb high C = 29.5
| Mar high C = 30.9
| Apr high C = 30.9
| May high C = 33.7
| Jun high C = 33.7
| Jul high C = 32.3
| Aug high C = 31.0
| Sep high C = 32.3
| Oct high C = 32.1
| Nov high C = 29.9
| Dec high C = 28.3
| year high C = 31.1
| Jan mean C = 22.1
| Feb mean C = 23.2
| Mar mean C = 25.2
| Apr mean C = 26.0
| May mean C = 27.8
| Jun mean C = 28.5
| Jul mean C = 27.0
| Aug mean C = 26.3
| Sep mean C = 26.6
| Oct mean C = 25.9
| Nov mean C = 23.5
| Dec mean C = 22.3
| year mean C = 25.4
| Jan low C = 14.8
| Feb low C = 15.5
| Mar low C = 18.2
| Apr low C = 19.6
| May low C = 20.7
| Jun low C = 21.6
| Jul low C = 20.4
| Aug low C = 19.2
| Sep low C = 19.6
| Oct low C = 18.1
| Nov low C = 15.6
| Dec low C = 14.4
| year low C = 18.1
| Jan record low C = 3.0
| Feb record low C = 6.0
| Mar record low C = 7.2
| Apr record low C = 5.0
| May record low C = 10.3
| Jun record low C = 11.8
| Jul record low C = 7.3
| Aug record low C = 6.5
| Sep record low C = 8.5
| Oct record low C = 6.0
| Nov record low C = 7.6
| Dec record low C = 1.0
| year record low C = 1.0
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 15
| Feb rain mm = 27
| Mar rain mm = 74
| Apr rain mm = 113
| May rain mm = 78
| Jun rain mm = 42
| Jul rain mm = 115
| Aug rain mm = 158
| Sep rain mm = 105
| Oct rain mm = 36
| Nov rain mm = 16
| Dec rain mm = 13
| year rain mm =
| unit rain days = 0.1 mm
| Jan rain days = 2
| Feb rain days = 3
| Mar rain days = 7
| Apr rain days = 10
| May rain days = 6
| Jun rain days = 5
| Jul rain days = 11
| Aug rain days = 14
| Sep rain days = 10
| Oct rain days = 3
| Nov rain days = 2
| Dec rain days = 1
| year rain days =
| Jan humidity = 55
| Feb humidity = 56
| Mar humidity = 55
| Apr humidity = 55
| May humidity = 47
| Jun humidity = 44
| Jul humidity = 50
| Aug humidity = 53
| Sep humidity = 52
| Oct humidity = 45
| Nov humidity = 49
| Dec humidity = 51
| year humidity = 51
| Jan dew point C =11
| Feb dew point C =12
| Mar dew point C =12
| Apr dew point C =15
| May dew point C =15
| Jun dew point C =14
| Jul dew point C =15
| Aug dew point C =16
| Sep dew point C =15
| Oct dew point C =12
| Nov dew point C =12
| Dec dew point C =11
| Jan sun = 294.5
| Feb sun = 265.6
| Mar sun = 257.3
| Apr sun = 246.0
| May sun = 244.9
| Jun sun = 204.0
| Jul sun = 220.1
| Aug sun = 244.9
| Sep sun = 234.0
| Oct sun = 248.0
| Nov sun = 282.0
| Dec sun = 300.7
| year sun =
| Jand sun = 9.5
| Febd sun = 9.4
| Mard sun = 8.3
| Aprd sun = 8.2
| Mayd sun = 7.9
| Jund sun = 6.8
| Juld sun = 7.1
| Augd sun = 7.9
| Sepd sun = 7.8
| Octd sun = 8.0
| Novd sun = 9.4
| Decd sun = 9.7
| yeard sun = 8.3
| source 1 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]],<ref name = diredawaDWD>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_634710_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Dire Dawa (Diredaua), Provinz Harar / Äthiopien
| work = Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| access-date = 31 March 2019}}</ref> [[World Meteorological Organisation]] (rainfall 1981–2010)<ref name=DiredawaWMO>{{cite web
| url = http://worldweather.wmo.int/060/c00165.htm
| title = World Weather Information Service – Dire Dawa
| access-date = 31 March 2019
| publisher = World Meteorological Organisation
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131023022947/http://worldweather.wmo.int/060/c00165.htm
| archive-date = 23 October 2013
| url-status = live
| df = dmy-all}}</ref>
| source 2 = Meteo Climat (record highs and lows),<ref name = diredawameteoclimat>
{{cite web
| url = http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=1830
| title = Station Diredawa
| publisher = Météo Climat
| language = fr
| access-date = 31 March 2019}}</ref> Time and Date (dewpoints, 2005-2015)<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/ethiopia/dire-dawa/climate
|title = Climate & Weather Averages in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
|publisher = Time and Date
|access-date = 11 January 2022}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
|location = Mek'ele
|single line = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
|width = auto

|Jan high F = 73
|Feb high F = 75
|Mar high F = 77
|Apr high F = 79
|May high F = 81
|Jun high F = 81
|Jul high F = 80
|Aug high F = 73
|Sep high F = 77
|Oct high F = 75
|Nov high F = 73
|Dec high F = 72
|year high F = 75.8

|Jan mean F = 67.1
|Feb mean F = 68.9
|Mar mean F = 70.7
|Apr mean F = 72.5
|May mean F = 74.3
|Jun mean F = 74.3
|Jul mean F = 68.9
|Aug mean F = 68.0
|Sep mean F = 70.7
|Oct mean F = 68.9
|Nov mean F = 67.1
|Dec mean F = 65.3
|year mean F = 69.7

|Jan low F = 61
|Feb low F = 63
|Mar low F = 64
|Apr low F = 66
|May low F = 68
|Jun low F = 68
|Jul low F = 64
|Aug low F = 63
|Sep low F = 64
|Oct low F = 63
|Nov low F = 61
|Dec low F = 59
|year low F = 63.7

|Jan rain inch = 1.4
|Feb rain inch = 0.4
|Mar rain inch = 1
|Apr rain inch = 1.8
|May rain inch = 1.4
|Jun rain inch = 1.2
|Jul rain inch = 7.9
|Aug rain inch = 8.5
|Sep rain inch = 1.4
|Oct rain inch = 0.4
|Nov rain inch = 1.2
|Dec rain inch = 1.6
|rain colour = green
|source 1 = Weatherbase<ref name=MekeleWeatherbase>
{{cite web
|url =http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=592516&cityname=Mekele-Tigray-Region
|title =Weatherbase.com
|publisher=Weatherbase
|year=2018
}}
Retrieved on October 30, 2018.
</ref>
|date=October 2018
}}

{{Weather box
|width = auto
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|collapsed = yes
|location = Dallol (1960-1966)
|Jan record high C = 39
|Feb record high C = 42
|Mar record high C = 48
|Apr record high C = 46
|May record high C = 49
|Jun record high F = 119
|Jul record high F = 121
|Aug record high F = 119
|Sep record high F = 119
|Oct record high C = 46
|Nov record high F = 111
|Dec record high C = 41
|Jan high C = 36.1
|Feb high C = 36.1
|Mar high C = 38.9
|Apr high C = 40.6
|May high C = 44.4
|Jun high C = 46.7
|Jul high C = 45.6
|Aug high C = 45.0
|Sep high C = 42.8
|Oct high C = 41.7
|Nov high C = 39.4
|Dec high C = 36.7
|Jan mean C = 30.3
|Feb mean C = 30.5
|Mar mean C = 32.5
|Apr mean C = 33.9
|May mean C = 36.4
|Jun mean C = 38.6
|Jul mean C = 38.7
|Aug mean C = 37.6
|Sep mean C = 37.3
|Oct mean C = 35.6
|Nov mean C = 33.2
|Dec mean C = 30.8
|Jan low F = 76.3
|Feb low F = 76.3
|Mar low F = 78.8
|Apr low F = 80.8
|May low F = 83.3
|Jun low F = 86.8
|Jul low F = 89.2
|Aug low F = 88.0
|Sep low F = 88.8
|Oct low F = 85.3
|Nov low F = 80.8
|Dec low F = 78.3
|Jan record low C = 22
|Feb record low C = 22
|Mar record low C = 21
|Apr record low C = 21
|May record low F = 73
|Jun record low C = 25
|Jul record low C = 24
|Aug record low C = 24
|Sep record low F = 81
|Oct record low F = 79
|Nov record low C = 24
|Dec record low C = 24
|source = <ref name = Dallldep>D.E. Pedgley, "Air Temperature at Dallol, Ethiopia," Meteorological Magazine v.96 (1967): 265-271</ref><ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.erm.com/PageFiles/5699/Draft-Scoping-Report/Chapter-8-part-1-Draft-Scoping-Report.pdf
 |title       = Allana Potash Corp, Ethiopia Project
 |accessdate  = 2014-08-11
 |publisher   = Environmental Resources Management
 |url-status     = dead
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120080828/http://www.erm.com/PageFiles/5699/Draft-Scoping-Report/Chapter-8-part-1-Draft-Scoping-Report.pdf
 |archivedate = 20 November 2015
 |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref>

|date = January 2013}}

==Flora and fauna==
{{main|Wildlife of Ethiopia}}

=== Flora ===
As in a day's journey the traveller may pass from tropical to almost Alpine conditions of climate, so great also is the range of the flora and fauna.
In the valleys and lowlands the vegetation is dense, but the general appearance of the plateaus is of a comparatively bare country with trees and bushes thinly scattered over it. The glens and ravines on the hillside are often thickly wooded, and offer a delightful contrast to the open downs.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=85}}

These conditions are particularly characteristic of the northern regions; in the south the vegetation on the uplands is more luxuriant. Among the many varieties of trees and plants found are the date palm, [[mimosa]], wild [[olive]], giant [[sycamore]]s, [[juniper]]s and [[Antidesma bunius|laurels]], the [[myrrh]] and other gum trees (gnarled and stunted, these flourish most on the eastern foothills), a magnificent pine (the Natal yellow pine, which resists the attacks of the white ant<!-- Podocarpus latifolius? -->), the [[ficus|fig]], orange, [[Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)|lime]], [[pomegranate]], [[peach]], [[apricot]], banana, and other fruit trees; the grape vine (rare), [[blackberry]], and [[raspberry]]; the cotton and indigo plants, and occasionally the [[sugar cane]]. There are in the south large forests of valuable timber trees; and the coffee plant is indigenous in the [[Kingdom of Kaffa|Kaffa]] country, whence it takes its name.{{sfn|Cana|1911|pp=85–86}}
[[File:Kniphofia foliosa, Bale NP, Ethiopia 2019.jpg|thumb|171x171px|''[[Kniphofia]] foliosa'', [[Bale Mountains National Park]].]]
Many kinds of [[Poaceae|grass]]es and [[flower]]s abound. Large areas are covered by the [[kosso]], a hardy member of the [[rose]] family, which grows from {{convert|2.5|to|3|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} high and has abundant pendent red blossoms. The flowers and the leaves of this plant are highly prized for medicinal purposes. The fruit of the [[hurarina]], a tree found almost exclusively in [[Shoa, Ethiopia|Shoa]], yields a black grain highly esteemed as a spice. On the tableland a great variety of cereals and vegetables are cultivated. A fibrous plant, known as the [[sansevieria]], grows in a wild state in the [[semi-desert]] regions of the north and south-east.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=86}}

=== Fauna ===
In addition to the domestic animals enumerated below the fauna is very varied. Elephant can be found in certain low-lying districts, especially in the Sobat valley. The [[hippopotamus]] and crocodile inhabit the larger rivers flowing west, but are not found in the Hawash, in which, however, [[otter]]s of large size are plentiful. Lions abound in the low countries. In central Ethiopia the lion is no longer found except occasionally in the river valleys.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=86}}

[[Leopard]]s, both spotted and black, are numerous and often of great size; [[hyena]]s are found everywhere and are hardy and fierce; the [[lynx]], [[African wolf]], [[African wild dog|wild dog]] and [[jackal]] are also common. [[Boar]]s and [[badger (animal)|badger]]s are more rarely seen. The giraffe is found in the western districts, the zebra and wild ass frequent the lower plateaus and the rocky hills of the north. There are large herds of [[Bubalus|buffalo]] and [[antelope]], and [[gazelle]]s of many varieties and in great numbers are met with in most parts of the country.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=86}}

Among the varieties are the greater and lesser [[kudu]] (both rather rare); the [[duiker]], [[gemsbok]], [[hartebeest]], [[gerenuk]] (the most common—it has long thin legs and a camel-like neck); [[klipspringer]], found on the high plateaus as well as in the lower districts; and the [[dik-dik]], the smallest of the [[antelope]]s, its weight rarely exceeding {{convert|5|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, common in the low countries and the foothills. The [[African civet]] is found in many parts of Ethiopia, but chiefly in the [[Galla Placidia|Galla]] regions. Squirrels and [[hare]]s are numerous, as are several kinds of monkeys, notably the [[guereza]], [[gelada]], [[guenon]] and [[olive baboon|dog-faced baboon]]. They range from the tropical lowlands to heights of {{convert|3000|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.
[[File:Ground Hornbill, Omo Valley (13124016413).jpg|thumb|[[Abyssinian ground hornbill|Abyssinian ground hornbills]] near the Omo river valley.]]
Numerous [[eagle]]s, vultures, [[hawk]]s, bustards and other birds of prey live in Ethiopia, as well as [[partridge]]s, [[guineafowl]], [[sandgrouse]], [[curlew]]s, [[woodcock]], [[snipe]], pigeons, [[turdidae|thrush]]es and [[hirundinidae|swallows]] are very plentiful. A fine variety of ostrich is commonly found. Among the birds prized for their plumage are the [[marabou stork|marabou]], [[crane (bird)|crane]], [[heron]], [[Old World blackbirds|blackbird]], parrot and [[jay]]s of extraordinary brilliance.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=86}}

Among insects the most numerous and useful is the [[bee]], [[honey]] everywhere constituting an important part of the food of the inhabitants. Of an opposite class is the [[locust]]. There are thousands of varieties of [[butterfly|butterflies]] and other insects. Snakes are not numerous, but several species are [[venom]]ous.{{sfn|Cana|1911|p=86}}

==Natural resources and land use==
Ethiopia has small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, and natural gas.<ref name=cp/> It has extensive hydropower potential.<ref name=cp/>

Of the total land area, about 20 percent is under cultivation, although the amount of potentially arable land is larger.<ref name=cp/> Only about 10 to 15 percent of the land area is presently covered by forest as a result of [[Ethiopian deforestation|rapid deforestation]] during the last 30 years.<ref name=cp/> Of the remainder, a large portion is used as pasturage. Some land is too rugged, dry, or infertile for agriculture or any other use.<ref name=cp/>

==Environmental issues==
{{main|Environmental issues in Ethiopia}}
{{Main|Climate change in Ethiopia}}{{Empty section|date=July 2024}}

==Disputed border==
===Eritrea===
{{Main article|2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia summit}}
The border between Ethiopia and [[Eritrea]] was the subject of multiple conflicts between the countries for awhile.<ref name="cp">[https://www.loc.gov/resource/frdcstdy.ethiopiacountrys00ofca_0/?st=pdf Country study – Library of Congress (PDF)]</ref> Between 1998 and 2000, the two countries fought a war over the issue, which involves quite small enclaves along the northern segment of their border, including the tiny village of [[Badme]] and the enclave of the [[Irob people]].<ref name="cp" /> An international boundary commission delimited the border in 2002.<ref name="cp" /> Although both nations agreed to accept its decision, Ethiopia has refused to accept the commission's findings in full, much to the consternation of the Eritrean government.<ref name="cp" /> The conflicts continued sporadically for the next 16 years, ending with the [[2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia summit]]. Ethiopia, going back on their previous policy of not giving up the disputed territories, decided to let go of them in order to end the conflict.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 September 2018 |title=Ethiopia, Eritrea sign peace deal at Saudi Arabia summit |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/9/17/ethiopia-eritrea-sign-peace-deal-at-saudi-arabia-summit |access-date=15 July 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> 

===Somalia===
The central section of Ethiopia's border with Somalia also has never been fully demarcated, and is only provisional. <ref name=cp/> Prior to 1950, the border between Somalia and Ethiopia was characterized by the [[1908 Convention Line]] or [[Feerfeer-Dharkayn Geenyo Line]].<ref> Area Handbook for Somalia - Volume 550 , Irving Kaplan · 1977 , PAGE 22</ref>

Questions remain about the precise location of small parcels along the border with Sudan as well.<ref name=cp/>

==Statistics==
; Location
: Eastern Africa, west of [[Somalia]]

; Geographic coordinates:
: {{coord|8|00|N|38|00|E|type:country}}

; Map references:
: Africa

; Area
:* Total: 1,127,127 km²
:* Land: 1,119,683 km²
:* Water: 7,444&nbsp;km²

; Land boundaries:
:* Total: 59,251&nbsp;km
:* Border countries: [[Djibouti]] 343&nbsp;km, [[Eritrea]] 1,033&nbsp;km, [[Kenya]] 867&nbsp;km, [[Somalia]] 1,640&nbsp;km, [[South Sudan]] 1,299&nbsp;km and [[Sudan]] 744&nbsp;km

; Coastline:
: 0&nbsp;km (landlocked):

; Climate:
: Tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

; Terrain:
: High plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley

; Elevation extremes:
:* Lowest point: [[Afar Depression|Danakil]], −125 m
:* Highest point: [[Ras Dashen]], 4,533 m

; Natural resources:
: Small reserves of gold, [[platinum]], copper, [[potash]], natural gas, hydropower

; Land use
:* Arable land: 15.35%
:* Permanent crops: 1.14%
:* Other: 83.51% (2012 est.)

; Irrigated land:
: 2,896&nbsp;km² (2003)

; Total renewable water resources:
: 122&nbsp;km<sup>3</sup> (2011)

; Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
:* total: 5.56&nbsp;km<sup>3</sup>/yr (13%/1%/86%)
:* per capita: 80.5 m<sup>3</sup>/yr (2005)

; Natural hazards:
: Geologically active [[Great Rift Valley]] susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts

; Environment – current issues:
: Deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water shortages in some areas from water-[[intensive farming]] and poor management

; Environment – international agreements:
:* Party to: [[Biodiversity]], [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|Climate Change]], [[Desertification]], [[Endangered Species]], Hazardous Wastes, [[Ozone Layer Protection]]
:* Signed, but not ratified: [[Environmental Modification]], [[Law of the Sea]], [[Nuclear Test Ban]]

; Geography – note:
: [[Landlocked]] – entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993

==See also==
* [[Ethiopia]]
* [[Extreme points of Ethiopia]]
* [[History of Ethiopia]]
* [[Index of Ethiopia-related articles]]
* [[List of lakes in Ethiopia]]
* [[List of mountains in Ethiopia]]
* [[List of rivers of Ethiopia]]
* [[List of volcanoes in Ethiopia]]
* [[Ilemi Triangle]]
* [[Mandera triangle]]

==References==
<references/>
*{{EB1911 |wstitle=Abyssinia |volume=1 |pages=83–85 |first=Frank Richardson |last=Cana }}
*{{CIA World Factbook}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Atlas of Ethiopia}}
*[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ethiopia.html Maps of Ethiopia] – Perry–Castañeda Library Map Collection, [[University of Texas at Austin]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070906132645/http://eusoils.jrc.it/esdb_archive/EuDASM/africa/lists/cet.htm The soil maps of Ethiopia], [[European Digital Archive on Soil Maps of the World|EuDASM]]
*[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/ethiopia/ Ethiopia]. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]].
*{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20121208171226/http://www.ethi-usmappingmission.com/ The mapping of Ethiopia]}} [[Ethiopia-United States Mapping Mission]] web site
*[http://www.cartographic.com/xq/asp/ethiopia/topographic/maps/navmode.r/rid.93/tid.1/sid.0/cid.0/vid.0/oid.0/qx/hub/index.asp ETHIOPIA TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218062147/http://www.cartographic.com/xq/asp/ethiopia/topographic/maps/navmode.r/rid.93/tid.1/sid.0/cid.0/vid.0/oid.0/qx/hub/index.asp |date=18 February 2012 }} [[East View Cartographic]] web site
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090722025553/http://www.telecom.net.et/~ema/ Ethiopia's government mapping agency], [[Ethiopian Mapping Authority]] web site

{{Ethiopia topics}}
{{Geography of Africa}}
{{Africa topic|Climate of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geography of Ethiopia}}
[[Category:Geography of Ethiopia| ]]