Ethiopia C ountry and Cultural Information

Location Description:

Ethiopia is an eastern African country twice the size as Texas with a population estimated at 85 million people. It is the 10th largest country in Africa and the 3rd most populous country in Africa. It is a poverty stricken country at a very high risk of major infectious diseases, a growing rate of HIV/Aids, and the literacy rate is less than one quarter of the population. With over 5 million orphans in Ethiopia and less than 40% of the people receiving a sustainable income, the need for assistance is desperate. The Ethiopia HopeChest Ministry works with children who are all living in unbelievable poverty. Many of the children live on the streets and find occasional care at churches and drop-in centers where they may or may not be able to assist. God has clearly called our ministry to help meet the needs of these children and provide opportunity and hope for the vulnerable and parentless children in Ethiopia.

Originally called Abyss inia, Ethiopia is sub -Saharan Africa's oldest state. Addis Ababa , the capital, whose name means "New Flower", has a population of approximately 3 million. Ethiopia has a total population estimated at approximately 78 million and is home to more than 80 ethnic groups and a wide diversity of languages. Its lowest point is 328 feet (100 meters) below sea level with its highest point is 15,157 feet (4620 meters) above sea level.

Our approach in Ethiopia is to partner with existing orphanages and drop-in centers. The directors of these locations are passionate and motivated to assist, but they are not able to meet the needs of each individual child in their care due to the poverty stricken economy and lack of government funding. Currently, HopeChest is workin g with orphanages and drop -in centers in the capital city, Addis Ababa. But we are extending our ministry to cities to the south and to the north that are affected by extreme drought conditions. The foundation of our work in Ethiopia is through HopeChest’s sponsorship program which will help the with the children’s medical, physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs. We have an Ethiopian staff of local believers who mentor, build relationships, and look after the spiritual wellbeing of the children in our program. They do this through weekly bible studies, counseling sessions, life skill programs, and letter writing activities to sponsors in the US with all of the children involved in our orphanages and drop -in centers.

Weather and Geography :

Climate o Although Ethiopia lies within 15 degrees north of the Equator, the country enjoys moderate temperature and pleasant climate, with average temperature rarely exceeding 68 degrees Fahrenheit . The sparsely populated lowlands typically have sub –tropic al and tropical climates. o At approximately 34 inches, the average annual rainfall for the whole country is considered to be moderate by global standards. The normal rainy season is from mid-June to mid-September (longer in the southern highlands), preceded by intermittent showers from February or March; the remainder of the year is generally dry. The great diversity of terrain determines wide variations in climate, soils, natural vegetation, and settlement patterns. Nature o Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains, broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The unique Rift Valley is a remarkable region of volcanic lakes, with their famous collections of bird life, great escarpments and stunning vistas. Tissisat, the Blue Nile Falls, must rank as one of the greatest na tural spectacles in Africa to day. With 14 major wildlife reserves, Ethiopia, after the rains, is a land decked with flowers and with many more native plants than most countries in Africa .

People, Culture and Religion :

The country’s population includes Semitic, Cushitic (Hamitic), Omotic and Niotic peoples, and a veritable melting pot of ancient Middle Eastern and African cultures. The population comprises more than 80 nationalities speaking about 83 languages and several dialects. The ethnic groups of Oromo, Amhara, Tigre and Sidama are the largest in that order.

Ethiopians generally dress with moderation and since it is both a Christian and Muslim country, this should be taken into account when choosing suitable clothing. When visiting churches, monasteries and other religious shrines , women should not expose their upper body or the legs above the knee. Languages :

Languages spoken include Amharic, Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic, other local languages, English (major fore ign language ta ught in schools).

Religion :

Muslim 45% -50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35% -40%, animist 12%, other 3% -8%

Immunizations :

It is highly recommended that your childhood vaccines (MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus, DTP, and Polio) be up to date. Please consult your personal physician or local health department before getting other various vaccinations (Yellow Fev er, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid) or malaria medication. Refer to the link below to see the recommendations based on the Center for Disease Control and Preventi on. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEthiopia.aspx

Government and Economy:

Ethiopia is an independent Federal Democratic Republic with a President as head of state and a Prime Minis ter as the head of government. The ruling EPRDF party and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, maintain strong control of the government and economy.

Agriculture accounts for almost 41 percent of the gross domestic product , 80 percent of exports, and 80 percent of the labor force. Many other economic activities depend on agriculture, including marketing, processing, and export of agricultural products. Ethiopia was the original source of the coffee bean, and coffee beans are the country's largest export commodit y.

Ethiopia is also the 10th largest producer of livestock in the world. Other main export commodities are khat , gold, leather products, and oilseeds. Recent development of the floriculture sector means Ethiopia is poised to become one of the top flower and plant exporters in the world. Health and Statistics :

Addis Ababa is located at an altitude of 8,300 feet. Individuals with respiratory (including asthma) or heart conditions should consult with a health care professional before traveling to Ethiopia. Travelers to Ethiopia should also avoid swimming in any lakes, rivers, or still bodies of water.

Statistics

HIV AIDS

Estimated adult HIV prevalence rate (aged 15 –49), 2.1 2007

Estimated number of people (all ages) living with 980 HIV, 2007 (thousands), estimate

Estimated number of people (all ages) living with 1100 HIV, 2007 (thousands), high estimate

Mother-to -child transmission, Estimated number of 530 women (aged 15+) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands)

Paediatric infections, Estimated number of children 92 (aged 0 –14) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands)

Prevention among young people, HIV prevalence 0.5 among young people (aged 15 –24), 2007, male

Prevention among young people, HIV prevalence 1.5 among young people (aged 15 –24), 2007, female

Orphans, Children (aged 0 –17) orphaned by AIDS, 650 2007, estimate (thousands)

Orphans, Children (aged 0 –17) orphaned due to all 5000 causes, 2007, estimate (thousands)

Orphans, Orphan school attendance ratio, 2002 – 90 2007*

Travel Information and Tips :

Visas: o IMPORTANT: A visa is required to enter Ethiopia as a tourist, as is a passport valid for at least six months after the end of your tour. The passport must also have a blank page for each visa required. Visas can be collected from the airport on arrival for a fee, but you must carry a t least two passport photos with you . o We will provide you with copies of your passport, insurance cared, and important travel documents. We highly recommend that you keep these, along with any other essential travel documents, with you at all times. We ask that these are kept separately than your passport, in case of loss or damage to the originals. It will make it easier to replace them if you have copies. o On Arrival Visas : An on arrival tourist visa, for up to three months, can be issued at Bole International Airport for nationals and residents of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People's Democratic Republic of Korea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America. Please bring a new $20.00 bill to the airpor t for the purchase of your visa, as this fee is not included in your land package cost.

Food and Water :

Do not drink tap water unless boiling it, having it filtered, or chemically disinfected. Do not drink un-bo ttled beverages or drinks with ice. Avoid unpasteurized milk and products. Be wary of any fruits or vegetables that have been washed in unboiled water. Use discretion in regards to all items that have not been thoroughly cooked.

Currency and Money : Local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, which is made up of 100 cents. Notes are issued in five denominations - 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 birr and there are five different coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. One US Dollar is about 13.5 Ethiopian Birr. There is one ATM at the Addis Ab aba airport .

Packing List and Other helpful items:

o Passport o Photo Copy of Passport o Vaccination record o Bible o Journal o Insurance Card (Sent to you by CHC) o Comfortable shoes Clothes o Personal Items o Toiletries o Towel and washcloth (some places we stay may prov ide these, others may not) o Snacks (If you need to bring any comfort food from home…all food and meals & bottled water will be provided for you. If you bring food from home, please eat it privately and not in front of any children or our ministry contacts.) o Camera and memory cards/film o Any necessary chargers/adapter plugs o Insect repellent -just in case o Sunglasses o A light jacket

Communications :

Internet: Many places may offer internet access, and there are plenty of internet café’s throughout the city for your convenience . We will do our best to try and have you stay connected with your family back home, but please remember that you may spend a fair amount of time traveling to your specific sites, as well as long amounts of time doing ministry with the kids! Of course, the ministry to the kids is everyone’s first priority…with internet access falling much lower on the list. Women ’s Dress:

The general rule for skirts is that they should reach the top of your knees. Jeans and capris are acceptable . Slee veless tops are acceptable , but we do not recommend wearing spaghetti str apped tank tops . Of course, as in all aspects of travel, we want to be culturally sensitive and respectful. In dressing for church, a nice, long skirt and nice top would be fine – wh at you would wear to church at home would also be appropriate for church in Ethiopia .

Finances :

If you are doing any souvenir shopping, please bring cash. In the bigger cities, some places will take major credit cards; however it’s best to bring US cash with you in denominations of $50 and $100 bills. You’ll get a better exchange rate for the larger bills.

Currently, there is one ATM in the Bole International Airport. You can change money before you go through Immigration and get a good rate – about equal to that found throughout Addis. There are only a few ATM's in Addis. It is recommended that people should carry cash and exchange a portion of it at the airport and more in town when as they go to ensure not having Ethiopian currency left over.

Misce llaneous: You and your group may be driving long distances each day (depending on where your team will be visiting). Travel by car/van in Ethiopia can (and most likely) will look much different than traveling by auto in the US. If you have motion sickness, pleas e bring medicine with you. We will have a hired driver and vehicle for your team throughout your time in country. You will also have staff members who speak the language to assist you as you travel.

It is important to always remember that you are guests in their country. Please be respectful of their culture, and refrain from making any jokes or comments about their culture that could be taken offensively. It is absolutely vital that all members of the team are flexible and open to change, as even the most well-planned itinerary will change.

We ask that you refrain from giving certain children individual gifts, while other children do not receive any gifts. We understand that this can be difficult, but it can lead to difficulties for the staff and lots of unnecessary hurt for the children (i.e. gifts are often stolen by other children, some children are left feeling rejected or abandoned yet again if they do not receive a gift, and occasionally children can feel isolated). If you have any questions, please contact your trip leader or Partner Relations Coordinator. We encourage teams to bring enough gifts for all children at the locations you will be visiting.