ADDIS ABABA
The Nation of Ethiopia With a growing population of 2 million people, Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is located at the geographic center of the nation (see map of Ethiopia)in the mountainous Shawa Province and is the political and cultural center of Ethiopia.
GEOGRAPHY OF ADDIS ABABA
The city is sharply divided by class and ethnicity, with informal settlements concentrated near the center and wealthier districts to the southeast and southwest.
| |
 |
|
|
|
| |
Addis Ababa, view |
Addis Ababa, Market |
|
|
HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA
Urbanization and Founding of Addis Ababa Addis Ababa, which means "New Flower" in Amharic, is an intriguingly indigenous African city. Unlike many other African capitals, it's founding, growth and development, are not rooted in colonization. Founded in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II, Addis Ababa is the last in a succession of capitals of the great Abyssinian empire dating back to the pre-Christian Axum (Brunn & Williams 273).
ITALIAN OCCUPATION OF ADDIS ABABA
1936-1941 For a brief period between 1936 and 1939, the conquering Italians under Mussolini attempted to Europeanize this lively and vibrant city. Because their rule was so short-lived, the Italian influence on the geography and society of Addis Ababa was minimal and never amounted to a full scale colonization.
Post War Urbanization in Addis Ababa Growth occurred in three waves following world war II, with the lagest population boom during the late 60's, as rural to urban migration reached its peak. War and famines in the last 10 years have increased in-migration to the capital. Ethnicity Rural migrants come villages all across the nation and dozens of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Amhara, Oromo and Gurage are the dominant ethnicities in this diverse city.
The Eucalyptus Belt and Near City Agriculture Addis Ababa was saved in the 1920's by an ambitious campaign to plant Eucalyptus trees in and around the city as a fuel wood and construction material. Today, a greenbelt of forests and semi-subsistence cultivated land surrounds the city. Housing Conditions and Services Addis Ababa is no paradise for most of its residents and workers. The majority of the population lives in substandard housing and many citizens lack running water or electricity.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Addis Ababa is in a stage of transition as Ethiopia adjusts to a new free market economy and a democratic government. The end of a 30-year civil war which resulted in the independence of the former northern province of Eritrea in 1993 has further stabilized the capital's economy.
ADDIS MERKATO
The situation only stands to get worse as more people flock to Addis Ababa, which is the main market center of the nation. The Addis Merkato, located in the Addis Ketema district of western Addis Ababa, is the primary retail, wholesale and distribution point for the city and the central highlands.
2007/2008 Human Development Report Ethiopia
The Human Development Index - going beyond income
