Geography of Ethiopia

Danakil Depression

This is a depression in southern Ethiopia that extends into Eritrea and Djibouti. It is the hottest place on eart by average temperature, and contains many hot springs that are home to extremophile microbes. It is referred to as the cradle of hominids because of the discovery of the "Lucy" Australopithecus fossil.

Lake Tana

This is a lake in northern Ethiopia that is the source of the Blue Nile. It is located in the Ethiopian Highlands, and is the largest lake in Ethiopia.

Lake Turkana

This is a lake in southwestern Ethiopia on the border with Kenya. It is the northernmost of the African Great Lakes, and it is the world's largest permanent desert lake. There is an island in this lake that is an active volcano.

Great Rift Valley

This is a long valley in Eastern Africa that was created by the spreading of tectonic plates under the surface of the Earth. It is home to the large lakes of Africa, and also some of the continent's highest points. It reaches its northern end in Ethiopia.

Awash River

This is a river in northern Ethiopia that empties into Lake Abbe. It has its source east of Addis Ababa, and its lower valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Omo River

This is a river in southern Ethiopia that flows into Lake Turkana. It is an important site for early human remains, and because of this its lower valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ethiopian Highlands

This is a rugged, mountainous highlands region in central and northern Ethiopia. It contains the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen, and is sometimes called the Roof of Africa for its height and large area. Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, is located in this highlands.

Addis Ababa

This is the capital and largest city in Ethiopia, located in the central part of the country. This city lies at the foot of Mount Entoto, and is often referred to as "the political capital of Africa" because of its historical and diplomatic significance for the continent.

Ethiopian birr

This is the currency of Ethiopia.

Ras Dejen

This is the highest mountain in Ethiopia, at 14,930 feet. It is located in the Ethiopian Highlands in the northern part of the country.

Blue Nile

This is the shorter of the two major tributaries of the Nile River. it flows from its source in Ethiopia's Lake Tana, which is located in the Ethiopian Highlands, into Sudan where it meets the Nile's other main tributary.