Ethiopia, known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in full, is a country in northeastern Africa.

Unlike other African countries, Ethiopia, until the invasion by Italy in the Second World War (1936-1941), maintained its ancient monarchy without being engulfed by a wave of colonialism. In 1974, after a military bloodbath coup overthrew Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian emperor who ruled Ethiopia since 1930, Ethiopia converted to socialism until it renounced socialism in 1991.

Ethiopia is one of the world's least developed countries. It mainly depends on its griculture and animal husbandry, while its industrial base is weak.

The African Union (AU) is headquartered in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.