🌍 Addis at a Glance

Welcome to Addis Ababa — a city like no other. Located high in the mountains and steeped in history, Addis is both the heart of Ethiopia and the diplomatic capital of Africa. Whether you're here for a few days or a couple of weeks, here’s what makes Addis Ababa special:

🏙️ The Basics

• Population: ~6 million people
• Altitude: 2,355 meters (7,726 feet) above sea level — one of the highest capital cities in the world.
• Language: Mostly Amharic, using the Ge’ez script. English is spoken to some degree, especially in service settings.
• Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
• Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) — but locals also use a 12-hour clock that starts at sunrise.
• Calendar: Ethiopia follows its own calendar with 13 months in a year. For example, January 1, 2025 is "Tahsas" 23, 2017.

🕊️ Political Capital of Africa

Addis Ababa is often called the "political capital of Africa". It hosts:

• The African Union (AU) headquarters
• The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
• Over 119 foreign embassies and missions

This makes Addis a hub for diplomacy and continental policy-making.

🏞️ High Altitude City

Known as the “Roof of Africa”, Addis is the highest capital city on the continent. This gives it:

• Cool, spring-like weather year-round
• Lower oxygen levels — visitors may feel tired or lightheaded for the first few days
• Strong UV exposure — sunscreen is a must (and expensive locally)

☀️ Weather at a Glance

• Daytime Temps: Around 20°C (68°F)
• Nights & Mornings: Can drop to 7°C (44°F)
• Rainy Season: June to September (especially July & August)
• Dry Season: October to May

Despite being near the equator, the elevation keeps things cool.

☕ The Birthplace of Coffee

Yes, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia — and it's a big deal here. Don’t miss:

• A traditional Yejebena Buna coffee ceremony
• A strong, creamy macchiato at a local café

📅 Time and Calendars

• Ethiopia uses its own calendar system with 13 months
• Days are divided into 12-hour cycles starting at sunrise (6 a.m.) and sunset (6 p.m.)
• Example: What’s 7 a.m. to you is 1 o’clock in local time
• Always confirm whether time is being told in “Ethiopian” or “international” format to avoid confusion

🏗️ A City in Motion

• Addis is growing fast — really fast.
• Constant construction of roads, buildings, and transport systems
• Neighborhoods evolve quickly — places can change dramatically within months
• Expect a mix of old and new, tradition and ambition.