Geography of Ethiopia 62143 226034807 2008-07-16T15:15:26Z Gyrofrog 52387 Revert to revision 224258790 dated 2008-07-08 01:08:49 by Plasticup using [[:en:Wikipedia:Tools/Navigation_popups|popups]] [[Image:Ethiopia Map.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Map of Ethiopia.]] {{MapLibrary|Ethiopia_sat.png|Ethiopia}} [[Image:Ethiopia Topography.png|thumb|Topography of Ethiopia]] '''[[Ethiopia]]''' is located in the [[Horn of Africa]] and is bordered on the north and northeast by [[Eritrea]], on the east by [[Djibouti]] and [[Somalia]], on the south by [[Kenya]], and on the west and southwest by [[Sudan]]. The country has a high central plateau that varies from 1,800 to 3,000 m (6,000 to 10,000 ft) above sea level, with the highest mountain reaching 4,533 m (14,872 ft). Elevation is generally highest just before the point of descent to the [[Great Rift Valley]], which splits the plateau diagonally. A number of rivers cross the plateau -- notably the [[Blue Nile]] rising from [[Lake Tana]]. The plateau gradually slopes to the lowlands of the Sudan on the west and the Somali-inhabited plains to the southeast. The climate is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. At [[Addis Ababa]], which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,000 to 10,000 ft), maximum temperature is 26 °C (80 °F) and minimum 4 °C (40 °F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (''belg'') rains occur from February to April and the big (''meher'') rains from mid-June to mid-September. ==Physical features== === Topography === Between the valley of the Upper [[Nile]] and Ethiopia's border with [[Eritrea]] is a region of elevated [[plateau]]s from which rise various [[mountain range]]s. These tablelands and mountains constitute the [[Ethiopian Highlands]]. On nearly every side, the walls of the plateaus rise abruptly from the [[plain]]s, constituting outer mountain chains. The highlands are thus a clearly marked orographic division. In [[Eritrea]], the eastern wall of this plateau runs parallel to the [[Red Sea]] from [[Ras Kasar]] (18° N.) to [[Annesley Bay]] (also known as the Bay of [[Zula]]) (15° N.) It then turns due south into Ethiopia and follows closely the line of 40° E for some 600 km (400 miles). About 9° N. there is a break in the wall, through which the [[Awash River]] flows eastward. The main range at this point trends southwest, while south of the Awash Valley, which is some 1,000 m (3,000 ft) below the level of the mountains, another [[massif]] rises in a direct line south. This second range sends a chain (the [[Amhar mountains]]<!-- which the EB 1911 calls the "Harar hills" -->) eastward toward the [[Gulf of Aden]]. The two chief eastern ranges maintain a parallel course south by west, with a broad upland valley in between &mdash; in which valley are a series of lakes &mdash; to about 3° N., the outer (eastern) spurs of the plateau still keeping along the line of 40° E. The southern escarpment of the plateau is highly irregular, but has a general direction northwest and southeast from 6° N. to 3° N. It overlooks the depression in which is [[Lake Turkana]] and &mdash; east of that lake &mdash; the southern [[Debub Omo Zone]] (part of the larger [[Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region]]). The western wall of the plateau from 6° N. to 11° N. is well marked and precipitous. North of 11° N. the hills turn more to the east and fall more gradually to the plains at their base. On its northern face the plateau falls in terraces to the level of the eastern [[Sudan]]. The eastern escarpment is the best defined of these outer ranges. It has a mean height of 2,100 to 2,400 m (7,000 to 8,000 ft), and in many places rises almost perpendicularly from the plain. Narrow and deep clefts, through which descend mountain torrents that lose themselves in the sandy soil of the Eritrean coast, afford means of reaching the plateau, or the easier route through the Awash Valley may be chosen. On surmounting this rocky barrier, the traveller finds that the encircling rampart rises little above the normal level of the plateau. The physical aspect of the highlands is impressive. The northern portion, lying mainly between 10° and 15° N., consists of a huge mass of [[Archaean]] rocks with a mean height of 2,000 to 2,200 m (7,000 to 7,500 ft) above sea level, and is flooded in a deep central depression by the waters of [[Lake Tana]]. Above the plateau rise several irregular and generally ill-defined mountain ranges which attain altitudes of from 3,700 to just under 4,600&nbsp;m (12,000 to 15,000 ft). Many of the mountains are of unusual shape. Characteristic of the country are the enormous [[canyon|fissures]] which divide it, formed over time by the [[erosion|erosive]] action of water. They are in fact the valleys of the rivers which, rising on the uplands or mountain sides, have cut their way to the surrounding lowlands. Some of the valleys are of considerable width; in other cases the opposite walls of the gorges are but two or three hundred meters apart, and fall almost vertically thousands of meters, representing an erosion of many hundred thousands [[cubic metre]]s of hard rock. One result of the action of the water has been the formation of numerous isolated flat-topped hills or small plateaus, known as ''[[amba (geology)|amba]]s'', with nearly perpendicular sides. The highest peaks are found in the [[Semien Mountains|Semien]] and [[Bale Mountains|Bale]] ranges. The Semien Mountains lie northeast of Lake Tana and culminate in the snow-covered peak of [[Ras Dejen]], which has an altitude of 4,550 m (14,872 ft). A few kilometers east and north respectively of Ras Dejen are Mounts [[Mount Biuat|Biuat]] and [[Mount Abba Yared|Abba Yared]], whose summits are less than 100 meters below that of Ras Dejen. The Bale Mountains are separated from the larger part of the Ethiopian highlands by the [[Great Rift Valley]], one of the longest and most profound chasms in Ethiopia. The highest peaks of that range include [[Mount Tullu Demtu|Tullu Demtu]], the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia (4377 meters), [[Mount Batu|Batu]] (4307 meters), [[Mount Chilalo|Chilalo]] (4036 meters) and [[Mount Kako]] (3820 meters). Parallel with the eastern escarpment are the heights of [[Mount Baila|Baila]], 3,810 m (12,500 ft), [[Mount Abuna Yosef]], 4,190 m (13,780 ft), and [[Kollo]], 4,300 m (14,100 ft), the last-named being southwest <!-- my map shows it NE --> of [[Magdala, Ethiopia|Magdala]]. Between Lake Tana and the eastern hills are Mounts [[Mount Guna|Guna]], 4,210 m (13,800 ft), and [[Mount Uara Sahia|Uara Sahia]], 3,960 m (13,000 ft). In the [[Choqa Mountains]] of [[Misraq Gojjam Zone|Misraq Gojjam]], [[Mount Choqa]] (also known as Mount Birhan) attains a height of 4,154 m (13,600 ft). Below 10° N., the southern portion of the highlands has more open tableland than the northern portion and fewer lofty peaks. Though there are a few heights between 3,000 and 4,000 m (10,000 and 12,000 ft), the majority do not exceed 2,400 m (8,000 ft), but the general character of the southern regions is the same as in the north: a much-broken hilly plateau. === Hydrology === <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:ESA-Lake Tana ASA WSM Orbit 10432 20040227.jpg|thumb|left|400px|[[Lake Tana]], Ethiopia - ASAR - [[31 March]] [[2004]].Credit: ESA 2004.]] --> Most of the Ethiopian uplands have a decided slope to the north-west, so that nearly all the large rivers flow in that direction to the [[Nile River|Nile]], comprising some 85% of its water. Such are the [[Tekezé River]] in the north, the [[Abay River|Abay]] in the center, and the [[Sobat River|Sobat]] in the south, and about four-fifths of the entire drainage is discharged through these three arteries. The rest is carried off by the [[Awash River|Awash]], which runs out in the saline lacustrine district along the border with [[Djibouti]]; by the [[Shebelle River]] and the [[Jubba River|Jubba]], which flow southeast through [[Somalia]], though the Shebelle fails to reach the [[Indian Ocean]]; and by the [[Omo River|Omo]], the main feeder of the [[closed basin]] of [[Lake Turkana]]. The Tekezé River, which is the true upper course of the [[Atbarah River]], has its headwaters in the central tableland; and falls from about 2,100 to 750 m (7,000 to 2,500 ft). in the tremendous crevasse through which it sweeps west, north, forming part of the border with Eritrea, and west again down to the western terraces, where it passes from Ethiopia to Sudan. During the rains the Tekezé (i.e. the "Terrible") rises some 5 m above its normal level, and at this time forms an impassable barrier between the northern and central regions. In its lower course, the river is known by the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] name [[Setit]]. In Sudan, the Setit is joined (at {{coor dm |14|20|N|35|51|E}}) by the Atbarah, a river formed by several streams which rise in the mountains west and northwest of [[Lake Tana]]. The Gash or [[Mareb River|Mareb]], which forms part of the border with [[Eritrea]], is the most northerly of the highland rivers which flow toward the Nile valley. Its headwaters rise on the landward side of the eastern escarpment within 80 km of Annesley Bay on the Red Sea. It reaches the Sudanese plains near [[Kassala]], beyond which place its waters are dissipated in the sandy soil. The Mareb is dry for a great part of the year, but like the Takazze is subject to sudden freshets during the rainy season. Only the left bank of the upper course of the river is in Ethiopian territory. The Abay &mdash; that is, the upper course of the Blue Nile &mdash; has its source near [[Mount Denguiza]] in the Gojam highlands (about {{coor dm|11|0|N|37|0|E}}), and first flows for 110 km (70 miles) nearly due north to the south side of Lake Tana. Tana, which stands 750 to 1,000 m (2,500 to 3,000 ft) below the normal level of the plateau, has somewhat the physical aspect of a flooded crater. It has an area of about 2,800 km² (1100 mi²), and a depth in some parts of 75 m (250 ft). At the southeast corner the rim of the crater is, as it were, breached by a deep crevasse through which the Abay escapes, and here makes a great semicircular bend like that of the Tekezé, but in the reverse direction &mdash; east, south and north-west &mdash; down to the plains of Sennar, where it takes the name of Bahr-el-Azrak or [[Blue Nile]]. The Abay has many tributaries. Of these, the [[Bashilo River|Bashilo]] rises near Magdala and drains eastern [[Amhara]]; the [[Jamma River|Jamma]] rises near Ankober and drains northern [[Shoa, Ethiopia|Shoa]]; the [[Muger River|Muger]] rises near [[Addis Ababa]] and drains south-western [[Shoa, Ethiopia|Shoa]]; the [[Didessa River|Didessa]], the largest of the Abay's affluents, rises in the [[Kaffa]] hills and has a generally south-to-north course; the [[Dabus River|Dabus]] runs near the western edge of the plateau escarpment. All these are perennial rivers. The right-hand tributaries, rising mostly on the western sides of the plateau, have steep slopes and are generally torrential in character. The [[Belassa River|Belassa]], however, is perennial, and the [[Rahad River|Rahad]] and [[Dinder River|Dinder]] are important rivers in flood-time. In the mountains and plateaus of [[Gambela Region|Gambela]] and Kaffa in southwestern Ethiopia rise the [[Baro River|Baro]], [[Gelo River|Gelo]], [[Akobo River|Akobo]] and other chief affluents of the Sobat tributary of the Nile. The Akobo, in about {{coor dm|7|47|N|33|3|E}}, joins the [[Pibor River|Pibor]], which in about {{coor dm|8|30|N|33|20|E}} unites with the Baro, the river below the confluence taking the name of Sobat. These rivers descend from the mountains in great falls, and like the other Ethiopian streams are unnavigable in their upper courses. The Baro on reaching the plain becomes, however, a navigable stream affording an open waterway to the Nile. The Baro, Pibor and Akobo form for 400 km (250 miles) the western and southwestern frontiers of Ethiopia. The chief river of Ethiopia flowing east is the [[Awash River]] (or Awasi), which rises in the Shoan uplands and makes a semicircular bend first southeast and then northeast. It reaches the [[Afar Depression]] through a broad breach in the eastern escarpment of the plateau, beyond which it is joined on its left bank by its chief affluent, the [[Germama river|Germama]] (Kasam), and then trends round in the direction of the [[Gulf of Tadjoura]]. Here the Awash is a copious stream nearly 60 m (200 ft) wide and 1.2 m (4 ft) deep, even in the dry season, and during the floods rising 15 to 20 m (50 or 60 ft) above low-water mark, thus inundating the plains for many kilometers along both its banks. Yet it fails to reach the coast, and after a winding course of about 800 km (500 miles), it passes (in its lower reaches) through a series of badds (lagoons) to [[Lake Abhe Bad]] (or Abhe Bid) on the border with Djibouti and some 100 km (60-70 miles) from the head of the Gulf of Tadjoura. In this lake the river is lost. This remarkable phenomenon is explained by the position of Abhe Bad in the centre of a saline lacustrine depression several hundred meters below sea level. While most of the other lagoons are highly saline, with thick incrustations of salt round their margins, Abhe Bad remains fresh throughout the year, owing to the great body of water discharged into it by the Awash. Another lacustrine region extends from the Shoan heights southwest to the Samburu (Lake Turkana) depression. In this chain of scenic upland lakes &mdash; some fresh, some [[brackish water|brackish]], some completely closed, others connected by short channels &mdash; the chief links in their order from north to south are: [[Lake Zway|Zway]], communicating southwards with Hara and Lamina, all in the [[Arsi Zone]]; then Abay with an outlet to a smaller turn in the Baroda and Gamo areas, skirted on the west sides by grassy slopes and wooded ranges from 2,000 to nearly 3,000 m (6,000 to 9,000 ft) high; lastly, [[Lake Chew Bahir]] (formerly known as Lake Stephanie) which is completely closed and falling to a level of about 550 m (1,800 ft) above sea level. To the same system obviously belongs the neighbouring Lake Turkana, which is larger than all the rest put together. This lake receives at its northern end the waters of the Omo, which rises in the Shoan highlands and is a perennial river with many affluents. In its course of some 600 km (370 miles) it has a total fall of about 2,000 m (6000 ft), from 2,500&nbsp;m at its source to c. 500&nbsp;m at lake level), and is consequently a very rapid stream, being broken by the Kokobi and other falls, and navigable only for a short distance above its mouth. The chief rivers of Somalia, the Webi Shebelle and the Jubba, have their rise on the south-eastern slopes of the Ethiopian escarpment, and part of their course is through territory belonging to Ethiopia. There are numerous [[hot spring]]s in Ethiopia, such as [[Sodere]]. === Seismology === [[Earthquake]]s are common in Ethiopia. ==Geology== The [[East Africa]]n [[tableland]] is continued into Ethiopia. Since the visit of [[W. T. Blanford]] in 1870 the [[geology]] has received little attention from travellers. The following formations are represented: ; [[Sedimentary]] and [[metamorphic]] :* Recent: [[Coral]], [[alluvium]], [[sand]] :* [[Tertiary]]: [[Limestone]]s of [[Harrar]] :* [[Jurassic]]: [[Antalo]] Limestones :* [[Triassic]]: [[Adigrat]] [[Sandstone]]s :* [[Archaean]]: [[Gneiss]]es, [[schist]]s, [[slate|slaty]] rocks ; [[Igneous]] :* Recent: [[Aden]] Volcanic Series :* Tertiary, Cretaceous: [[Magdala (disambiguation)|Magdala]] group :* Jurassic: [[Ashangi]] group [[Archaean]].--The metamorphic rocks compose the main mass of the tableland, and are exposed in every deep valley in Tigre and along the valley of the Blue Nile. Mica schists form the prevalent rocks. Hornblende schist also occur and a compact felspathic rock in the Suris [[defile (geography)|defile]]. The foliae of the schists strike north and south. [[Triassic]].--In the region of Adigrat the metamorphic rocks are invariably overlain by white and brown sandstones, unfossiliferous, and attaining a maximum thickness of 300&nbsp;m. They are overlain by the fossiliferous limestones of the Antalo group. Around Chelga and Adigrat coal-bearing beds occur, which Blanford suggests may be of the same age as the coal-bearing strata of India. The Adigrat Sandstone possibly represents some portion of the Karroo formation of South Africa. [[Jurassic]].--The fossiliferous limestones of Antalo are generally horizontal, but are in places much disturbed when interstratified with trap rocks. The fossils are all characteristic Oolite forms and include species of Hemicidaris, Pholadomya, Ceromya, Trigonia and Alaria. [[Image:Nabro and Mallahle Volcanoes-NASA.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Nabro and Mallahle Volcanoes, Eritrea and Ethiopia - SRTM colored height and shaded relief. [http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04953].]] [[Igneous]] Rocks.--Above a height of 2,400&nbsp;m (8,000 ft) the country consists of bedded traps belonging to two distinct and unconformable groups. The lower (Ashangi group) consists of basalts and dolerites often amygdaloidal. Their relation to the Antalo limestones is uncertain, but Blanford considers them to be not later in age than the Oolite. The upper (Magdala group) contains much trachytic rock of considerable thickness, lying perfectly horizontally, and giving rise to a series of terraced ridges characteristic of central Ethiopia. They are interbedded with unfossiliferous sandstones and shales. Of more recent date (probably Tertiary) are some igneous rocks, rich in alkalis, occurring in certain localities in southern Ethiopia. Of still more recent date are the basalts and ashes west of Massawa and around Annesley Bay and known as the Aden Volcanic Series. With regard to the older igneous rocks, the enormous amount they have suffered from denudation is a prominent feature. They have been worn into deep and narrow ravines, sometimes to a depth of 1,000 to 1,200&nbsp;m (3,000 to 4,000 ft). ==Climate== The climate of Ethiopia and its dependent territories varies greatly. The [[Somali Region]] and the Danakil lowlands in the [[Afar (region)|Afar Region]] have a hot, dry climate producing semi-desert conditions; the country in the lower basin of the [[Sobat River|Sobat]] is hot, swampy and malarious. But over the greater part of Ethiopia as well as the [[Oromia]] highlands the climate is very healthy and temperate. The country lies wholly within the [[tropics]], but its nearness to the [[equator]] is counterbalanced by the elevation of the land. In the deep valleys of the [[Tekezé River|Tekezé]] and [[Abay River|Abay]], and generally in places below 1,200&nbsp;m (4,000 ft), the conditions are tropical and diseases such as [[malaria]] are prevalent. On the uplands, however, the air is cool and bracing in summer, and in winter very bleak. The mean range of temperature is between 15°C to 25°C (60°F and 80°F). On the higher mountains the climate is [[Alpine climate|Alpine]] in character. The atmosphere on the plateaus is exceedingly clear, so that objects are easily recognizable at great distances. In addition to the variation in climate dependent on elevation, the year may be divided into three seasons. Winter, or the cold season, lasts from October to February, and is followed by a dry hot period, which about the middle of June gives place to the rainy season. The rain is heaviest in the Tekezé basin in July and August. In the former provinces of [[Gojjam]] and [[Welega Province|Welega]] heavy rains continue till the middle of September, and occasionally October is a wet month. There are also spring and winter rains; indeed rain often falls in every month of the year. But the rainy season proper, caused by the southwest monsoon, lasts from June to mid-September, and commencing in the north moves southward. In the region of the headwaters of the Sobat the rains begin earlier and last longer. The rainfall varies from about 750 mm (30 in) a year in [[Tigray Region|Tigray]] and [[Amhara]] to over 1,000 mm (40 inches) in parts of Oromia. The rainy season is of great importance not only to Ethiopia but to the countries of the Nile valley, as the prosperity of the eastern Sudan and [[Egypt]] is largely dependent upon the rainfall. A season of light rain may be sufficient for the needs of Ethiopia, but there is little surplus water to find its way to the Nile; and a shortness of rain means a low Nile, as practically all the flood water of that river is derived from the Ethiopian tributaries. ==Flora and fauna== As in a day's journey the traveller may pass from tropical to almost Alpine conditions of climate, so great also is the range of the flora and fauna. In the valleys and lowlands the vegetation is dense, but the general appearance of the plateaus is of a comparatively bare country with trees and bushes thinly scattered over it. The glens and ravines on the hillside are often thickly wooded, and offer a delightful contrast to the open downs. These conditions are particularly characteristic of the northern regions; in the south the vegetation on the uplands is more luxuriant. Among the many varieties of trees and plants found are the date palm, [[mimosa]], wild [[olive]], giant [[sycamore]]s, [[juniper]]s and [[laurel tree|laurel]]s, the [[myrrh]] and other gum trees (gnarled and stunted, these flourish most on the eastern foothills), a magnificent pine (the Natal yellow pine, which resists the attacks of the white ant<!-- Podocarpus latifolius? -->), the [[fig]], [[orange (fruit)|orange]], [[Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)|lime]], [[pomegranate]], [[peach]], [[apricot]], [[banana]], and other fruit trees; the [[grape]] vine (rare), [[blackberry]], and [[raspberry]]; the [[cotton]] and indigo Plants, and occasionally the [[sugar cane]]. There are in the south large forests of valuable timber trees; and the coffee plant is indigenous in the [[Kaffa]] country, whence it takes its name. Many kinds of [[Poaceae|grass]]es and [[flower]]s abound. Large areas are covered by the [[kosso]], a hardy member of the [[rose]] family, which grows from 2.5 to 3&nbsp;m (8 to 10 ft) high and has abundant pendent red blossoms. The flowers and the leaves of this plant are highly prized for medicinal purposes. The fruit of the [[hurarina]], a tree found almost exclusively in [[Shoa]], yields a black grain highly esteemed as a [[spice]]. On the tableland a great variety of [[cereal]]s and [[vegetable]]s are cultivated. A fibrous plant, known as the [[sansevieria]], grows in a wild state in the [[semi-desert]] regions of the north and south-east. In addition to the domestic animals enumerated below the fauna is very varied. [[Elephant]] can be found in certain low-lying districts, especially in the Sobat valley. The [[hippopotamus]] and [[crocodile]] inhabit the larger rivers flowing west, but are not found in the Hawash, in which, however, [[otter]]s of large size are plentiful. [[Lion]]s abound in the low countries and in Somaliland. In central Ethiopia the lion is no longer found except occasionally in the river valleys. [[Leopard]]s, both spotted and black, are numerous and often of great size; [[hyena]]s are found everywhere and are hardy and fierce; the [[lynx]], [[wolf]], wild [[dog]] and [[jackal]] are also common. [[Boar]]s and [[badger (animal)|badger]]s are more rarely seen. The [[giraffe]] is found in the western districts, the [[zebra]] and wild ass frequent the lower plateaus and the rocky hills of the north. There are large herds of [[Bubalus|buffalo]] and [[antelope]], and [[gazelle]]s of many varieties and in great numbers are met with in most parts of the country. Among the varieties are the greater and lesser [[kudu]] (both rather rare); the [[duiker]], [[gemsbuck]], [[hartebeest]], [[gerenuk]] (the most common--it has long thin legs and a camel-like neck); [[klipspringer]], found on the high plateaus as well as in the lower districts; and the [[dik-dik]], the smallest of the [[antelope]]s, its weight rarely exceeding 5 kg (10 lb), common in the low countries and the foothills. The [[civet]] is found in many parts of Ethiopia, but chiefly in the [[Galla]] regions. [[Squirrel]]s and [[hare]]s are numerous, as are several kinds of [[monkey]]s, notably the [[guereza]], [[gelada]], [[guenon]] and dog-faced [[baboon]]. They range from the tropical lowlands to heights of 3,000&nbsp;m (10,000 ft). [[Bird]]s are very numerous, and many of them remarkable for the beauty of their plumage. Great numbers of [[eagle]]s, [[vulture]]s, [[hawk]]s, bustards and other birds of prey are met with; and [[partridge]]s, [[duck]], [[teal]], [[guineafowl]], [[sandgrouse]], [[curlew]]s, [[woodcock]], [[snipe]], [[pigeon]]s, [[turdidae|thrush]]es and [[hirundinidae|swallows]] are very plentiful. A fine variety of [[ostrich]] is commonly found. Among the birds prized for their plumage are the marabout, [[crane (bird)|crane]], [[heron]], [[blacks bird]], [[parrot]], [[jay]] and [[hummingbird]]s of extraordinary brilliance, Among [[insect]]s the most numerous and useful is the [[bee]], [[honey]] everywhere constituting an important part of the food of the inhabitants. Of an opposite class is the [[locust]]. There are thousands of varieties of [[butterfly|butterflies]] and other insects. [[Snake]]s are not numerous, but several species are [[poison]]ous. ==Natural resources and land use== Ethiopia has small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, and natural gas.<ref name=cp/> It has extensive hydropower potential.<ref name=cp/> Of the total land area, about 20 percent is under cultivation, although the amount of potentially arable land is larger.<ref name=cp/> Only about 10 to 15 percent of the land area is presently covered by forest as a result of [[Ethiopian deforestation|rapid deforestation]] during the last 30 years.<ref name=cp/> Of the remainder, a large portion is used as pasturage. Some land is too rugged, dry, or infertile for agriculture or any other use.<ref name=cp/> ==Environmental issues== {{main|Environmental issues in Ethiopia}} {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} ==Disputed territory== The border between Ethiopia and Eritrea has never been precisely demarcated.<ref name=cp>[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Ethiopia.pdf Ethiopia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Between 1998 and 2000, the two countries fought a war over the issue, which involves quite small enclaves along the northern segment of their border, including the tiny village of Badme and the enclave of the Irob people.<ref name=cp/> In 2002 an international boundary commission delimited the border.<ref name=cp/> Although both nations agreed to accept its decision, Ethiopia has refused to accept the commission’s findings in full, much to the consternation of the Eritrean government.<ref name=cp/> The central section of Ethiopia’s border with Somalia also has never been fully demarcated and is only provisional.<ref name=cp/> Questions remain about the precise location of small parcels along the border with Sudan as well.<ref name=cp/> ==Statistics== {{cleanup-combine}} ; Location : Eastern [[Africa]], west of [[Somalia]] ; [[Geographic coordinates]]: : {{coor dm|8|00|N|38|00|E|type:country}} ; Map references: : Africa ; Area: :* Total: 1,127,127 km² :* Land: 1,119,683 km² :* Water: 7,444 km² ; Area - comparative: : Slightly less than twice the size of Texas ; Land boundaries: :* Total: 5,311 km :* Border countries: [[Djibouti]] 337 km, [[Eritrea]] 912 km, [[Kenya]] 830 km, Somalia 1,626 km, [[Sudan]] 1,606 km ; Coastline: : 0 km (landlocked) ; Maritime claims: : None (landlocked) ; Climate: : Tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation ; Terrain: : High plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley ; Elevation extremes: :* Lowest point: [[Afar Depression|Danakil]], -125 m :* Highest point: [[Ras Dejen]], 4,533 m ; Natural resources: : Small reserves of [[gold]], [[platinum]], [[copper]], [[potash]], [[natural gas]], hydropower ; Land use: :* Arable land: 12% :* Permanent crops: 1% :* Permanent pastures: 40% :* Forests and woodland: 25% :* Other: 22% (1993 est.) ; Irrigated land: : 1,900 km² (1993 est.) ; Natural hazards: : Geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts ; Environment - current issues: : Deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification ; Environment - international agreements: :* Party to: [[Biodiversity]], [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|Climate Change]], [[Desertification]], [[Endangered Species]], [[Ozone Layer Protection]] :* Signed, but not ratified: [[Environmental Modification]], [[Law of the Sea]], [[Nuclear Test Ban]] ; Geography - note: : [[Landlocked]] - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on [[24 May]] [[1993]] ==See also== * [[Ethiopia]] ==External links== {{Commons|Atlas of Ethiopia}} *[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ethiopia.html Maps of Ethiopia] - Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, [[University of Texas at Austin]] *[http://eusoils.jrc.it/esdb_archive/EuDASM/africa/lists/cet.htm The soil maps of Ethiopia], [[European Digital Archive on Soil Maps of the World|EuDASM]] ==References== <references/> *{{1911}} *{{factbook}} {{cite web | title=Ethiopia | work=<!--CIA World Factbook--> | url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/et.html | accessmonthday=March 26 | accessyear=2005}} {{Geography of Africa}} [[Category:Geography of Ethiopia| ]] [[am:የኢትዮጵያ መልክዐ ምድር]] [[es:Geografía de Etiopía]] [[fr:Géographie de l'Éthiopie]] [[pt:Geografia da Etiópia]] [[ro:Geografia Etiopiei]] [[sl:Geografija Etiopije]] [[vec:Giografia de l'Etiopia]]