Addis
Ababa is an important Ethiopian City situated within the self-governing
district of Addis Ababa. The City was established during the reign
of Emperor Menelik II at around 1887, becoming the capital of Ethiopia
during Menelik’s time. To cope with anticipated fuel shortages
in the city, the Emperor planted Eucalyptus trees in Addis Ababa
for firewood. These are still present and many can be seen lining
the streets of the city. Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the
Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa. The City has an estimated population of
about 3 million residents.
Transport in Addis Ababa:
Addis Ababa is the key hub for transport in Ethiopia, from here
buses depart traveling to different towns and cities around the
country. Travel within the city is mainly by minibus. There is
also the main railway terminal which traverses the country into
neighboring Djibouti.
The City is home to the Bole International Airport (about 6
km from the City Centre), the key airport in the country and
the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Taxis, buses and shuttle
services provide transport from the airport into the City.
Places to visit:
With its rich historic background, Addis has a good number of
tourism attractions such as; the Grand Palace of Emperor Haile
Selassie,
the National Museum, the Tiya Archeological site to the south
of the city, the Zoological Natural History Museum, the Lion
of Judah Monument, Menelik Square which features the imposing
monument of Emperor Menelik II and traditional markets. Addis
is also an entertaining city and has a number of cinema theatres,
restaurants, pubs, night clubs and discotheques.
