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Africa · Country briefing

Ethiopia

A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.

Briefing being written. The capital, map, languages and time-zone are right. We’re still hand-writing the rich cultural sections - highlights, native animals, food, music, sport and festivals - country by country. Ethiopia is on the list.
  • Capital
    Addis Ababa
  • Population
    ~120 million
  • Time zone
    Africa/Nairobi (UTC +3)
  • Currency
    Ethiopian birr (ETB)
Ethiopia, with Addis Ababa marked
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Climate in November: End of the rainy season in much of the country; cool in the highlands, warm in the lowlands.

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia

The capital

Addis Ababa

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

Fun facts

What makes Ethiopia a bit special.

Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.

Native animals

Wildlife your partner class might know best.

Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.

School life

In a Ethiopia classroom

Many Ethiopian schools start the day with morning assembly. Children speak Amharic and many also learn English from an early grade. Local school customs vary; the best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.

Greetings to learn

Say hello like a local

  • Selam!
    Amharic · se-LAHM
  • Tena yistilign!
    Amharic · TEH-na yis-til-IGN

Five questions to ask

Conversation starters

  1. 01What does your school day look like?
  2. 02What does a family meal look like at your home?
  3. 03What games do you play at break?
  4. 04What's the weather like today where you are?
  5. 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about Ethiopia?

What not to assume

Friendly cautions

  • ℹEthiopia has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
  • ℹEthiopia uses its own 13-month calendar, so a date in Ethiopia may look different from yours.
  • ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.

Culture

Food, music, sport, festivals.

Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.

Reflection prompts
  • “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
  • “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”

Could your class meet Ethiopia?

Choose Ethiopiawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.

Register your classroom