Ethiopia, unlike most African countries, remained mostly free from European colonial influence. This landlocked country in East Africa had been the site of a powerful ancient kingdom, which was overthrown by a military coup in 1974. A socialist government was established, under which millions of Ethiopians starved during the famines of the 1970s and 1980s. Rebel groups initiated a civil war and overthrew the government in 1991.
Although Ethiopia adopted a new constitution in 1994 and held democratic elections the next year the country is not truly a democracy Instead, Ethiopia's government has been recognized as an authoritarian regime that uses force to stifle dissent. Ethiopia's economy grew rapidly in the late 2000s, but the country's people are among the poorest in Africa. In addition, a terrible drought in 2011-12 has caused a food crisis that threatens the lives of many people.
Introduction Robert I. Rotberg 6
Misunderstood Nation 11
A Long and Turbulent History 19
A Young Democracy 31
An Economy in Transition 39
Diversity and Tradition 49
Villages, Towns, and Cities 59
A Calendar of Ethiopian Festivals 66
Recipes 68
Glossary 70
Project and Report Ideas 72
Chronology 74
Further Reading/Internet Resources 76
For More Information 77
Index 78
Overview
Ethiopia, unlike most African countries, remained mostly free from European colonial influence. This landlocked country in East Africa had been the site of a powerful ancient kingdom, which was overthrown by a military coup in 1974. A socialist government was established, under which millions of Ethiopians starved during the famines of the 1970s and 1980s. Rebel groups initiated a civil war and overthrew the government in 1991.
Although Ethiopia adopted a new constitution in ...