About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an ancient land. It is Africa’s oldest independent country having never been colonized. Her people, languages, culture and traditions date back over 3,000 years. Ethiopia is a land of breathtaking landscapes and remote terrain. From the high peaks of the Simien Mountains to the many lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia is blessed with unsurpassed natural treasures. As beautiful as her exotic wild life and fauna are, it is the humble hearts and smiles of her people that will draw visitors back again, and again.

Ethiopia is a land of poverty. It is one of the poorest countries in the world with people surviving on an average income of less than $100.00 US dollars per year. It is a land of over 60 million people, roughly half of whom are under the age of 15. Two thirds of the population, (40 million people), are illiterate with an annual life expectancy of just over 50 years. Millions of Ethiopians rely on food aid from abroad. Due to the lack of resources, the spread of HIV/AIDS, the prevalence of common diseases eradicated in the Western world, and the deprivation of proper nutrition, even the smallest drought or natural disaster can potentially cause millions to suffer and die.

According to the most recent data published in 2001 by the World Health Organization5 "... 250 million people in the world have disabling hearing impairment (moderate or worse hearing impairment in the better ear). Two-thirds of these people live in developing countries."

Favorite Links:
www.theonecampaign.org
www.wfdeaf.com
www.nad.org
www.ethiopianembassy.org
www.idcs.info
www.dawnsignpress.com