Addis Abeba, the capital city of Ethiopia, is at the heart of one of Africa’s most fascinating countries. It is the ideal get way to and from most of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Addis Abeba is an important administrative center not only for Ethiopia but also for the whole of Africa. The head quarter of the UN economic commission for Africa was established here in 1958 and is also the home of the African Union Secretariat. Characterized by wide avenues and fine architecture, the capital is a delightful place to explore.

Founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1887, today the city has a population of about 4 million people. The city of Addis Abeba boasts of four old palaces, many old and new Ethiopian orthodox churches and mosques, about 13 monuments, 10 museums including the national museum which is the home of “Lucy” and a number of parks and markets-with Mercato the largest open market in Africa.