PEOPLE
Ethiopia's
population is highly diverse. Most of its people speak a Semitic
or Cushitic language. The Oromo, Amhara, and Tigreans make up
more than three-fourths of the population, but there are more
than 77 different ethnic groups with their own distinct languages
within Ethiopia. Some of these have as few as 10,000 members.
In general, most of the Christians live in the highlands, while
Muslims and adherents of traditional African religions tend to
inhabit lowland regions. English is the most widely spoken foreign
language and is taught in all secondary schools. Amharic is the
official language and was the language of primary school instruction
but has been replaced in many areas by local languages such as
Oromifa and Tigrinya.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Ethiopian(s).
Population (2006 est.): 77 million.
Annual growth rate: 2.7%.
Ethnic groups (est.): Oromo 40%, Amhara 25%, Tigre 7%, Somali 6%, Sidama 9%, Gurage 2%, Wolaita 4%, Afar 4%, other nationalities 3%.
Religions (est.): Ethiopian Orthodox Christian 40%, Sunni Muslim 45-50%, Protestant 5%, remainder indigenous beliefs.
Languages: Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Arabic, Guaragigna, Oromigna, English, Somali.
Education: Years compulsory--none. Attendance (elementary) 57%. Literacy--43%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--93/1,000 live births.
Work force: Agriculture--80%. Industry and commerce--20%.
