Capital of Ethiopia: Addis Ababa
The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa. Ethiopia sits in Africa, has a population of 123,379,924, and uses the ETB. Official languages include Amharic.
Quick facts
- Capital: Addis Ababa
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~123,379,924
- Area: 1,104,300 km²
- Population density: 112 people per km²
- Official language: Amharic
- Currency: ETB
- ISO code: ET
How big is Ethiopia?
By population, Ethiopia ranks 12th in the world, holding roughly 1.55% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 26th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Ethiopia has 112 people per square kilometre, which is somewhat above the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Ethiopia is the 2nd most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Ethiopia in population are Japan (125,124,989) and Mexico (127,504,125).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) and Colombia (1,141,748 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Amharic is listed as an official language of Ethiopia alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Ethiopia uses the ETB, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Ethiopia in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Egypt, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Ethiopia belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Ethiopia and a page on the flag of Ethiopia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Ethiopia?
The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa.
What is the population of Ethiopia?
About 123,379,924, making it the 12th most populous country in the world.
How big is Ethiopia?
1,104,300 square kilometres, ranking 26th by land area, at a density of 112 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Ethiopia use?
The ETB, which no other country uses.