The Geographical Setting

Ethiopia, situated in East Africa, almost centrally between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, is largely mountainous. The region, however, also embraces the Blue Nile and its tributaries, as well as a major section of the Great Rift Valley. The country is a land immense geographical contrast. High mountains (which in the Simien region tower over 4620 meters), give way to flat lowlands that in the Afar or Danakil depression, to the north-east, actually sink 116 below sea level, also described as the hottest place in the world.