Population (2000): 64,117,452

Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule, one exception being the Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941. In 1974 a military junta -the Derg- deposed Emperor Haile Salassie. In 1991 that lot on its turn was exchanged for juntas that have difficulty in establishing peace, democracy and welfare for its population.

In 1987 I ran my first assignment in Ethiopia. Fifteen years later I found not much changed. The same delicious climate and no economic development to speak of. Nevertheless, last time there had been evening clock and this time I heard no gun shots coming from the palace neighbouring the Ghion Hotel where I stayed. Also, the girls were still breathtaking, but they had eased on holding their breath before talking, as they so pleasingly used to do.

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art by Henry Salt

art by Jill Last

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