Ethiopia country profile
Ethiopia is Africa's oldest independent country and its second largest in terms of population. Apart from a five-year occupation by Mussolini's Italy, it has never been colonised.
It has a unique cultural heritage, being the home of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church - one of the oldest Christian churches - and a monarchy that ended only in the coup of 1974.
It served as a symbol of African independence throughout the colonial period, and was a founder member of the United Nations and the African base for many international organisations.
Ethiopia has suffered periodic droughts and famines that lead to a long civil conflict in the 20th Century and a border war with Eritrea.
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Capital: Addis Ababa
Population 102.5 million
Area 1.13 million sq km (437,794 sq miles)
Major languages Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali
Major religions Christianity, Islam
Life expectancy 63 years (men), 67 years (women)
Prime minister: Hailemariam Desalegn (resigned)
Hailemariam Desalegn tendered his resignation in February 2018, saying his resignation was an essential part of the reforms required to restore peace in Ethiopia.
He said he would stay on in power until the transition was complete. Hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested during nearly three years of anti-government protests.
He was sworn in as prime minister in September 2012, ending a period of uncertainty following the death of long-term leader Meles Zenawi.
A Protestant Christian from the small Welayta ethnic group in southern Ethiopia, Mr Hailemariam leads the ruling coalition Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
As a former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Mr Hailemariam was considered a close ally of Meles Zenawi. He has pledged to continue his "legacy without any change".
Meles Zenawi was praised by many for his success in revitalising Ethiopia's economy but criticised for his human rights record and his failure to allow full democracy.
The media environment is one of the most restrictive in the region, says Freedom House.
The state controls most broadcasting outlets, including the national TV network.
Internet and mobile services have been restricted during periods of social unrest.
Some key dates in Ethiopia's history:
4th century - Christianity becomes the state religion.
1855-1868 - Reign of Emperor Tewodros II, who lays the foundation for the modern Ethiopian state.
1896 - Invading Italian forces are defeated by the Ethiopians at Adwa; Italy recognises Ethiopia's independence but retains control over Eritrea.
1935-1941 - Fascist-ruled Italy invades, deposes Emperor Haile Selassie and annexes Ethiopia, before being driven out by British, Commonwealth and Ethiopian resistance forces.
1962 - Haile Selassie annexes Eritrea, which becomes an Ethiopian province.
1974 - Haile Selassie overthrown in military coup. The Marxist Derg regime takes over.
1977-79 - Thousands of government opponents die in "Red Terror" orchestrated by Derg leader Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam.
1984-85 - Worst famine in a decade strikes; Western food aid sent.
1991 - Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front captures Addis Ababa, forcing Col Mengistu to flee the country.
1993 - Eritrea becomes independent following a referendum.
1999-2000 - Ethiopian-Eritrean border war.