Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is a land of ancient history, from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the rumored resting place of the Ark of the Covenant in Aksum. Addis Ababa, its highland capital, is Africa’s diplomatic hub, hosting the African Union. Known for coffee origins and marathon runners, Ethiopia’s economy is agrarian but growing fast, despite conflicts like Tigray’s. Its 80+ ethnic groups and uncolonized past fuel a fierce, diverse identity.