Founded by Emperor Menelik II in the year 1886, Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and the African Union and is also the largest city of the country. Built up on area of almost 222 square kilometers, the city is situated in the center of the country and at the feet of the Entoto mountains. The city is surrounded by several small cities that are connected by an efficient railway service and road transport facility. The city is also an important light industrial zone of Ethiopia with Akaki, a nearby town as the center of textile and food processing industry. The Parliament of Ethiopia is also situated in Addis Ababa.

Best time to visit Addis Ababa and general climate:

There are two main seasons in Addis Ababa-dry season and rainy season. Generally the dry season lasts from October to May and the rainy season starts from June and ends in September. During the month of December, the average temperature ranges between six degree and 23 degree centigrade. Ethiopia is known as a land of 13 months of sunshine. So it suggests that you can visit Addis Ababa and other parts of the country at any time of the year but probably the best time to visit Addis Ababa is December when the weather remains moderate. Mainly tourists visit Addis Ababa during the dry season (September-May).

Area and location of Addis Ababa:

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia is located in the geographical center of the country and covers an approximate geographical area of 222 square kilometers. The city is located on the feet of the Entoto mountains. The city lies city is situated at a height of 2,500 metre from the sea level. Addis Ababa is surrounded by the Oromia on all sides.

Delicacies of Addis Ababa:

The cuisine of Ethiopia concentrates on vegetable and meat dishes. You will find a huge variety of meat and vegetable dishes in the restaurants in Addis Ababa. But if you are looking for pork in the traditional cuisines of Ethiopia you will be disappointed. Apart from these the special delicacies of Ethiopia that you as a food lover would not like to miss are injera-a fragmented spongy pancake, which is the staple food in the country. The injera is served with Spicy stews with pulses, vegetables and meat spread on its top. Don't miss the bozena shiro, a spicy stew prepared with butter and garlic with pieces of chickpeas, chunks of beef , served in clay pot. Take a sip of spriss-a fresh and unadulterated juice of guava, mango, papaya pineapple, strawberry, with a piece of lemon on side.

Government:

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia has got the status of both a city and a state. The city is under the control of the city council, which is appointed by the Union government. The city has been divided into 10 sub-divisions that are looked after by the municipalities. The Mayor is the head of the city council and the Mayoral election is held once in every five years. The responsibilities of the Mayor in Addis Ababa include controlling primary and secondary education in the district, development of health care centers and hospitals. The Mayor also look after aspects like police service, water supply and infrastructure development . At present Arkebe Oqubay is the ruling Mayor of Addis Ababa.