Addis Ababa, Federal capital in Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa is the capital and largest settlement of Ethiopia, organized into ten subcities at an elevation of around 2355 meters (7726 feet). The urban landscape ranges from tall office towers and wide boulevards to residential districts with low houses and narrow unpaved lanes.
Emperor Menelik II founded the settlement in 1886 as a replacement for his earlier residence on Mount Entoto, drawn by the presence of thermal springs. Within a few decades, it became the permanent seat of government and grew into a diplomatic center for Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union.
On Sundays, worshippers dressed in white garments fill the many Orthodox churches, while priests walk through the streets carrying colorful ceremonial umbrellas. In neighborhoods across the capital, neighbors gather for traditional coffee ceremonies, roasting green beans over charcoal and brewing them in a clay pot through a ritual that can last an hour.
The two-line light rail system links major districts and runs frequently during the day, while Bole International Airport in the southeast serves as a hub for travelers from around the world. Because of the high elevation, the sun can feel strong, so it helps to carry sunscreen and drinking water when walking around the capital for longer periods.
The Mercato neighborhood hosts one of the largest open markets in Africa, where traders sell everything from traditional spices to modern electronic devices. A few kilometers away, the National Museum displays the remains of the hominid Lucy, dating back several million years.
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