Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the nation's capital and largest city. It lies high in the foothills of Mount Entoto in central Ethiopia, about 8,000 feet (2,440 m) above sea level. Warm days and cool nights prevail all year. The name Addis Ababa means New Flower.

Addis Ababa is the economic center of the nation. Factories are numerous; the main products are foods and other consumer goods. All-weather roads radiate from the city, a railway links it to the port of Djibouti, and it has an international airport. Ethiopia's national stadium is also here.

Addis Ababa University is the chief institution of higher learning in Ethiopia. Cultural attractions include the National Museum, the Zoological Natural History Museum, and the National Library and Archives. Several international organizations, including the African Union and the Economic Commission of Africa, have headquarters in the city. Addis Ababa was founded in 1887 by Menelik II and became the national capital in 1889.

Population: 2,738,248.