Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s capital and largest city, founded in the late 1800s by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu; its name means “new flower.” It sits high in the central highlands and serves as Africa’s diplomatic hub, hosting the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa—think “A-A” for Addis Ababa and African Union to remember it. By contrast, Mekelle is the regional capital of Tigray, Dire Dawa is a major eastern city, and Asmara is the capital of neighboring Eritrea. Addis Ababa’s prominence in continental politics and culture cements its role as Ethiopia’s political heart.