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Ethiopia SOCIETY
Population: Mid-1992 population estimated at
54
million,
with a 3 percent or higher annual growth rate. Urban
population estimated at about 11 percent of total
population.
Ethnic Groups and Languages: Distinguishable
ethnolinguistic
entities, some speaking the same language, estimated at more
than 100; at least seventy languages spoken as mother
tongues. Largest group is the Oromo, about 40 percent of
total population. Roughly 30 percent of total population
consists of the Amhara, whose native language--Amharic--is
also spoken by additional 20 percent of population as second
tongue. Amharic is Ethiopia's official language. The Tigray,
speaking Tigrinya, constitute 12 to 15 percent of total
population. Large number of smaller groups include Somali,
Gurage, Awi, Afar, Welamo, Sidama, and Beja.
Religion: About 50 percent of population
Ethiopian
Orthodox;
Orthodoxy identified mainly with Amhara and Tigray peoples
but accepted by other groups as well. About 2 percent
Protestant and Roman Catholic combined. Approximately 40
percent adherents of Islam. Remainder of population
practiced various indigenous religions.
Education: In 1985/86 (
Ethiopian calendar year--see
Glossary), 3.1 million children were enrolled in grades one
through twelve. Nearly 2.5 million, or 42 percent, of
primary school-age children enrolled in 7,900 primary
schools (grades one through six); 363,000 students attended
964 junior secondary schools (grades seven and eight); more
than 292,000, or 5.3 percent of secondary school-age
children, enrolled in 245 secondary schools (grades nine
through twelve). Vocational schools emphasized technical
education; in 1985/86 more than 4,200 attended nine
technical schools. Intense competition for admission to
approximately twelve colleges and universities; more than
18,400 students in various institutions of higher education.
Literacy: Less than 10 percent during
imperial
regime; had
increased to 63 percent by 1984, according to Ethiopian
government. Revolutionary government undertook major
national literacy campaign, which made significant gains,
especially among women.
Health: Malaria and tuberculosis major
endemic
diseases;
also health problems from parasitic and gastroenteritis
infections, leprosy, venereal diseases, typhus, typhoid,
trachoma, conjunctivitis, and childhood diseases. All
complicated by insufficient health facilities, shortage of
medical personnel, unsanitary practices, and nutritional
deficiencies. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
becoming a greater problem.
Life Expectancy: Fifty years for males and
fifty-three for
females in 1992.
Data as of 1991
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