Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a landlocked country with a rich history and diverse culture. It has a population of about 126.5 million people, making it the second most populous nation in Africa. The capital city, Addis Ababa, is the political and cultural hub.

Ethiopia's economy relies on agriculture, industry, and services. Agriculture, contributing about 32% of GDP, is vital, with coffee being the largest export commodity. Ethiopia is the largest coffee producer in Africa and the fifth largest globally. The coffee sector supports around 20 million Ethiopians.

Ethiopian coffee is renowned for its bright acidity, floral notes, and complex flavor profiles. The country produces a wide variety of coffee, often referred to as heirloom varieties, which are grown at high altitudes. Ethiopian coffee is typically processed using both washed and natural methods, resulting in diverse flavor profiles. Common tasting notes include citrus, berry, and floral undertones, with a clean and balanced cup.

Interesting Coffee Facts:

1. Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, with the legend of Kaldi, a goat herder who discovered coffee beans.

2. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important cultural ritual, involving the roasting, grinding, and brewing of coffee beans in a traditional manner.

3. Ethiopia has wild coffee forests, particularly in the Kaffa region, where coffee plants grow naturally.

Despite economic growth, Ethiopia faces challenges like poverty, drought, and political instability but aims to become a lower-middle-income economy by 2025 through reforms and development initiatives.