Ethiopia

Situated in East Africa and bordered by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan, Ethiopia is a landlocked country characterized by diverse temperatures influenced by varying altitudes. The capital city, Addis Ababa, enjoys a relatively cool climate owing to its elevated position in the highlands at 2,400 meters above sea level. With a population exceeding 80 million, Ethiopia ranks as the second most populous nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite its demographic size, Ethiopia grapples with one of the world's lowest birth registration rates, with only three percent of children under five having their births officially recorded. This issue exhibits notable disparities across urban, rural, and regional areas. Ensuring the protection of children's rights is paramount for their overall well-being, as countless children face threats of violence, exploitation, abuse, and harmful practices. A significant proportion of Ethiopia's populace—over 48 percent of approximately 94.3 million people—are individuals under the age of 18. Statistics from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) reveal concerning figures regarding gender-based violence within the country. Nearly a quarter of girls and women aged 15-49 have encountered physical violence since reaching the age of 15, while one in ten individuals in this demographic have experienced sexual violence. Shockingly, the propensity to seek assistance after such traumatic events remains meager, with only a quarter of affected girls and women seeking help. Moreover, a substantial 66 percent of victims neither sought support nor disclosed their ordeal to anyone.

Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the fourth century, marking the inception of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, also known as Tewahdo within the country. As one of the world's oldest organized Christian denominations, the church has played a significant role in Ethiopian history and culture. Traditionally, it dominates Ethiopian politics and society, serving as the preferred religion of the ruling elite until the monarchy was dismantled in 1974. Furthermore, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has served as a custodian of the nation's artistic and literary heritage.