Ethiopia is a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa, with a dramatic landscape ranging from desert lowlands to rugged mountains reaching over 4000m. It has a long history and rich heritage dating from the Axumite civilization in the 1st century and was at one time one of the great world powers. Despite this history, Ethiopia today is faced with widespread poverty, vulnerability to drought and famine, and lack of opportunities for its people.

Ethiopia has a rapidly growing population of around 75 million, with almost half under the age of 15. One of the least-developed countries in the world, Ethiopia ranks 170th out of 177 on the UN Human Development Index. A quarter of the population lives on less than $1 per day, and over 80% live on less than $2 per day. The adult literacy rate is just over 40% and about half of the primary school-age children do not attend school. Almost half the population are considered undernourished, and the average life expectancy is only 48 years. Most people in these crushing conditions are trapped in a cycle of poverty and have no hope.