City history
A city where ancient Ethiopian calendars meet modern urban rhythms, serving as the diplomatic heart of Africa.
Chapter one
Indigenous name
"New Flower"
The name Addis Ababa, meaning New Flower in Amharic, reflects the fresh landscape and new beginning of the settlement founded by Emperor Menelik II.
New Flower
Established as the permanent capital of the Ethiopian Empire under Emperor Menelik II.
Chapter two
Ethiopia follows East Africa Time, which is set at three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3).
Locally, time is often calculated using a 12-hour cycle that begins at sunrise, where 6:00 AM is 12:00.
Chapter three
The city was officially established as the new capital of the Ethiopian Empire under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II.
The establishment of the Organization of African Unity made Addis Ababa a pivotal diplomatic hub for the entire African continent.
The inauguration of the Addis Ababa Light Rail marked a significant modernization of the city's transit and urban mobility.