Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is situated at 2,500 meters (8000 ft.) above sea level, which makes it the 5th highest capital city in the world. This hospitable and safe city enjoys an excellent climate year-round, with an average temperature of 25C (77F).

With multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato".