Type of government: federal republic note: on 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam and took control in Addis Ababa; a new constitution was promulgated in December 1994 and national and regional popular elections were held in May and June 1995
Capital: Addis Ababa
Administrative divisions: 9 ethnically-based administrative regions (astedader akababiwach, singular - astedader akababi) and 1 federal capital*: Addis Ababa*; Afar; Amhara; Benshangul/Gumaz; Gambela; Harar; Oromia; Somali; Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples; Tigray
Independence: oldest independent country in Africa and one of the
oldest in the world - at least 2,000 years
National holiday: National Day, 28 May (1991) (defeat of Mengistu
regime)
Constitution: new constitution promulgated in December 1994
Legal system: NA
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President NEGASSO Gidada (since NA August 1995)
elected by the Council of People's Representatives following the
elections of legislators in May and June 1995
head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August
1995) designated by the party in power, EPRDF, following the
elections of legislators in May and June 1995
cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided in the December 1994
constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister and
approved by the Council of People's Representatives
Legislative branch: bicameral legislature
Federal Council: upper chamber, having NA members, represents the
ethnic interests of the regional governments and is elected by the
regional assemblies
Council of People's Representatives: lower chamber, having 550
members, elected by popular vote
note: both bodies have five-year terms of office; regional and
national popular elections were held in May and June 1995; results -
EPRDF swept nearly all seats