Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians have been forced to flee their country by a repressive regime, a civil war, and an international conflict. These people inhabited a highland plateau cut by deep river valleys and bordered by seas, deserts, and jungles. Ethiopians have diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. Through their long history they have been largely free from outside domination, and have therefore developed a unique culture as evidenced by styles of food, dress, time measurement, and literature. Ethiopians in African refugee camps are for the most part illiterate and desperate. By contrast, the few thousand who have made their way to the United States are educated and anxious to get on with their lives. For all, however, the future is unknown. (Author)
