Pray for Ethiopia
Learn about and pray for Ethiopia in just 5 minutes per week!
Receive one email per week for 13 weeks about Ethiopia’s history, geography, persecution profile, and largest unreached people groups.
WEEK 1
Prayercast
Pray along with a local believer for their nation.
WEEK 2
Operation World
Pray through Operation World's country profile.
WEEK 3
World Watch List
Pray through the country's persecution profile.
WEEKS 4-13
People Groups
Pray for the country's 10 largest unreached people groups.
Introduction
Ethiopia, one of the world’s oldest nations, boasts a unique cultural heritage and has never been colonized.
Nestled in the Horn of Africa, it shares borders with Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti.
Renowned for its coffee, Ethiopia’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, though past issues with droughts and famines led to political unrest.
The country underwent a transformation from monarchy to Marxism in the 20th century and, more recently, established a democratic government. Despite political changes, Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s poorest nations, grappling with illiteracy and hunger.
Christianity has deep roots here, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church dating back to the 13th century. Although persecuted in the past, the Church is experiencing growth and cooperation among believers.
Fast Facts
Capital City: Addis Ababa
Population: 126 million (29% unreached)
People Groups: 129
10/40 Window: Yes
Major People Groups: 26% Amhara; 8% Ittu; 8% Tulama; 6% Somali; 6% Wallega
Major Religions:Christian 60%, Muslim 34%, Ethnic religions 6%
Language: Oromo, Amharic, Somali, Tigrigna, Sidamo
GDP Per Capita: $2,300
Literacy Rate: 52%
Did you know? Lalibela, a small town in Ethiopia, is famous for its 11 rock-hewn churches, some of which are monolithic and carved from solid rock.
Pray for the unreached people groups of Ethiopia
Below are the 10 largest unreached people groups in Ethiopia:
| Name | Religion | Population |
| 1. Somali | Islam | 8,012,000 |
| 2. Oromo, Hararghe | Islam | 7,743,000 |
| 3. Amhara, Wollo | Islam | 6,492,000 |
| 4. Oromo, Jima | Islam | 4,011,000 |
| 5. Oromo, Bale | Islam | 2,296,000 |
| 6. Afar | Islam | 2,155,000 |
| 7. Silt’e | Islam | 1,689,000 |
| 8. Oromo, Borana | Islam | 1,534,000 |
| 9. Oromo, Wollo / Yejju | Islam | 636,000 |
| 10. Alaba | Islam | 419,000 |
Pray for Christians being persecuted
Ethiopia is ranked #32 on the 2024 World Watch List published by Open Doors.
Christianity may be the majority religion in Ethiopia, but many face persecution.
Believers from Muslim backgrounds can be threatened with death and are often forced to flee their homes. In 2022, Islamic extremists attacked more than 20 churches. Those from traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Church backgrounds can also be completely shunned if they move to a Protestant or non-traditional denomination. Christians in tribal areas are expected to take part in tribal conflict; refusal can trigger a violent backlash.
World Watch List
You can learn about Christian persecution and pray for our brothers and sisters who being persecuted around the world by praying through the Open Doors’ World Watch List.
“[God] has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
Pray for Ethiopia
“Slow drip” your learning and prayers for Ethiopia: its history, geography, persecution profile, and largest unreached people groups.