Ethiopia - Domestic trade



Addis Ababa is the paramount commercial and distribution center. Most of the economy is monetary, but transactions are still conducted by barter in some of the more isolated rural sectors. Underdeveloped transportation systems prohibit domestic trade, particularly in agriculture. As of 2001, about 75% of all farms were more than half a day's walk from the nearest all-weather road. Even so, about 80% of the work force is employed in agriculture, which accounts for about 52% of the GDP. The 1999-2000 war with Eritrea and recurring droughts have severely effected the economy. Growth in the industrial sector has been further prohibited by the land tenure system, through which the government owns and leases all land.

In general, business hours are from 8:30 or 9 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5 or 6 PM , Mondays through Fridays. Shops are open until 8 PM . The national language, Amharic, is spoken along with English, the second official language. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

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