"Ethiopia" celebrates the rich cultures of an ancient society, and describes its people's efforts to revive their land. Times are hard: soils are exhausted, schools and hospitals are derelict, and AIDS and urbanization pose new challenges. But the sense of community is strong, and the country's new constitution gives grounds for hope that there is a better future for Ethiopia.

This second edition features an eight-page supplement with updated information about the war with Eritrea and its social and economic consequences; together with reports on the food-security situation, the redistribution of land, relations with theWorld Bank and IMF, and national strategies to combat the problem of AIDS.