Ethiopia Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
1,330 m (4,364 ft) |
| Highest point |
Mount Ras Dashen: 4,550 m (14,928 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Danakil Depression: 125 m (410 ft) below sea level |
| Elevation range |
4,675 m (15,338 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Lalibela: 2,450 m (8,038 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Dire Dawa: 1,260 m (4,134 ft) |
Ethiopia has diverse and rugged topography with highlands, mountains, and lowlands.
The highlands dominate the west and centre of the country, while the lowlands are concentrated in the east and along the Red Sea coast.
The overall elevation of Ethiopia is high with numerous peaks over 3,000 meters.
The topography of Ethiopia plays a significant role in determining the climate, flora, and fauna of the country.
Highest Point in Ethiopia
The highest point in Ethiopia is Mount Ras Dashen with an elevation of 4,550 meters (14,928 feet) above sea level.
Lowest Point in Ethiopia
The lowest point in Ethiopia is the Danakil Depression which lies 125 meters below sea level.
Countries with Similar Topography to Ethiopia
Ethiopia is similar in topography to other East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania which share highland areas along the Great Rift Valley.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Ethiopia
Lalibela is the highest-elevation city in Ethiopia, at 2,450 m (8,038 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Lalibela |
2,450 m |
8,038 ft |
| Dessie |
2,470 m |
8,104 ft |
| Addis Ababa |
2,355 m |
7,726 ft |
| Gonder |
2,133 m |
6,998 ft |
| Mekele |
2,084 m |
6,837 ft |
| Nazret |
1,880 m |
6,168 ft |
| Bahir Dar |
1,840 m |
6,037 ft |
| Jimma |
1,780 m |
5,840 ft |
| Hawassa |
1,708 m |
5,604 ft |
| Arba Minch |
1,285 m |
4,216 ft |
| Dire Dawa |
1,260 m |
4,134 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Ethiopia?
The highest point in Ethiopia is Mount Ras Dashen, at 4,550 m (14,928 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Ethiopia?
The lowest point in Ethiopia is Danakil Depression, at 125 m (410 ft) below sea level.
What is the average elevation of Ethiopia?
The average elevation of Ethiopia is 1,330 m (4,364 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Ethiopia?
Lalibela is the highest-elevation city in Ethiopia, at 2,450 m (8,038 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Ethiopia?
Of the cities listed for Ethiopia, Dire Dawa is the lowest, at 1,260 m (4,134 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Ethiopia?
Elevation in Ethiopia ranges from 125 m (410 ft) below sea level at Danakil Depression to 4,550 m (14,928 ft) at Mount Ras Dashen, a difference of 4,675 m (15,338 ft).