Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is often called the 'Political Capital of Africa' because it serves as the headquarters for the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, the name translates to 'New Flower' in Amharic. Situated at an altitude of 2,355 meters (7,726 feet), it is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Ethiopia is unique in Africa for never having been formally colonized, maintaining its independence throughout the 'Scramble for Africa' (except for a brief five-year Italian occupation). The city's National Museum is home to 'Lucy,' the 3.2-million-year-old fossil of a human ancestor. Ethiopia is also recognized as the birthplace of Arabica coffee; the legend of Kaldi the goat herder discovering the energizing effects of the beans is central to the nation's identity and its famous traditional coffee ceremonies.