Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is the world's most populous landlocked country. Its capital, Addis Ababa, serves as the headquarters for the African Union and is often referred to as the 'political capital of Africa.' Geographically, Ethiopia is dominated by a massive central plateau split by the Great Rift Valley, which runs through the country from southwest to northeast. This tectonic feature is visible from space and is home to several soda lakes and volcanic formations. Ethiopia is unique in Africa for having never been formally colonized, maintaining its independence throughout the 'Scramble for Africa' (except for a brief Italian occupation). It is also known as the 'Cradle of Mankind,' as many of the oldest hominid fossils, including 'Lucy,' were discovered in the Afar region. The country is the source of the Blue Nile, which provides the majority of the water flow to the Nile River in Egypt.