Ethiopia, North Africa
Population: 76,511,887
Christians: 65-70%
Dominant Religion: Orthodox Christianity
Persecution Ranking: 44th
Political Leader: Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and arguably one of the world's oldest nations. Its constitution requires the separation of religion and state and prohibits a state religion. The government generally respects this right but, on occasions, local authorities have infringed on it. Conflicts exist between religious groups, most noticeably between Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Evangelical Protestants. Followers of Evangelical and Pentecostal churches witness favoritism towards Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and their churches. Members of newer faiths, such as Pentecostals, have encountered overt opposition from the public that has required police intervention to protect them.
