The middle class also imported newly manufactured automobiles and expanded banking institutions. Īddis Ababa saw a wide-scale economic boom in 19, and an increase in the number of buildings owned by the middle class, including stone houses filled with imported European furniture.

Addis Ababa urban development began at the beginning of the 20th century, and without any preplanning. Addis Ababa became the empire's capital in 1889, and subsequently international embassies were opened. Menelik II then formed his imperial palace in 1887. It also attracted many members of the working classes - including artisans and merchants - and foreign visitors. At the time, the city was a resort town its large mineral spring abundance attracted nobilities of the empire and led them to establish permanent settlement. The founding history of Addis Ababa dates back in late 19th-century by Menelik II, Negus of Shewa, in 1886 after finding Mount Entoto unpleasant two years prior. Prior to Emperor Dawit II, Barara was completely destroyed during the Ethiopian–Adal War and Oromo expansions. Īddis Ababa was portrayed in the 15th century as a fortified location called 'Barara' that housed the emperors of Ethiopia at the time.

Addis Ababa is a highly developed and important cultural, artistic, financial and administrative centre of Ethiopia. In the 2007 census, the city's population was estimated to be 2,739,551 inhabitants. Addis Ababa ( / ˌ æ d ɪ s ˈ æ b ə b ə/ Oromo: Finfinnee, lit.'fountain of hot mineral water', Amharic: አዲስ አበባ, lit.'new flower' ( listen)) is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia.

Hana tekle wiki