Elevation of Addis Ababa above Sea Level
2355 mabove sea level
About Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is one of the world's highest capital cities, located at 2,355 m above sea level in the Ethiopian Highlands. It's the seat of the African Union and hosts more diplomatic missions than any other African city.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Elevation (average) | 2355 m |
| Lowest point | 2200 m |
| Highest point | 3000 m |
| Country | Ethiopia |
| Coordinates | 9.0222° N, 38.7468° E |
Elevation by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| City Centre / Meskel Square | 2355 m |
| Entoto Hills | 3000 m |
| Bole | 2300 m |
| Akaki | 2100 m |
| Kotebe | 2400 m |
Comparison with Other Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | 2355 m |
| Nairobi | 1661 m |
| Johannesburg | 1753 m |
| Cairo | 23 m |
Interesting Facts about Addis Ababa's Elevation
- Addis Ababa is one of the highest capitals in the world – only La Paz (3,640 m), Quito (2,850 m) and Bogotá (2,640 m) are higher.
- Ethiopian long-distance runners dominate world athletics partly due to growing up and training at altitude.
- The Entoto Hills north of the city reach 3,000 m.
FAQs – Elevation of Addis Ababa
How high is Addis Ababa above sea level?
Addis Ababa sits at approximately 2,355 m (7,726 ft) above sea level.
Does altitude affect visitors to Addis Ababa?
Yes – some visitors experience mild altitude sickness on arrival. Most people adapt within 1–2 days. Staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity on the first day is recommended.
Why are Ethiopian runners so successful?
Growing up at 2,000–2,500 m altitude naturally increases red blood cell production, giving Ethiopian athletes a significant aerobic advantage.