Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. It was originally named "Finfinne," which means "natural spring" in the Oromo language. The city quickly grew in size and importance, becoming the political and economic center of the country. In 1907, it was renamed Addis Ababa, which means "new flower" in Amharic.
The city has been the site of many important events in Ethiopian history. In 1896, it was the site of the Battle of Adwa, in which Ethiopia defeated Italy in a decisive victory. In 1941, it was the site of the signing of the Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement, which ended the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. In 1952, it was the site of the formation of the Organization of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union.
Today, Addis Ababa is a bustling city of over 4 million people. It is home to many international organizations, including the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the International Labour Organization. It is also a major cultural and economic hub, with a vibrant nightlife and a growing economy.