Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway facts for kids

The Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway is a very important train line that connects Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa, with Djibouti. Djibouti is a country on the coast, and this railway links Ethiopia, which doesn't have a coastline, to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It's a modern railway that helps move goods and people between these two African countries.

What is the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway?

The Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway is a new, electric train line. It is about 756 kilometers (470 miles) long. This railway is a big step forward for both Ethiopia and Djibouti. It helps them trade and connect with the rest of the world.

Why is this Railway Important?

This railway is super important for several reasons:

• Connecting Countries: Ethiopia is a landlocked country, meaning it has no access to the sea. The railway gives Ethiopia a direct link to the port of Djibouti. This port is a gateway for goods coming in and out of Ethiopia.
• Boosting Trade: Most of Ethiopia's trade, like coffee and other products, goes through the port of Djibouti. The railway makes it much faster and cheaper to move these goods.
• Modern Transport: It's a modern, standard-gauge railway. This means the tracks are the same width as many other railways around the world, making it easier to use modern trains. It's also electric, which is good for the environment.
• Economic Growth: The railway helps both countries grow their economies. It creates jobs and makes it easier for businesses to operate.

How was the Railway Built?

The Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway was built by Chinese companies. It was a huge project that took several years to complete.

• Start of Construction: Work on the railway began in 2011.
• Opening: The railway officially opened for freight (goods) transport in 2017. Passenger services also started around that time.
• Cost: The project cost billions of dollars. Most of the money came from Chinese banks.

What Does the Railway Carry?

The railway mostly carries cargo, which means goods and products.

• Imports: It brings in important items like fuel, fertilizers, and machinery to Ethiopia.
• Exports: It takes out Ethiopian products like coffee, oilseeds, and other agricultural goods to the port for export.
• Passengers: There are also passenger trains that allow people to travel between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, stopping at towns along the way.

The Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway is a great example of how countries can work together to build important infrastructure. It helps connect people and goods, making life easier and boosting trade in the region.

See also

In Spanish: Ferrocarril Adís Abeba-Yibuti para niños