What are the two striking physical features of Ethiopia?

Ethiopia has two striking physical features: the Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Rift Valley.

The Ethiopian Highlands, also known as the Ethiopian Plateau, is a large, rugged mass of land that covers much of the country. It has an average elevation of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet), making it one of the highest plateaus in the world. The Highlands are characterized by steep cliffs, deep valleys, and numerous volcanic peaks. The highest point in Ethiopia is Ras Dashen, which has an elevation of 4,533 meters (14,872 feet).

The Great Rift Valley runs through Ethiopia from north to south. It is part of a larger rift system that extends from the Red Sea to Mozambique. The Rift Valley in Ethiopia is about 800 kilometers (500 miles) long and varies in width from 30 to 100 kilometers (20 to 60 miles). The Valley is bordered by steep escarpments and contains several large lakes, including Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. The Great Rift Valley is also home to a number of volcanoes, including Erta Ale, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.