Country With 13 Months in a Year: You Won't Believe People Here Are Still Living in 2017

Country With 13 Months in a Year

Imagine a country where you could time-travel without a machine. A place where the calendar on your phone doesn't match the one people live by. This isn't a fantasy story; this is real life in Ethiopia.

If you were to visit Ethiopia today, you would find yourself in the year 2017. No, you haven't gone back in time! It’s because Ethiopia follows its own unique calendar, one that has 13 months in a year.

Most of the world uses a 12-month calendar. But Ethiopia follows a much older system. Their year has 13 months. The first 12 months each have 30 days. The 13th month, called Pagume, is a special, short month of only 5 or 6 days. This beautiful difference is why Ethiopia is living in 2017 while the rest of the world is in 2025.

This special way of counting time is woven into the country's soul. It connects the people to their ancient history, their religions, and the changing seasons. For a visitor, it’s a charming part of the experience. You might see both calendars used side-by-side, a perfect picture of a nation that honors its past while living in the modern world.

But Ethiopia's wonders don't stop with its calendar. This is a land of many surprises that will change what you thought you knew.

Many people picture Ethiopia as a dry land, but it is full of beautiful and varied scenery. You can find grand castles, vast deserts, and mountains that touch the clouds. It is also home to some of the world’s most rare animals.

Perhaps the most amazing fact is that Ethiopia is often called the "cradle of humanity." In the 1970s, scientists discovered the bones of a very, very early human ancestor named Lucy in the Ethiopian region of Afar. Lucy is over 3 million years old! This discovery suggests that the story of all people may have started right here.

Religion is deep in the heart of Ethiopian culture. Nearly half the population are Orthodox Christians, and their faith includes a tradition of fasting.

This fasting is different from what you might know. For over 200 days a year, believers do not eat any animal products. That means no meat, no dairy, and no eggs. Because of this, you will find that restaurants across the country serve delicious and spicy vegan stews. It’s a food culture born directly from faith.

So, Ethiopia is not a place defined by old stereotypes. It is a vibrant country with a unique rhythm of time, a deep and ancient history, and a culture that welcomes you with incredible food and landscapes. It’s a place that truly stands alone.