Ethiopia

Thirty minutes south of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, green hills and lush valleys abound, perfect for cultivating the country’s fastest growing export ? flowers. While flowers account for only 1 percent of Ethiopia’s GDP, they are one of the most visible signs of a fast-growing economy that is becoming less reliant on its traditional coffee exports. Ethiopia exports more than 80 million stems a month to 40 countries. Seventy percent go to the Netherlands, from where they are sent around the world. (Reuters)