Drought, famine, and poverty have plagued Ethiopia through much of its history. Population growth has been one the most critical drivers in many of the country’s problems. Social infrastructure and agricultural land have proven to be unfit to keep up with the population’s growing numbers. Ethiopia’s health infrastructure is not keeping pace with the population growth, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic is now a public health problem. This population also contributes to environmental degradation, especially in the highly population highlands. Urbanization, internal migration, and displaced populations put pressure on the country’s government and resources. Complex development issues require multi-sectoral approaches, such as investing in health, education, gender issues, employment, and conservation. Addressing population issues only, while currently the biggest issues, will not prove as beneficial to the country as an integrated approach.