While Ethiopia has hosted a series of state funerals in recent decades – including that of popular musician Tilahun Gessesse in 2009 – the last leader to be so honoured was Empress Zawditu in 1930.
Meles is credited with helping widespread economic development in Ethiopia, which has flirted with almost double-digit growth for the last few years.
As well as maintaining stability in his own country though iron-fisted rule, he played a key role in trying to forge peace in the troubled Horn of Africa region.
But he was criticised for his human rights record and repressive rule.
After the funeral, Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn – a relatively unknown politician who hails from the south, unlike many of the country’s political elite from the north – will formally take over power, according to officials.
Hailemariam will be sworn in after Meles’ funeral, although no date has been fixed. He is expected to remain prime minister until the next national election in 2015.
Government spokesman Bereket Simon said parliament chose to delay the official swearing in ceremony of Hailemariam in order to give the nation time to grieve Meles’ death.
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