Oromia Region

Oromia Region

Oromia (sometimes spelled Oromiya, and spelled Oromiyaa in the Oromo language) is one of the nine ethnically-based regions (kililoch) of Ethiopia. Covering 284,538 square kilometers stretching from the western border in an arc to the southwestern corner of the country, the 2007 census reported its population at over 27 million, making it the largest state in terms of both population and area. It includes the former Arsi Province along with portions of the former Bale, Hararghe, Illubabor, Kaffa, Shewa, Sidamo, and Welega provinces. Its current capital is Addis Ababa (Oromo: Finfinne); other important cities and towns include Adama, Ambo, Asella, Bishoftu, Dembidolo, Fiche, Gimbi, Goba, Jimma, Metu, Negele Boran, Nekemte, Shashamane and Waliso.